Today we are celebrating the lives of trailblazing individuals who overcame adversity to make lasting contributions in their fields. Each book highlights a different form of brilliance—scientific, artistic, athletic, poetic, and activist—while centering themes of perseverance, creativity, and resilience. These five women introduce young readers to diverse role models who challenged societal barriers of the generation. Together, they affirm the power of passion and courage in shaping a more inclusive and inspiring world.
Written by Deborah Bodin Cohen and Kerry Olitzky
Illustrated by Martina Peluso
Minneapolis, MN: Kar-Ben Publishing, 2025. Biography.
This is a stirring biography that powerfully illustrates the resilience of Hungarian Jewish gymnast Ágnes Keleti during World War II. Despite being banned from training under Nazi rule, Keleti continued practicing in secret. She survived the war by hiding and working under a false identity. Ultimately, she triumphed by reaching her goal and winning Olympic gold in 1952 and again in 1956 . My favorite part of the book was a picture of Agnes doing the slips at 95 years old! She is a moving testament to perseverance in the face of adversity.
Written by Sara Holly Ackerman
Illustrated by Naoko Stoop
New York: Beach Lane Books, 2025. Biography.
Woods & Words is a gentle and inviting introduction to the life of poet Mary Oliver. With lyrical storytelling, Ackerman captures Oliver’s lifelong awe for nature—birdsongs, velvety leaves, hidden treasures—and shows how that wonder fueled her writing. A soothing and visually captivating picture book biography, it will spark curiosity in young readers and seasoned poetry lovers alike.
Written by Tourmaline
Illustrated by Charlot Kristensen
New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons, 2025. Biography.
Weaving together past and present in a single day-long tapestry is this luminous and heartfelt homage to Black trans icon Marsha P. Johnson. The text dances gracefully over the challenges faced by Marsha and the broader Black trans community and also centers their story in a positive light, focusing on connection. The narrative emphasizes resilience and teaching young readers that living and loving authentically can change the world.
Written by Caroline McAlister
Illustrated by Jamie Green
New York: Roaring Book Press, 2025. Biography.
This biography celebrates the life and legacy of Japanese‑American sculptor Ruth Aiko Asawa. Through the evocative metaphor of lines—both literal and cultural—McAlister traces Asawa’s journey from drawing in the dirt on her family farm, to enduring and transforming her experience in World War II incarceration, to creating her iconic wire sculptures. With a moving author’s note and deeply human storytelling, the book stands as an inspirational tribute to creativity, perseverance, and the power of art to transcend boundaries.
Written by Allen R. Wells
Illustrated by DeAndra Hodge
New York: Farrar Straus Giroux, 2025. Biography.
Yvonne Clark was one of the first African American female engineers. This story thoughtfully traces her journey from a curious child to a trailblazing mechanical engineer who overcame racial and gender barriers. It’s perfect for young readers interested in STEM. Wells not only celebrates Clark’s accomplishments but also emphasizes the importance of perseverance and representation in engineering. Overall, it’s an empowering read that brings a lesser known pioneer to the forefront.
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