Witness the true story of how Mary Wilkins Ellis’ childhood passion for flying led to an exciting career in the air, written and illustrated by Caldecott Medalist Emily Arnold McCully. With watercolor and ink illustrations which perfectly capture the exhilaration of flying, Taking Off brings this little-known figure and her can-do spirit to life. Extensive material in the back of the book includes additional information about Mary Wilkins Ellis and the Airport Transport Auxiliary, as well as sources. While the catalog of picture book biographies of women is vast, I had to narrow it down. I chose women who made impacts large and small. Women whose talents range across many disciplines, including science, art, and activism. Relatively few of them are names children will ever come across in their formal schooling. These books, however, are fantastic for educators to fold into lessons. These books humanize disciplines that seem abstract, like mathematics. They provide inspiration about where interests can ultimately lead. Most of them also have back matter that provides further information and suggested reading for anyone (including adults!) who wishes to learn more. So, like the Shark Lady Eugenie Clark, let’s dive in. Naturally, I’ve given you the barest glimpse into picture book biographies of women. We’ve made lists of more diverse choices, as well as some of the very best here at Book Riot. So encourage children to be whatever they want when they grow up, and then show them some possibilities!
