Forgotten History: Books to Honor Women's Contributions to Science

By Carrie McBride, Communications
February 11, 2020

Women's important contributions to science have long been overlooked and even now, women and girls are often steered away from STEM careers. The United Nations has declared February 11 the International Day of Women and Girls in Science to draw attention to this neglected past and to encourage more women and girls to enter these fields.

To celebrate these women, past and present, we've put together a list of books that shine a light on these unnoticed contributions and explore the obstacles to women in science. We've also included a few books written by working women scientists with a passion for their jobs and areas of study (jellyfish and the universe!). Once you've picked out one of these to read, check out our list of picture books celebrating women scientists to share with a young friend.

Summaries provided via NYPL’s catalog, which draws from multiple sources. Click through to each book’s title for more.