News & Media
4 Bold Picture Books about Women in STEM
According to the American Association of University Women (AAUW)’s STEM Gap research, “women make up only 28% of the workforce in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), and men vastly outnumber women majoring in most STEM fields in college.” The group credits the gap to gender stereotypes, male-dominated cultures, math anxiety, and fewer role models.
We think representation matters—and that it starts early with the children’s books that we read to our children at home and in the classroom. This list of trailblazing, inspirational women in STEM jobs is one that we’re wildly proud of! We celebrate the women who paved the road for the children who will be tomorrow’s pioneers.
Blast Off! How Mary Sherman Morgan Fueled America into Space
The inspirational story of Mary Sherman, the world’s first female rocket scientist, who overcame gender barriers and many failures to succeed. With courage and perseverance, Mary’s hard work and calculations paid off, opening up a brand-new frontier for exploration.
Wood, Wire, Wings: Emma Lilian Todd Invents an Airplane
Emma Lilian Todd’s mind was always soaring—she loved to solve problems. Lilian tinkered and fiddled with all sorts of objects, turning spare parts into useful inventions. She took inspiration from both nature and her many failures, driving herself to perfect the design that would eventually successfully fly.
The Leaf Detective: How Margaret Lowman Uncovered Secrets in the Rainforest
A picture book biography about Meg Lowman, a groundbreaking female scientist called a “real life Lorax” by National Geographic, who was determined to investigate the marvelous, undiscovered world of the rainforest treetops.
Fearless Flyer: Ruth Law and Her Flying Machine
On November 19, 1916, at 8:25 a.m., Ruth Law took off on a flight from Chicago to New York City that aviation experts thought was doomed. Sitting at the controls of her small bi-plane, exposed to the elements, Law battled fierce winds and numbing cold.
Of course, our esteemed author Dr. Jane Goodall is a famous trailblazing woman in the STEM field! “In July 1960, at the age of 26, Jane Goodall traveled from England to what is now Tanzania and ventured into the little-known world of wild chimpanzees. . . Equipped with little more than a notebook, binoculars, and her fascination with wildlife, Jane Goodall braved a realm of unknowns to give the world a remarkable window into humankind’s closest living relatives.” Please visit Jane’s site at janegoodall.org and read more about her activism and what you can do to help!
