In celebration of Women’s History Month 2025, the National Women’s History Museum launched a campaign called “She Is Not a Footnote,” aiming to highlight the powerful role women play in America and to foster a vision that leads to action in our schools and society. According to the campaign’s research study, elementary students are often told “girls can be anything.” But when children look at history books, politics, science, and technology, “they see a world where women are still the exception—not the norm.”
The titles in this collection serve to reverse that perception. By amplifying the stories and achievements of women, these texts empower young readers to see themselves as dream chasers, barrier breakers, and change-makers. The activities in this guide focus on the following line of inquiry for both early and upper elementary students: What can we learn from women in history? Teachers can choose one or any combination of the guide’s titles and strategies as they inspire students to read, write, and reflect on the remarkable roles of women in history and today.
Download the guide here.
