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March is Women’s History Month, an annual celebration of the contributions of women to American history. It is a good time to introduce kids to some very important female historical figures.

The Ripberger and Victoria Public Libraries can help inspires young girls by providing biographies and stories by fascinating women in history.

Girls who are fascinated by space will want to read Mae Jemison: Awesome Astronaut by Jill C. Wheeler or Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly, a picture book version of the adult book that led to the popular movie.

Girls who are interested in the medical field may want to read Elizabeth Blackwell, Girl Doctor. Rejected by many medical colleges, she was once accepted as a joke, expecting her to drop out. In 1849, Blackwell was the first woman in America to earn an M.D. degree.

Not only did women contribute in the fields of science and medicine, but also in the performing arts. Josephine: The Dazzling Life of Josephine Baker is the story of the performer and civil rights activist who overcame childhood poverty to perform all over the world.

The library also offers some wonderful collective biographies that profile women’s contributions in many areas. Two impressive books to looks for are Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History by Vashti Harrison, and Little Dreamers, Visionary Women Around the World by Vashti Harrison. Other titles to look for are 100 Women Who Made History, Fearless Women, Athletes, Explorers, Other Competitors by Jillian Hanson, Girls Who Rocked the World by Amelie Welden, and last but not least, the Founding Mothers by Cokie Roberts.

Girls Rule the Month of March!

Connie Krupa is the children’s program coordinator for the Lunenburg County Public Library System. She can be reached at cckrupa@embarqmail.com.