Girl power isn’t just a slogan. It’s strength, resilience, creativity, and change in action. It lives in in the stories of women who challenged barriers, raised their voices, and reshaped the world—and in the girls continuing that work today.
On March 8, 2026, the world marks the 115th anniversary of International Women’s Day (IWD). Since 1911, IWD has highlighted the ongoing fight for gender equality and reproductive rights, while celebrating the social, political, and cultural achievements of women worldwide. This year’s theme, “Give to Gain,” reminds us that meaningful progress happens when we show up for one another through advocacy, resources, training, and education.
One of the most powerful ways teachers can bring that spirit into the classroom is through books. The stories students encounter help shape how they understand equity, leadership, and possibility. We’ve collected 12 new and upcoming titles for readers of all ages, genders, and levels that honour the trailblazers past and present, and empower new generations to imagine and build what comes next.
The Dream of an Education: How Phymean Noun Built a School
By Susan Hughes
Illustrated by Tida Kheav
Orca Book Publishers (May 2026)
Grade Level: 4–7
This illustrated biography introduces middle-grade readers to Phymean Noun, founder of the People Improvement Organization (PIO), which has helped over 8,000 children in Cambodia receive an education since 2002. Phymean grew up under the Khmer Rouge regime during the 1970s, when formal education was all but forbidden. Her dream of learning to read and write eventually came true after the government was overthrown, and years later when Phymean met a group of child labourers living in Phnom Penh who were unable to go to school, she was determined to help them achieve the same goal.
Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World
By Kate Pankhurst
Bloomsbury Children’s Books (February 2026)
Grade Level: K–2
In the updated 10th-anniversary edition of the book that inspired the award-winning musical, readers can learn about 15 incredible women who shaped the world as we know it today, from scientist Marie Curie to suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst. Be sure to check out the rest of Kate Pankhurst’s Fantastically Great Women series too!
Farming Is Female: Twenty Women Shaking Up the Field
By Rachel Sarah
Yellow Jacket (September 2025)
Grade Level: 3–7
Farming Is Female takes a deep dive into food justice and how today’s female farmers are changing the way we think about food production. The book also includes hands-on projects, activities, and recipes for middle-grade students.
The Girl Who Changed Little League: The True Story of Maria Pepe and Her Battle to Play Ball
By Maria Pepe and Jean L. S. Patrick
Illustrated by Sarah Green
Christy Ottaviano Books (March 2026)
Grade Level: 1–3
This picture book tells the true story of Maria Pepe, an eleven-year girl old who wanted nothing more than to play Little League baseball. When she found out that the league wasn’t open to female players, Maria refused to let that stop her. Thanks to her determination and bravery, Maria changed the course of Little League forever.
Marie Louise Bottineau Baldwin: Political Pathfinder
By Hema Erdrich Patel
Illustrated by Awanigiizhik Bruce
Lerner Publications (January 2026)
Grade Level: 4–8
The daughter of Jean Baptiste Bottineau, a Métis lawyer and businessman, Marie grew up watching her father fight for his communities. She followed in his footsteps to become an activist and lawyer, working with the suffragette movement and as a spokesperson for Indigenous rights and identity. She was also the first Indigenous woman to graduate from the Washington College of Law.
Mary Oliver, Holding on to Wonder
By Erin Frankel
Illustrated by Jasu Hu
Calkins Creek (October 2025)
Grade Level: 2–5
In this lyrical picture book biography, young readers will be introduced to Mary Oliver, award-winning American poet. With soulful text from Erin Frankel and lush nature illustrations from Jasu Hu, Holding on to Wonder is a beautiful tribute to Mary and her extraordinary poetry.
Miss Betti, What Is This?: How Detroit’s School Lunch Lady Got Good Food on the Menu
By Lela Nargi
Illustrated by Kristen Uroda
Sleeping Bear Press (July 2025)
Grade Level: 1–4
Miss Betti, What Is This? tells the heartwarming true story about a little-known changemaker in the Detroit public school system. As the school lunch lady, Miss Betti knew that students were not getting the nutritious lunches they needed. She set out to change that—starting small, then eventually creating an urban gardening program that not only filled students’ places with fresh, healthy food, but also taught them how to grow their own fruits and vegetables.
Rock Star: How Ursula Marvin Mapped Moon Rocks and Meteorites
By Sandra Neil Wallace
Illustrated by Nancy Carpenter
Paula Wiseman Books (October 2025)
Grade Level: K–3
Young readers will learn about the life and legacy of Ursula Marvin, a groundbreaking scientist who broke barriers in the field of planet geology by travelling to Antarctica to search for meteorites—the first woman to ever do so. Despite facing gender discrimination at every turn, Ursula accomplished incredible feats during her lengthy career, and her theories have fundamentally reshaped the way we now understand the universe.
Run the World Like a Girl: International Women Leaders
By Kate Graham
Second Story Press (October 2025)
Grade Level: 4–7
Kate Graham’s biographical essay collection tells the stories of 12 girls who grew up to become world leaders. From Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, the first female president of Iceland, to Benazir Bhutto of Pakistan, the first woman elected to lead a Muslim-majority country, young readers are sure to take inspiration from these exceptional women.
Snowshoe Kate and the Hospital Built for Pennies
By Margi Preus
Illustrated by Jaime Zollars
Abrams Books for Young Readers (October 2025)
Grade Level: K–3
Dr. Kate Pelham Newcomb, known as the “Angel on Snowshoes,” was a trailblazing figure in early-1900s rural Wisconsin. She had to travel long distances by snowplow or snowshoe to visit many of her patients, and by the end of her career, would deliver over 4,000 babies. Dr. Kate advocated for years to build a hospital in her community, and thanks to a penny drive held by local students (many of whom she delivered), the Lakeland Memorial Hospital was opened in 1954, with Dr. Kate serving as chief of staff.
So She Went Ahead: 50 Trailblazing Women of the Canadian Prairies
By Haley Healey
Illustrated by Kimiko Fraser
Heritage House (April 2026)
Grade Level: 7–12
In this collection, readers will be introduced to 50 remarkable women from Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta, such as: Geraldine Moodie, one of Canada’s first professional female photographers; Olivia Poole, Anishinaabe inventor who created the Jolly Jumper; Violet King Henry, the first Black female lawyer in Canada; and many more.
Women on a Mission: The Remarkable Heroes Who Put Men on the Moon
By Suzanne Slade
Illustrated by Molly Magnell
Charlesbridge (October 2025)
Grade Level: 1–4
This book tells the story of the 12 extraordinary women who helped make the first moon landing a success. These “hidden figures”—like Hazel Fellows, who created the spacesuits, and Katherine Johnson, who verified the flight calculations—paved the way for future female astronauts, engineers, and other STEM roles at NASA. Be sure to download the accompanying Activity Kit.
Kelsey McCallum is an Associate Editor for TEACH Mag. She holds a BSc from the University of Guelph and a Graduate Certificate from Centennial College. She currently lives in Toronto, ON, with her partner and their cat, Banksy.
