She Persisted Books in Order

Chelsea Clinton's illustrated introduction celebrates thirteen American women who challenged expectations and helped change their country. From Harriet Tubman to Sonia Sotomayor, the short profiles show young readers different ways courage and persistence can make a difference.

This picture book introduces thirteen women from around the world who overcame obstacles in science, art, sport, and activism. Chelsea Clinton's brief profiles and Alexandra Boiger's illustrations encourage children to pursue their ambitions and speak up for change.

Chelsea Clinton introduces young readers to American women whose determination carried them into Olympic sport. Illustrated by Alexandra Boiger, the book explores the barriers female athletes faced and the persistence that helped them change expectations on the field.

Deborah Heiligman's chapter-book biography follows Clara Lemlich from immigration to New York factory work and labor activism. Young readers learn how she challenged unfair conditions and stood up for the rights of women and girls making clothes.

Lesa Cline-Ransome introduces fifteen-year-old Claudette Colvin, who refused to surrender her bus seat before Rosa Parks's famous protest. This illustrated chapter-book biography explains her stand against segregation and her contribution to the fight for justice and equality.

Rita Williams-Garcia's chapter-book biography introduces Olympic sprinter Florence Griffith Joyner and the challenges behind her achievements. Young readers learn about Flo Jo's determination, three gold medals, and record-setting performances, with illustrations and suggestions for following her example.

Andrea Davis Pinkney follows Harriet Tubman's journey from enslavement to freedom and her work guiding others along the Underground Railroad. This illustrated chapter-book biography helps young readers understand the courage and persistence behind her efforts to free others.

Courtney Sheinmel introduces Helen Keller's life after a childhood illness left her deaf and blind. The chapter-book biography follows her education, college graduation, writing, and public advocacy, showing young readers how she pursued learning and fought for rights.

Ruby Shamir's chapter-book biography follows Margaret Chase Smith's path into public service and her work in Congress. Young readers meet the first woman to serve in both congressional chambers and learn about her support for women and space exploration.

Christine Day introduces Osage ballerina Maria Tallchief, who refused pressure to change her name as she pursued a professional career. This illustrated chapter-book biography follows the dedication that helped her become America's first prima ballerina while honoring her identity.

Michelle Knudsen's chapter-book biography introduces journalist Nellie Bly, whose undercover investigations exposed wrongdoing and whose newspaper work took her around the world. Young readers discover how she challenged professional barriers while using reporting to help others.

In this chapter book biography, Watson shows how Oprah Winfrey pushed past the limits others imagined for her. Young readers get a clear, hopeful portrait of ambition, persistence, and the power of using your voice.

This chapter book biography introduces Ruby Bridges, the six-year-old who integrated William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans. It shows how her bravery helped change the fight for equal education.

Atia Abawi tells the story of Sally Ride, the first American woman in space. This illustrated chapter-book biography also explores her later work creating science and engineering programs that encouraged other girls and women to pursue their ambitions.

Meg Medina introduces Sonia Sotomayor's journey to becoming the first Latina justice on the United States Supreme Court. This chapter-book biography shows young readers how she pursued her ambitions while overcoming challenges, including diabetes diagnosed during childhood.

Physician and writer Sayantani DasGupta introduces Virginia Apgar, who challenged barriers facing women in medicine. This chapter-book biography follows her work in anesthesiology and the development of a test that transformed how doctors assess newborn babies' health.

Monica Brown's chapter-book biography traces Diana Taurasi's basketball ambitions from childhood through college championships, the WNBA, and Olympic competition. Young readers learn how she created opportunities through practice and determination in a sport with limited possibilities for women.

This chapter-book biography follows Malala from her childhood in Pakistan to her global fight for girls' education. Aisha Saeed makes her courage and persistence easy for young readers to understand.

Katheryn Russell-Brown follows singer Marian Anderson’s persistence in the face of racial discrimination. This illustrated biography for young readers explores her landmark performances, international career, and participation in the civil rights movement, showing how her voice challenged barriers.

This chapter-book biography introduces Maya Lin, the artist and architect who designed the Vietnam Veterans Memorial as a college student. Young readers see how she trusted her vision and kept going.

Tae Keller introduces Patsy Mink, the first woman of color elected to Congress. This illustrated chapter-book biography follows her determination to enter public service and her advocacy for women, children, immigrants, and minorities throughout her congressional career.

Kimberly Brubaker Bradley introduces Rosalind Franklin, whose research helped reveal DNA's double-helix structure. This chapter-book biography explains her pursuit of science despite barriers facing women and examines the importance of work that initially received too little recognition.

Chelsea Clinton introduces women whose scientific curiosity and determination led to discoveries, inventions, and new ways of understanding the world. Alexandra Boiger's illustrations accompany profiles spanning medicine, engineering, environmental activism, and other fields, encouraging children to keep asking questions.

Lyn Miller-Lachmann's chapter-book biography introduces Temple Grandin, scientist, animal-behavior expert, and autism advocate. Young readers learn how her distinctive way of thinking supported her inventions and achievements, with illustrations and ideas for making a difference themselves.

Eucabeth Odhiambo introduces Wangari Maathai, who responded to deforestation in Kenya by founding the Green Belt Movement. This illustrated chapter-book biography shows young readers how organizing people to plant trees grew into environmental work recognized with a Nobel Peace Prize.

Traci Sorell introduces Wilma Mankiller's life and work reclaiming Native rights and strengthening pride in Cherokee heritage. This chapter-book biography follows her experiences of displacement and her path to becoming the Cherokee Nation's first woman Principal Chief.

Kelly Starling Lyons introduces Dorothy Height, who confronted racial discrimination and became a leader in civil rights and women's rights. This illustrated chapter-book biography helps young readers understand how her persistence turned experiences of exclusion into a commitment to change.

Shelli R. Johannes introduces Florence Nightingale, who pursued nursing despite her parents' objections. This chapter-book biography follows her determination to care for patients and soldiers, helping young readers understand the work behind her role in establishing modern nursing.

Meg Medina and Marilisa Jimenez Garcia introduce Pura Belpré, whose Puerto Rican stories helped transform library services in New York. This biography follows her efforts to share Spanish-language books and cultural traditions with children who deserved to see themselves represented.

Lisa Bunker introduces Rachel Levine’s path through medicine and public service while confronting barriers faced by transgender people. This illustrated chapter-book biography helps young readers understand the persistence behind her career and her commitment to caring for others.

This chapter book biography introduces Simone Biles, from a difficult childhood to the gymnastics that changed her life. It shows the work, persistence, and self-belief behind her rise in the sport.