Our family has loved the Who Was…..? series for a long time. Earlier this year, I posted a list of the books in the series about US Presidents and First Ladies. I was curious this week to see how many books there were featuring women that could be used to study women’s history.
Here is a list of the books, 54 in all, and the different topics and subjects they could be used to teach. They are listed in chronological order by when the women lived. At the bottom, you can download a FREE set of notebooking pages to accompany the books! There are also links to unit studies to use with several of the books.
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This list was last updated February of 2022. (Note: click on the titles or pictures to learn more about the books.)
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Who Was Joan of Arc?, 1412 -1431
Learn more about her role in the Hundred Years’ War between France and England.
Who Was Queen Elizabeth I?, 1533 – 1603
An interesting monarch in British History during the 1500s.
Who Was Catherine the Great?, 1729 -1776
She led Russia through its ‘Golden Age’.
Who Was Abigail Adams?, 1744 – 1818
The first lady often referred to as America’s First Feminist. This book could be read as part of a study of first ladies.
Who Was Betsy Ross?, 1752 -1836
Another good choice for learning about the early United States.
Who Was Marie Antoinette?, 1755 – 1793
Continue learning about European history with the start of the French Revolution in the late 1700s.
Who Was Jane Austen?, 1775 -1817
A British novelist whose books were a critique and commentary on the British gentry. Use as part of a study of authors.
Who Was Sacagawea?, 1788 – 1812
Learn more about the Lewis and Clark Expedition or use as part of a Native American study. Check out our Sacagawea FREE Unit Study!
Who Was Sojourner Truth?, 1797 – 1883
A great addition to a Civil War study or women working toward the right to vote.
Who Was Harriett Beecher Stowe?, 1811 -1896
The author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin would be great to include in a Civil War study.
Who Was Queen Victoria?, 1819 – 1901
Another interesting monarch to include in a study of 19th century British history.
Who Was Susan B. Anthony?, 1820 – 1906
If you are studying the women’s fight for the right to vote, you need this book.
Who Was Clara Barton?, 1821 -1912
A great look at the development of the profession of nursing and the Red Cross that would make another great addition to a Civil War study.
Was Harriet Tubman?, 1822 -1913
A fascinating woman to include in a Civil War study, especially focusing on the Underground Railroad. Check out our Harriet Tubman FREE Unit Study.
Who Was Annie Oakley?, 1860 -1926
This is a fun book that could be included in a study on entertainers over the course of history. My boys especially loved this one!
Who Was Juliette Gordon Low?, 1860 -1927
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A must read biography for any Girl Scouts out there!
Who Was Ida B Wells?, 1862 – 1931
The first of two biographies about investigative journalists. This book could also be used as part of a study of Black history.
Who Was Nelly Bly?, 1864 -1922
Another investigative journalist of the late 1800s and early 1900s. She was especially known for exposing mental institutions.
Who Was Beatrix Potter?, 1866 -1943
Another book to include in a study about authors or as part of nature study and the need for conservation.
Who Was Marie Curie?, 1867 -1934
This would make a great part of a science study, especially chemistry.
Who Was Laura Ingalls Wilder?, 1867 -1957
This book could be included in a study of authors or settling the American West It could be followed by reading some of the books she wrote.
Who Was Helen Keller?, 1880 – 1968
A great book about overcoming disabilities. Check out our FREE unit study: Explore Helen Keller’s Life with Hands-On Activities.
Who Was Eleanor Roosevelt?, 1884 – 1962
Include in a study of first ladies, as she greatly changed the role of the First Lady.
Who Was Amelia Earhart?, 1897 – 1937
Can be included in a history of aviation. Check out our FREE Unit Study about Amelia Earhart that you can use with this book.
Who Was Frida Kahlo?, 1907 – 1954
Include in a study about artists or to incorporate the Mexican culture in a study about culture.
Who Was Rachel Carson?, 1907 – 1964
A good science read that would be great to read for Earth Day.
Who Was Mother Teresa?, 1910 – 1997
Wonderful for talking about poverty and learning more about India and sacrificial giving.
Who Was Lucille Ball?, 1911 – 1989
Great to include in a study of entertainment or arts. Check out our Lucille Ball FREE Unit Study!
Who Was Julia Child?, 1912 – 2004
This would be fun to read and then try some of her recipes! Check out our Julia Child FREE Unit Study.
Who Was Rosa Parks?, 1913 – 2005
Perfect for a study of the Civil Rights Movement. Check out our Rosa Parks FREE Unit Study that accompanies this book!
Who Was Maria Tallchief?, 1925 – 2013
Include this ballet dancer in a study of arts or of Native Americans.
Who Was Celia Cruz?, 1925 – 2003
Learn about this Cuban-American singer and then listen to some of her music!
Who Is Queen Elizabeth II?, 1926 – ___________
Queen Elizabeth has been Queen for 70 years! Learn about her life and all of the historic moments she has ruled through!
Who Was Coretta Scott King?, 1927 – 2006
Include in a study of the Civil Rights Movement or Black history.
Who Was Maya Angelou?, 1928 – 2014
Another great one for a study of authors or poetry. Listening to her read some of her poems would be a great addition.
Who Was Anne Frank?, 1929 – 1945
Any study of the Holocaust or World War II would benefit from this book.
Who Was Jacqueline Kennedy?, 1929 – 1994
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Another one to include in a study of first ladies. She has always been my favorite!
Who Was Ruth Bader Ginsberg?, 1933 – 2020
The second woman to serve on the Supreme Court would be a great addition to studies of government and laws. There is also a board book for Ruth Bader Ginsberg for the littlest of learners!
Who Is Gloria Steinem?, 1934 – ___________
This book is a key part of a study of the women’s rights movement.
Who Is Jane Goodall?, 1934 – __________
This is a great book to include in a science study of animals.
Who is Judy Blume?, 1938 – _____________
Another great author to study, especially for middle schoolers!
Who Was Aretha Franklin?, 1942 -2018
Include in a study of arts and entertainment or Black history.
Who Is Dolly Parton?, 1946 – __________
Great for a music study. Read the book and listen to some of her songs.
Who Is Temple Grandin?, 1947 – ____________
Learn how this woman’s unique way of looking at the world has improved the treatment of animals!
Who Is Hillary Clinton?, 1947 – __________
Include this book in a study of first ladies or modern politics.
Who Was Sally Ride?, 1951 -2012
Learn about the first woman in space! Great to include in a science study of astronomy and astronauts.
Who Is Sonia Sotomayor?, 1954 – __________
This book would be great as part of studying the judicial branch of the government.
Who Was Princess Diana?, 1961 – 1997
A look at British royalty as well as serving others.
Who Is Michelle Obama?, 1964 – __________
Include this book in a study of first ladies or modern politics.
Who Is JK Rowling?, 1965 – __________
Another author study that could be followed by reading the Harry Potter books or watching the movies.
Who Was Selena?, 1971 – 1995
Another one to include in a study of music, especially if studying Latin music.
Who Are Venus and Serena Williams?, 1980, 1981 – __________
A wonderful book for sports fans or to include in a Black history study.
Who Is Malala Yousafzai?, 1997 – ___________
A look at the influence of the Taliban, life in Pakistan, and the difficulties females face in receiving an education in some parts of the world.
What is the Women’s Rights Movement?
Finally, if you are not sure where to start, maybe this recent addition to the “Who Was…?” Series is just the place!
Want to Listen Instead?
Audible has the Who Was…books! Start a FREE trial, listen to a couple and see if you like them!
Download the Notebooking Pages
Three different styles of notebooking pages, including a set of notetaking bookmarks.
More Women’s History Resources
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Category: WHO
