The Most Inspiring Little Golden Books About Iconic Women

Caitlin Clark

A little over a year after Caitlin Clark broke the all-time scoring record for NCAA Division I basketball (that includes women and men, thank you very much!), her legacy was cemented in history with her very own Little Golden Books biography. Clark might have started as a little girl shooting hoops at home, but he talent quickly became clear, and not only did she break the collegiate record, but the University of Iowa graduate was the first pick during the 2024 WNBA draft.

Simone Biles

Simone Biles is the most decorated gymnast ever. Ever. Among her many accolades, Biles has won seven Olympic medals — four of which are gold! — and 32 World Championship medals (19 gold). She has also been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom and was named one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People. When we say she’s the GOAT, that’s no exaggeration.

She is not only known for her unrivaled athleticism but for her advocacy surrounding mental health. Biles withdrew from the 2021 Olympics, prioritizing well-being over winning.

Biles’s story of bravery on and off the balance beam has inspired generations of women to push their limits while staying true to themselves.

Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton isn’t just one of the most successful country singers of all time — she’s a walking inspiration. According to her website, Parton grew up poor on a farm in Tennessee, one of 12 children, and released her first single at age 13. Adults love her songs and her philanthropic spirit and kids adore her Imagination Library book-giving program and of course, her Dollywood theme park. 

This Little Golden Book will inspire another generation of Dolly lovers. 

Kamala Harris

Kamala Harris deserves her own spot in history, as the first-ever female vice-president of the United States. Not to mention, she is the first Black woman and Asian-American woman to even appear on a presidential ticket. 

“While I may be the first woman in this office, I will not be the last,” she said in November 2020 when elected with President Joe Biden.  

Lucille Ball

Everyone loves Lucy, even kids! This book tells the story of the iconic producer, comedian, and star of I Love Lucy, the 1950s television show. However, Ball was more than just funny — in 1968, she became the first woman to run her own production company (Lucille Ball Productions) and according to the National Women’s History Museum, she was the first woman inducted into the Television Academy’s Hall of Fame. 

Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Ruth Bader Ginsburg (nicknamed “Notorious RBG”) died in 2020 with a body of work to remember forever. The late Supreme Court justice always fought for justice and equality for race, abortion, equal pay, and LGBTQ rights and is considered one of the greatest feminist heroes of all time. 

Misty Copeland

In 2015, Misty Copeland became the first Black dancer to become a principal at the American Ballet Theatre, a position awarded to those considered the best. She’s also a children’s book author, penning Bunheads and Firebird.  

This book about Copeland’s life will dance its way into your child’s heart.

A Little Golden Book Biography: Sonia Sotomayor

Sonia Sotomayor is the first Hispanic — and the third woman — to be appointed to Supreme Court Justice (Sandra Day O’Connor was the first and Ruth Bader Ginsburg was the second), nominated by former president Barack Obama in 2009. 

Sotomayor has fought for same-sex marriage and criminal justice reform and is also known as “the judge who saved baseball” as her 1995 ruling in a Major League Baseball player strike over salary and working conditions restored the sport for public enjoyment. 

Kids will no doubt enjoy reading about Sotomayer and her feminist legacy. 

Betty White

When Betty White died in December 2021, she was still enjoying a 70-year career in television, with roles in Hot in Cleveland and Toy Story 4. White is mostly known for her roles as fun-loving Rose Nylund in The Golden Girls and the spunky Sue Ann Nivens on The Mary Tyler Moore Show.

Although children are generally too young to appreciate White’s comedy, they will relate to her love and devotion for animals. 

Frida Kahlo

Kids may recognize Mexican painter Frida Kahlo’s self-portraits which showed her famous facial hair. “She pointed out her mustache and joined eyebrows because they show a male aspect to her personality, and Frida always wanted to be both,” art historian Helga Prignitz-Poda told CNN in 2014. “She wanted to be a complete human being and not only the sweet wife, so this makes her look so strong.”

The story of Kahlo’s life will enchant young readers and aspiring artists. 

Queen Elizabeth II

At 95, Queen Elizabeth is the oldest reigning queen and she spends most of her time doing charity work. She also has famous grandchildren, two of which are Prince William (the husband of Kate Middleton) and Prince Harry (the husband of Meghan Markle). 

Children will love reading about the queen and her fairy tale life — and this soon-to-be-released title is available for pre-order now. 

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