We are prepping The Motivated Engineer, celebrating the life and work of Mary G. Ross, for shipment next week! Mary’s life was one marked by motivation—-she was consistently motivated to learn more about math and use it to do BIG things. As we celebrate Mary’s life, we wanted to share some of our favorite books about other motivated ladies. Check out our book recommendations below:
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Wilma's Way Home: The Life of Wilma Mankiller by Doreen Rappaport
This Big Words book from an award-winning author tells the courageous life story of Wilma Mankiller, the first female chief of the Cherokee Nation.
As a child in Oklahoma, Wilma Mankiller experienced the Cherokee practice of Gadugi, helping each other, even when times were hard for everyone. But in 1956, the federal government uprooted her family and moved them to California, wrenching them from their home, friends, and traditions. Separated from her community and everything she knew, Wilma felt utterly lost until she found refuge in the Indian Center in San Francisco. There, she worked to build and develop the local Native community and championed Native political activists. She took her two children to visit tribal communities in the state, and as she introduced them to the traditions of their heritage, she felt a longing for home.
Catching the Moon: The Story of a Young Girl's Baseball Dream by Crystal Hubbard
One day in the 1930s, Marcenia and the boys she plays ball with learn that Gabby Street, a famous baseball manager, is scouting children for a baseball summer camp sponsored by the St. Louis Cardinals. Eager to earn a spot, Marcenia plays her best, but is discouraged when Mr. Street tells her there are no girls in his camp. Convinced that baseball is her destiny, Marcenia won't give up, ultimately proving her skill and passion to Mr. Street and her dubious parents.
What Miss Mitchell Saw by Hayley Barrett
Discover the amazing true story of Maria Mitchell, America’s first professional female astronomer.
Every evening, from the time she was a child, Maria Mitchell stood on her rooftop with her telescope and swept the sky. And then one night she saw something unusual—a comet no one had ever seen before! Miss Mitchell’s extraordinary discovery made her famous the world over and paved the way for her to become America’s first professional female astronomer.
The World Is Not a Rectangle: A Portrait of Architect Zaha Hadid by Jeanette Winter
Zaha Hadid grew up in Baghdad, Iraq, and dreamed of designing her own cities. After studying architecture in London, she opened her own studio and started designing buildings. But as a Muslim woman, Hadid faced many obstacles. Determined to succeed, she worked hard for many years, and achieved her goals—and now you can see the buildings Hadid has designed all over the world.
What are some of your favorite books about motivated women for kids? For adults? Sharing is caring and we’re always looking for something to read!