17 inspiring children’s books about people who changed the world
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“What do you want to be when you grow up?” – It’s a question kids hear all the time.
And their answers? They change by the day.
An astronaut. A scientist. A singer. A superhero.
But here’s the thing: Behind every big dream, there’s a story.
- A real person who once had that same dream.
- A child who was curious, determined, or just a little different from everyone else.
- Someone who dared to ask “What if?” and ended up changing the world.
That’s why I love sharing stories like these.
The 11 inspiring stories in this month’s book list introduce kids to real-life change-makers: scientists, artists, activists, and pioneers who followed their passion and made a difference.
Because sometimes, all it takes to believe in your own dreams is seeing someone else who turned theirs into reality.
11 inspiring stories about people who changed the world
1 – The Story of Jane Goodall (by Susan B. Katz) | 6-9 years
This book introduces young readers to the life of primatologist Jane Goodall, who dedicated her life to studying chimpanzees and became a prominent advocate for animal welfare and environmental conservation.
2 – Evelyn the Adventurous Entomologist: The True Story of a World-Traveling Bug Hunter (by Christine Evans) | 5-10 years
This book shares the story of Evelyn Cheesman, a pioneering entomologist who traveled the world to study and collect insects, breaking gender barriers and inspiring future generations of scientists.
3 – Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean’s Most Fearless Scientist (by Jess Keating) | 4-8 years
This book tells the story of Eugenie Clark, a groundbreaking marine biologist who dedicated her life to studying and protecting sharks, changing people’s perspectives on these misunderstood creatures.
4 – Mario and the Hole in the Sky: How a Chemist Saved Our Planet (by Elizabeth Rusch) | 6-9 years
This book is about Mario Molina, a chemist who discovered the dangerous effects of CFCs on the ozone layer and helped bring about the international ban on these harmful chemicals.
5 – Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor: The Woman Who Loved Reptiles (by Patricia Valdez) | 5-8 years
This book is the biography of Joan Procter, a pioneering herpetologist who dedicated her life to the study and care of reptiles, including the famous Komodo dragon, and became the first female curator of reptiles at the London Zoo.
6 – Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World (by Rachel Ignotofsky) | 9+ years
This beautifully illustrated collection of biographies celebrates the lives and accomplishments of 50 trailblazing women in various scientific fields, from ancient times to the present day.
7 – The Girl With a Mind for Math: The Story of Raye Montague (by Julia Finley Mosca) | 5-10 years
This book tells the inspiring story of Raye Montague, a brilliant African-American engineer who overcame gender and racial barriers to revolutionize naval ship design and become a respected leader in her field.
8 – The Story of Albert Einstein (by Susan B. Katz) | 6-9 years
This engaging book introduces young readers to the extraordinary life of Albert Einstein, talking about his groundbreaking discoveries, his perseverance in the face of adversity, and his enduring curiosity that inspired a love for learning and exploring the mysteries of the universe.
9 – I am Neil Armstrong (by Brad Meltzer) | 4-7 years
This book tells the story of astronaut Neil Armstrong, the first person to walk on the moon, emphasizing the importance of hard work, determination, and overcoming obstacles to achieve one’s dreams.
10 – Dinosaur Lady: The Daring Discoveries of Mary Anning, the First Paleontologist (by Linda Skeers) | 5-8 years
This book tells the story of Mary Anning, a self-taught paleontologist who made groundbreaking discoveries of dinosaur fossils in the early 19th century, overcoming gender and social barriers to become a respected scientist.
11 – Little People, BIG DREAMS: Treasury: 50 Stories of Brilliant Dreamers (by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara and Lisbeth Kaiser) | 8+ years
This lovely treasury of biographies highlights the lives and achievements of 50 inspiring individuals from various fields, including artists, scientists, activists, and more, encouraging young readers to dream big and change the world.
More wonderful books about inspiring people
12 – The Leaf Detective: How Margaret Lowman Uncovered Secrets in the Rainforest (by Heather Lang) | 7-10 years
This book tells the story of Margaret Lowman, a pioneering canopy biologist who developed innovative techniques to study the rainforest’s treetops, uncovering previously unknown species and ecosystems while advocating for their conservation.
13 – Counting on Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Saved Apollo 13 (by Helaine Becker) | 5-8 years
This book shares the inspiring story of Katherine Johnson, a brilliant African-American mathematician who played a crucial role in the success of NASA’s early space missions.
14 – The Doctor with an Eye for Eyes: The Story of Dr. Patricia Bath (by Julia Finley Mosca) | 5-9 years
This book tells the story of Dr. Patricia Bath, a pioneering African-American ophthalmologist who invented the Laserphaco Probe, a groundbreaking tool that improved cataract surgery and helped restore vision to many patients worldwide.
15 – Grace Hopper: Queen of Computer Code (by Laurie Wallmark) | 6-9 years
This book introduces young readers to Grace Hopper, a trailblazing computer scientist who helped develop the first programming languages and became a role model for future generations of tech innovators.
16 – Mae Among the Stars (by Roda Ahmed) | 3-7 years
This beautifully illustrated picture book tells the story of Mae Jemison, the first African-American woman to travel to space, encouraging young readers to believe in their dreams and pursue their passions.
17 – Ocean Speaks: How Marie Tharp Revealed the Ocean’s Biggest Secret (by Jess Keating) | 4-8 years
This book shares the story of Marie Tharp, a pioneering oceanographic cartographer who, against all odds, created the first comprehensive map of the ocean floor.
These books do more than tell stories — they introduce kids to real people who dared to dream big, push boundaries, and change the world.
Through their journeys, children can see that curiosity, perseverance, and passion can lead to incredible things.
I hope this list inspires meaningful conversations, sparks curiosity, and encourages your little ones to follow their own dreams.