Women's role in government in the US has slowly but surely been expanding. Here are some books for young people about women who have transcended the glass ceiling to serve in positions of power in the US Government. Many are household names and others' stories may be new to you, but they can all inspire us to work hard, overcome obstacles and amplify women's voices and visibility.

Compendiums

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A Woman in the House (and Senate): How Women Came to Washington & Changed the Nation by Ilene Cooper, illustrations by Elizabeth Baddeley—This book highlights more than a century of influential and diverse group of female leaders, from the womens' suffrage movement through the 2018 midterm elections, who opened doors for women in politics as well as the nation as a whole. 

Leading the Way: Women in Power by Janet & Theresa Howell, illustrated by Kylie Akia and Alexandra Bye—This collection shines the spotlight on the careers of 50 American women in politics who herald from across the political spectrum. 

Who Did It First? 50 Politicians, Activists, and Entrepreneurs Who Revolutionized the World edited by Alex Hart, written by Jay Leslie, illustrated by Nneka Myers—With a focus on firsts, in this book we learn about all kinds of women (and men) who were first in their field, including several international politicians. 

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Herstory: 50 Women and Girls Who Shook Up the World by Katherine Halligan, illustrated by Sarah Walsh—The stories of fifty powerhouse women from around the world and across time who each managed to change the world as they knew it forever.

She Represents: 44 Women Who Are Changing Politics ... and the World by Caitlin Donohue—For a slightly older audience, grades 7 and above, this book includes profiles of Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern, former Alaska governor Sarah Palin, and Aya Kamikawa, the first openly transgender person to hold elected office in Japan. 

Amazing Individuals

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Jeannette Rankin: First Lady of Congress by Trish Marx, illustrated by Dan Andreasen—In 1916, Rankin became the first female to win a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. 

Shirley Chisholm is a Verb! by Veronica Chambers, illustrated by Rachelle Baker—Young readers can learn about Shirley Chisholm's early years, her time in Congress, her presidential bid, and her remaining legacy. 

Margaret Chase Smith: A Woman For President by Lynn Plourde, illustrated by David McPhail—Smith was the longest-serving Republican woman in the Senate, and she was the first woman to serve in both houses. She was a Republican candidate for president in the 1964 election. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sandra Day O'Connor: Supreme Court Justice by Lisa A. Tucker—A short biography of Sandra Day O'Connor who, in 1981, became the first woman appointed to the Supreme Court.

Kamala Harris: Rooted in Justice by Nikki Grimes, illustrated by Laura Freeman—A picture book biography of the Senator and Vice President-elect that traces her roots as the mixed-heritage daughter of immigrants who instilled a belief in equality and justice in her as a young child and how she worked for these beliefs throughout her career.

Superheroes Are Everywhere by Kamala Harris, illustrated by Mechal Renee Roe—In this memoir picture book, Harris describes looking for and finding superheros all around her as a young child in her home and community. Inspires children to see the heroes in their everyday world and within themselves. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Condoleezza Rice: A Memoir of My Extraordinary, Ordinary Family and Me by Condoleezza Rice—Rice recounts her childhood growing up in segregated Birmingham, Alabama in the 1950s and how it shaped her beliefs and career ambitions, eventually becomming the first African American woman to be appointed Secretary of State.

Elizabeth Warren: Nevertheless, She Persisted by Susan Wood, illustrated by Sarah Green—Tells the story of Warren's childhood in Oklahoma, her law career and rise to become the first woman senator from Massachussetts with a message of speaking up and using your words to advocate for others.

I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsberg Makes Her Mark by Debbie Levy, illustrated by by Elizabeth Baddeley—Traces the achievements of the Supreme Court Justice in support of human rights and equality.

Hillary Rodham Clinton: Some Girls Are Born To Lead by Michelle Markel, illustrated by LeUyen Pham—An introduction to the former First Lady, Senator, and Secretary of State describes how she refuted period conventions against girls to become a lawyer and has supported important political and social causes to become a role model for women.

Turning Pages by Sonia Sotomayor, illustrated by Lulu Delacre—An autobiographical picture book by the boundary-breaking Supreme Court Justice who was the first Latina appointed to the highest court. In it, she recounts the importance books have played in her life since she was a young girl.

Young Adult

 

 

 

 

 

 

Represent: The Woman’s Guide to Running for Office and Changing the World by June Diane Raphael and Kate Black—A guide for women who are interested in running for office that shares practical information and inspiring profiles of women politicians.

The Firsts: The Inside Story of the Women Reshaping Congress by Jennifer Steinhauer—A journalist brings to life the stories of the women who won office in the 2018 midterm elections and their first dasy on the job. Steinhauer puts the achievements of this diverse group of young women into historical context. 

 

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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!