Resilient Voices, Courage in Motion, Inspiring Change

Osha Lynette Smith-Davis
This curated selection of titles offers young readers inspiration, hope, and powerful examples of perseverance and determination. These qualities are beautifully wrapped in the creativity of dance, the arts, and a deep desire for education and equality. The picturebook biographies featured in this column highlight individuals who overcame adversity and followed their dreams, encouraging readers to do the same. 

And She Was Loved: Toni Morrison’s Life in Stories. Adrea Davis Pinkney. Illus. by Daniel Minter. (2025). Little, Brown and Company.
A lyrical celebration of the life and legacy of Toni Morrison, born Chloe Ardelia Wofford in 1931. Through poetic prose and vibrant illustrations, the book explores Morrison’s lifelong search for love, identity, and truth, which are central themes in her writing. Andrea Pinkney’s repeated phrase, “and she was loved,” reinforces a message of pride and affirmation. From childhood through college and motherhood, Morrison’s journey is one of resilience and creativity, as she balanced multiple roles while sharing powerful stories with the world. Notes from the author and illustrator, along with a timeline, celebrate Morrison’s life and achievements in the backmatter. (PreK-Gr 3)

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Be the Light: How She Became Angela Davis. Daria Peoples. (2025). Greenwillow Books.
A powerful picturebook about Angela Davis, a young girl whose life was shaped by racism, resistance, and hope. After moving to a hostile neighborhood known as Dynamite Hill, Angela found peace in nature and strength in her dreams of justice. As she grew, Angela became a scholar, activist, and abolitionist, fighting tirelessly for equality. The book’s vivid illustrations and poetic text capture her dual existence, living in a harsh reality while imagining a better world. Includes backmatter that provides educators with useful tools for exploring Davis’s life and legacy in meaningful ways. (PreK-Gr 3)

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Becoming a Ballerina: The Story of Michaela Mabinty DePrince.  Laura Obuobi. Illus. by Olivia Duchess. (2025). Harper.
This inspiring picturebook tells the story of Michaela Mabinty DePrince, a young girl born in Sierra Leone with a skin condition and orphaned at age three. One day, the wind swept through the orphanage yard, carrying with it a tattered magazine. On the cover was a ballerina, graceful, strong, and radiant. That image lit a spark in Michaela’s heart. Adopted into a loving family, Michaela faced the dual challenges of racism and visible difference, yet she persisted with grace and determination. Her journey through adversity to success in the classical ballet world opens doors for other young Black girls to see themselves on stage. Details at the end of the book offer a closer look at Michaela’s remarkable life and echo the story’s light, airy tone. (PreK-Gr 3)

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Dreams Take Flight: The Story of Deaf Pilot Nellie Zabel Willhite. Brittany Richman. Illus. by Alisha Monnin. (2025). Sleeping Bear Press.
This text tells the story of Nellie Zabel Willhite, who lost her hearing at age four due to illness but never lost her determination. Her mother taught her to communicate with sign language and that she could do anything. Her mother died, and Nellie’s father sent her to live at a school for the deaf. She was discouraged from using sign language and challenged to use her mouth to speak. Her foster parents taught her to read lips, and Nellie’s confidence began to grow. Eventually, fascinated by airplanes, she went on to take flying lessons and earned her pilot’s license. She proved that she could do anything and became the first female pilot in South Dakota and the first deaf licensed pilot in the country. Bold illustrations capture Nellie’s emotional journey. Photos and artifacts featured in the backmatter help readers better understand her remarkable life. (Gr 1-4)

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Go Tell It: How James Baldwin Became a Writer. Quartez Harris. Illus. by Gordon C. James. (2025). Little, Brown and Company.
In this moving picturebook young readers are introduced to the life of James Baldwin through poetic language and bold illustrations. Written with elementary-age students in mind, it captures Baldwin’s early love for words and his search for peace amid a turbulent home and a racially unjust world. The library and a quiet hill became his refuge, where reading and writing helped him heal and imagine a better future. Baldwin’s powerful voice challenged hatred and fear, leading him to forge his own path. Rich backmatter and expressive art introduce readers to Baldwin’s legacy in an inspiring, accessible way. (PreK-Gr 3)

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Magic in a Drop of Water: How Ruth Patrick Taught the World about Water Pollution. Juli Winterbottom. Illus. by Susan Reagan. (2025). Rocky Pine Books.
This engaging picturebook biography introduces readers to Ruth Patrick, a pioneering ecologist whose fascination with diatoms led to groundbreaking discoveries in aquatic science. Inspired by her father’s love of nature, Ruth pursued her passion despite the gender barriers of her time. The book combines accessible storytelling with vibrant illustrations, making complex scientific ideas approachable for young readers. It highlights Ruth’s perseverance and contributions to ecology, encouraging curiosity and resilience. Helpful resources at the end of the book offer more insight into her life and work. (Gr 1-4)

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’s Dream: The Story of Mariam Al-Shaar and Her Food Truck of Hope. Leila Boukarim. Illus. by Sona Avedikian. (2025). Chronicle Books.
The author shares the true story of Miriam, a Palestinian woman born in Lebanon and raised in a refugee camp. Despite the physical and political barriers around her, Miriam dreams big. With the help of other women in the camp, she launches Soufra, a catering business built on the comfort and joy of traditional foods from Palestine, Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon. Her determination leads to the creation of a food truck, overcoming years of rejection and red tape. Vivid illustrations and heartfelt storytelling capture Miriam’s resilience and hope. A food glossary and information about refugee camps in the backmatter add depth and meaning to the story’s message. (Gr K-3)

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The Music Inside Us: Yo-Yo Ma & His Gifts to the World. James Howe. Illus. by Jack Wong (2025).  Abrams Books for Young Readers.
In this beautifully illustrated biography of Yo-Yo Ma, readers get a heartfelt look at his early life and musical journey. From choosing the cello at age four to mastering Bach and studying with top teachers in America, the story highlights his dedication and curiosity. The book goes beyond skill to explore deeper questions about music, identity, and purpose. Engaging text and watercolor illustrations bring his story to life, while the backmatter provides thoughtful notes and resources. A moving and inspiring read for young musicians and curious minds alike. (PreK-Gr 3)

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No One Told Sandra Day O’Connor What to Do: The First Woman to Serve on the United States Supreme Court. Molly Golden. Illus. by Julia Brekenreid. (2025). Sleeping Bear Press. 
The story of Sandra Day O’Connor, who grew up on a ranch in Arizona during the Great Depression and defied traditional gender roles from an early age is told in this compelling picturebook. From changing tires to riding with cowboys, Sandra embraced challenges and pursued education with determination. Inspired by Eleanor Roosevelt, she studied law at Stanford and overcame gender discrimination to become the first woman to serve as the majority leader in the Arizona State Senate. Sandra worked to change hundreds of laws unfair to women and eventually became the first woman appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court. Photos, testimonials, and vocabulary in the backmatter highlight her trailblazing journey. (Gr 1- 4)

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Rollin’ on Down the Line: Lady Bird Johnson’s 1964 Whistle-Stop Tour for Civil Rights. Helen Kampion & Renee Critcher Lyons. Illus. by Erin McGuire. (2025). Sleeping Bear Press.
An empowering picturebook tells the story of Lady Bird Johnson’s courageous whistle-stop tour through the South in support of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Raised in Texas with traditional Southern values, Lady Bird questioned segregation from a young age. Despite her fear of public speaking and the risks involved, she boarded the Lady Bird Special with an all-female staff and made 47 stops across eight states in just four days. Her message,  “look for the ties that bind us together, not settle for the tensions that divide us,” resonates throughout the text. A timeline, photos, and an author’s note in the backmatter, paired with bright illustrations, bring extra depth and energy to this story. (Gr 1-4) 

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Unstoppable John: How John Lewis Got His Library Card-and Helped Change History. Pat Zietlow Miller. Illus. by Jerry Jordan. (2025).  Viking.
The author of this powerful picturebook tells the story of John Lewis’s unwavering quest for knowledge and justice. As a child, John longed for access to books, but racist laws barred him from public libraries. Despite repeated denials, he persisted by writing letters, seeking change, and eventually gaining access to the books he loved. His fight for equality extended beyond libraries, as he challenged segregation through peaceful protest and civil disobedience. Bold illustrations and compelling storytelling highlight his journey from a determined reader to a U.S. Congressman. The author’s note and detailed backmatter give readers a fuller picture of Lewis’s life and legacy and highlight the lasting impact of his work. (PreK-Gr 3)

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Woods and Words: The Story of Poet Mary Oliver. Sara Holly Ackerman. Illus. by Naoko Stoop. (2025).  Beach Lane Books.
Young readers are introduced to the life and poetry of Mary Oliver in this beautifully crafted picturebook. Through gentle storytelling and creative illustrations that weave in Oliver’s own words, the book shows how nature became her refuge from a difficult home and uninspiring school life. Mary’s deep attention to the world around her, including snakes, bears, clams, and mushrooms, sparked the poems that would later make her one of America’s most beloved poets. Despite criticism, she stayed true to her voice. Through the author’s note, readers gain additional insight into Oliver’s life and a deeper appreciation for her resilience and the healing power of words. (PreK-Gr 3)

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Dr. Lynette Smith is a Professor at Walden University at the Richard W. Riley College of Education and Human Services. Dr. Smith is a passionate advocate for reading and has served on prestigious book award committees, including Notable Books for a Global Society and Notable Children's Books in the Language Arts. 

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