Dive into Reading Month with 8 books about innovation by women authors!

As we step into March, the month dedicated to celebrating the joys and benefits of reading, we're thrilled to present you with an exciting selection of eight handpicked books that perfectly encapsulate the spirit of this literary celebration. In honor of Women's History Month, the books we've chosen were all written by women. Some of these books are featured stories from our Tinkering for Tots and Story Stroll programs at Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation.

1. Iggy Peck, Architect by Andrea Beaty: Miss Greer does not see Iggy's talent for building as useful until a bridge collapses. (Ages: 3-6)

2. Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty: Ada gets frustrated when her parents don't understand her curiosity and investigations. (Ages 3-6)

3. We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom: The "Black Snake" (Dakota Access pipeline) threatens the water and land of the main character's village (the Anishinaabe people). The water and land are sacred and core to their beliefs. (Ages 3-8)

4. Classified: The Secret Career of Mary Golda Ross, Cherokee Aerospace Engineer by Traci Sorell: Mary Golda Ross was the only girl in her college math class, and she proved that she could excel. She taught math at several high schools while taking graduate courses in the summers, but she dreamed of finding more opportunities to apply her mathematical talents. (Ages 5-9)

5. The Youngest Marcher: The Story of Audrey Faye Hendricks, a Young Civil Rights Activist by Cynthia Levinson: At 9 years old, Audrey Faye Hendricks was the youngest-known child to be arrested for a civil rights protest in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1963. Her story shows students (and reminds adults) that you’re never too young to stand up for what's right. (Ages 8-10)

6. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas: Sixteen-year-old Starr Carter wrestles with her emotions after seeing her unarmed childhood friend killed by police, which has become a generational touchstone. (Ages 13-15)

7. Finding Wonders: Three Girls Who Changed Science by Jeannine Atkins: In this novel written in verse, Atkins shares the lives of three real-life scientists: entomologist Maria Merian (1647–1717), paleontologist Mary Anning (1799–1847) and astronomer Maria Mitchell (1818–89) — all of whom were interested in science from childhood. (Grades 4–8)

8. Wonder Women: 25 Innovators, Inventors, and Trailblazers Who Changed History by Sam Maggs: The writer, who frequently explores what it means to be a woman in geek culture, uses illustrated biographies to examine the lives of scientists, engineers, inventors and more. With a dash of humor, references to pop culture and a conversational tone, Maggs captures the amazing achievements of women throughout history. (Grade 7+)