W omen have long been making history, of course, but their stories have not always been widely circulated, known, or understood. This collection of suggested kids books about Christian women in leadership is meant to inspire kids—particularly girls but not limited to them—with stories of women whose courageous faith shined brightly, even in challenging circumstances. This is by no means an exhaustive list but can hopefully serve as a starting point for those seeking to provide kids not only with inspiring stories but also with Christian women role models. May the next generations of faithful women leaders see how God works through individuals, so that they, too, may answer God’s call to use their unique gifts and talents as they lead and witness in the world.
Story collections of Christian women world-changers
These story collections highlight a myriad of faithful women who have made their mark on history, all in one bound book so you can equip younger (and older) readers with a host of inspiring women as they walk their own journeys of faith in the world today.
- Courageous World Changers: 50 True Stories of Daring Women of God by Shirley Raye Redmond. This is a full collection of 50 spiritual role models from a wide variety of backgrounds, time periods, and ethnicities, each with fearless faith. Winner of Christianity Today’s 2021 book award for children and youth.
- Her Story, Her Strength: 50 God-Empowered Women of the Bible by Sarah Parker Rubio. This collection features 50 women from the Bible—some named and known, others unnamed and often overlooked—and places an emphasis on how each one reflects the image of God and is valued for her unique expression and acts of faith. Good for families and home use, but also for church settings.
- Fierce and Faithful: 25 Women of the Bible Who Dared to Trust God by Nijay Gupta and Carmen Joy Imes (available October 2026). Stay tuned for what may become a go-to book for teaching kids about the women of the Bible. Stories of women who are “loyal friends or family members, strong leaders, savvy problem solvers, and faithful members of God’s people” will connect with young hearts and minds.
- Princesses of Heaven: The Flowers by Fabiola Garza. For kids who are Disney princess enthusiasts, this is a fantastic way to introduce them to six saintly women—princesses of heaven and heroes of the faith. Engaging, full-page illustrations by a Disney character artist paired with accessible, comprehensive text.
- Carved in Ebony: Lessons from the Black Women Who Shape Us by Jasmine L. Holmes. Featuring the inspiring lives of Black women who changed laws, built schools, shared the gospel, and more, this book makes known the lesser known stories of faithful and influential women who continue to shape lives today. This young reader’s edition is best for kids ages 9 to 12 years old.
- 100 Extraordinary Stories of Prayer for Courageous Girls by Jean Fischer. This collection of stories focuses on women with powerful stories of prayer, from biblical women to historical women to modern-day women. The target audience is girls ages 8 years and up, but this can be used beyond that scope to inspire kids to become praying world-changers too.
- Extraordinary Women of Faith: 31 Trailblazers Who Loved God and Changed the World by Margaret McAllister. With short, accessible biographies and colorful illustrations, this collection brings to life 31 courageous women with unwavering faith to inspire young readers (particularly 6 to 10 year olds) to share their own God-given gifts and shine brightly.
Picture books about biblical and historical women
For kids (and adults), storytime can be a profoundly shaping experience. With one or more of the following book suggestions, we hope that kids might have an even richer storytime as they learn about these women and consider the many unique ways to follow God’s call and love others—and how they, too, may grow in faith and be counted among the cloud of witnesses.
- Change the World: 10 Daring Women of God by Shirley Raye Redmond. With one-sentence biographies and colorful pictures, this board book can be used to inspire even the youngest listeners and readers to be God’s instruments of change in the world.
- Ida and the Three Visitors: The True Story of Missionary Ida Scudder by Eric and Meredith Schrotenboer. Follow the journey of missionary doctor Ida Scudder, once a missionary kid determined not to be a missionary, and later used by God to start a hospital and teach women to be life-saving nurses in India. A powerful reminder for readers of all ages that each person can make a difference.
- Penny Preaches: God Gives Good Gifts to Everyone by Amy and Rob Dixon. Fictional friend Penny loves Sundays and wonders if she can speak God’s words. This charming story, with vibrant illustrations, teaches kids to use their unique gifts and passions to share God’s love. Winner of the 2025 Illumination Award Gold Medal in the Children’s Picture Book category and finalist for the 2025 American Fiction Awards (Children’s Religious) and the 2025 Independent Press Awards for Christian Fiction.
- So Tall Within by Gary D. Schmidt. This lyrical biography illustrated by Daniel Minter powerfully tells the story of Sojourner Truth, a giant in the struggle for civil rights whose strong belief in God bolstered her fierce dedication to truth and dignity.
- Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom by Carole Boston Weatherford. A “resounding, reverent tribute” to Harriet Tubman, who took only her faith with her on a harrowing journey to freedom—then repeatedly returned to the South to bring others to freedom through the Underground Railroad. A Caldecott Honor Book and Coretta Scott King Award Winner.
- Joni Eareckson Tada by Kristyn Getty. From an award-winning hymn-writer comes the true account of disability rights advocate Joni Eareckson Tada, who learned to follow God in a wheelchair following a life-altering accident as a teenager.
- Signs of Hope: The Revolutionary Art of Sister Corita Kent by Mara Rockliff. Caldecott Honor winner Melissa Sweet provides bright illustrations that help bring Sister Corita Kent, “the pop art nun,” to life to invite young readers to a new way of seeing and to inspire them to also use art to share messages of God’s love, hope, peace, and justice.
- Mahalia Jackson: Walking with Kings and Queens by Nina Nolan. Gospel music and the church lifted young Mahalia’s spirits amid challenges. This book captures Mahalia’s story and how she grew to be the “Queen of Gospel,” using her voice to inspire and bless thousands of other people.
- The Gutsy Girls series, written by Amy L. Sullivan and illustrated by Beverly Ann Wines, is a collection of children’s picture books highlighting five Christian women from history to present day. Author Amy says, “Girls need heroes. Let’s introduce them to women who are smart, bold, courageous, and also love Jesus.” The series features the following: Gladys Aylward, the ten Boom sisters, Fanny Crosby, Dr. Jennifer Wiseman, and Sojourner Truth.
- The Do Great Things for God series includes the biographical stories of Queen Elizabeth II, Betsey Stockton, Fanny Lou Hamer, Amy Carmichael, and more, each with the real-life story of an ordinary person used by God to accomplish extraordinary things.
Deeper dives for middle-grade and teenage audiences
While these books are more advanced reading levels and tell more in-depth stories about biblical, historical, and modern-day women, also consider the Do Great Things for God series for this audience, as well as some of the story collections or even the picture books (8 to 12 year olds and beyond appreciate visual stories!).
- The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom. During World War II, Corrie ten Boom’s faith led her to hide and save Jews from the Nazis, despite the risk to her own life. This incredible story of one woman’s deep faith and brave selflessness is available in a young reader’s edition and graphic novel format.
- Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board by Bethany Hamilton. A shark attack took teenage surfer Bethany Hamilton’s arm, but her faith, family, and determination spurred her to healing and success. In her own words, Bethany’s story inspires young readers to have a faith that overcomes challenges. (Note: Bethany is the author of other books and devotions that may be helpful for young girls’ journeys of faith.)
- Gladys Aylward: No Mountain Too High by Myrna Grant. Trailblazer Gladys Aylward left the United Kingdom with a one-way ticket to China, where she was determined to serve God even if some considered it “unconventional.” Good for kids ages 9-14, and great for reading aloud.
- Betty Greene: Flying High by Renee Taft Meloche. During World War II and by helping found Mission Aviation Fellowship, twentieth-century pilot Betty Greene combined her love for Jesus and her talent for flying airplanes. In doing so, she faithfully served God all around the world.
- Travels of an American Girl by June Potter Durkee. Just prior to World War II, 10-year-old June and her parents traveled from New York to England, France, and mission sites in Egypt, Lebanon, Iraq, the Arabian Gulf, and India. This captivating narrative, written by 12-year-old June, captures those experiences and adventures, giving an honest and peer-like account of a world on the brink of war and of global mission work.
- Right on Track: Run, Race, Believe by Sanya Richards-Ross. From track and field champion Sanya Richards-Ross, who has won Olympic gold medals and world championships, comes a story not just about running, but about navigating wins and losses with grace and faith. This book is both inspiring and empowering with advice for setting goals and sticking to them.
- Heart of a Champion: The Dominique Dawes Story by Kim Washburn. Fans of Simone Biles and Gabby Douglas can add Dominique Dawes, the first African American woman to win an individual Olympic medal, to their roster of role models. Her story and her “determination, dedication, and desire” motto are an encouragement to use faith in God and hard work to “be all you can be.”
Curriculum about women in leadership
- Following God like Ida – This four-session curriculum is designed for 8-to-12-year-olds to learn about missionary doctor Ida Scudder and to discover how they, too, can join God’s mission.
- She Is Called Women of the Bible study series – Each of the four volumes includes nine sessions on biblical women or pairs. Many of these are appropriate stories for high-school-aged students; leaders can choose which are best-suited for their students. Available free online or via books for purchase.
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