Biblio File
See It, Be It: Inspiring Picture Books about Women Scientists
Women and girls belong in science. To honor the value women have brought to science (often neglected by the official historical record) and to encourage young girls to follow in their footsteps, we're sharing these fantastic picture books that bring these women to life (just in time for the International Day of Women and Girls in Science). Oceanographers, doctors, paleontologists, environmentalists and more—these girls followed their dreams, worked hard and made their mark in the world. Pick one (or two, or three...) to share with a young friend.
Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed
A picture book story inspired by the first African-American woman to travel in space describes how as a child, a persevering Little Mae dreamed of dancing in space while surrounded by billions of stars.
Rachel Carson and Her Book That Changed the World by Laurie Lawlor
Retells the story of Rachel Carson, a pioneering environmentalist who wrote and published "Silent Spring," the revolutionary book pointing out the dangerous effects of chemicals on the living world.
Queen of Physics: How Wu Chien Shiung Helped Unlock the Secrets of the Atom by Teresa Robeson
When Wu Chien Shiung was born in China 100 years ago, girls did not attend school. But her parents named their daughter "Courageous Hero" and encouraged her love of science. This biography follows Wu as she battles sexism at home and racism in the United States to become what Newsweek magazine called the "Queen of Physics" for her work on how atoms split.
Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean's Most Fearless Scientist by Jess Keating
Eugenie Clark fell in love with sharks from the first moment she saw them at the aquarium. She couldn't imagine anything more exciting than studying these graceful creatures. But Eugenie quickly discovered that many people believed sharks to be ugly and scary—and they didn't think women should be scientists. Determined to prove them wrong, Eugenie devoted her life to learning about sharks.
Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor: The Woman Who Loved Reptiles by Patricia Valdez
Looks at the inspiring story of Joan Procter, a pioneering female scientist who loved reptiles. While other girls played with dolls, Joan preferred the company of reptiles. She carried her favorite lizard with her everywhere—she even brought a crocodile to school! When Joan grew older, she became the Curator of Reptiles at the British Museum. She went on to design the Reptile House at the London Zoo, including a home for the rumored-to-be-vicious komodo dragons. There, just like when she was a little girl, Joan hosted children's tea parties—with her komodo dragon as the guest of honor.
The Astronaut With a Song for the Stars: The Story of Dr. Ellen Ochoa by Julia Finley Mosca
The Tree Lady: The True Story of How One Tree-Loving Woman Changed a City Forever by H. Joseph Hopkins
Documents the true story of the nature pioneer and activist who, after becoming the first woman to earn a science degree from the University of California, took a teaching position in the desert region of San Diego and single-handedly launched a movementto transform the area with trees and gardens.
When Sue found Sue: Sue Hendrickson Discovers Her T. Rex by Toni Buzzeo
Sue Hendrickson has always had a talent for finding things and her curiosity and training as a paleontologist lead her to uncover the largest, most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton ever unearthed.
The Doctor With an Eye for Eyes: The Story of Dr. Patricia Bath by Julia Finley Mosca
As a girl coming of age during the Civil Rights Movement, Patricia Bath made it her mission to become a doctor. When obstacles like racism, poverty, and sexism threatened this goal, she persevered—brightening the world with a game-changing treatment for blindness!
The Girl Who Drew Butterflies: How Maria Merian's Art Changed Science by Joyce Sidman
A portrait of one of the first naturalists to observe live insects directly describes Maria Merian's life and her groundbreaking work documenting the metamorphosis of the butterfly.
Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly
What Miss Mitchell Saw by Hayley Barrett
Every evening, from the time she was a child, Maria Mitchell stood on her rooftop with her telescope and swept the sky. And then one night she saw something unusual—a comet no one had ever seen before! Miss Mitchell's extraordinary discovery made her famous the world over and paved the way for her to become America's first professional female astronomer.
Life in the Ocean: The Story of Sylvia Earle by Claire A. Nivola
Sylvia Earle first lost her heart to the ocean as a young girl when she discovered the wonders of the Gulf of Mexico in her backyard. As an adult, she dives even deeper. Whether she's designing submersibles, swimming with the whales, or taking deep-water walks, Sylvia Earle has dedicated her life to learning more about what she calls "the blue heart of the planet." With stunningly detailed pictures of the wonders of the sea, Life in the Ocean tells the story of Sylvia's growing passion and how her ocean exploration and advocacy have made her known around the world.
Have trouble reading standard print? Many of these titles are available in formats for patrons with print disabilities.
Staff picks are chosen by NYPL staff members and are not intended to be comprehensive lists. We'd love to hear your ideas too, so leave a comment and tell us what you’d recommend. And check out our Staff Picks browse tool for more recommendations!
Summaries provided via NYPL’s catalog, which draws from multiple sources. Click through to each book’s title for more.
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