--- title: "Read Across America Day: Ten Inspiring Female Authors" url: "https:\/\/britannicaeducation.com\/blog\/10-inspiring-female-authors-for-read-across-america-day\/" published: "2024-03-01T13:30:00+00:00" modified: "2026-04-17T19:44:23+00:00" author: "Britannica Education" description: "These female children's book authors and illustrators have significantly impacted the world of children's literature. " --- # Read Across America Day: Ten Inspiring Female Authors These female children's book authors and illustrators have significantly impacted the world of children's literature. ![Thistle background graphic](https://britannicaeducation.com/wp-content/themes/britannica-education/assets/img/backgrounds/thistle.svg) - [ Home ](https://britannicaeducation.com/) - [ Blog ](https://britannicaeducation.com/blog/) - Read Across… Read Across America Day: Ten Inspiring Female Authors ![Early elementary aged girl sitting on lawn reading a book](https://britannicaeducation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/be-blog-read-across-america-featured-image.jpg) [Classroom Activities](https://britannicaeducation.com/blog/category/classroom-activities/) # Read Across America Day: Ten Inspiring Female Authors ![](https://britannicaeducation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/BE_Thistle-Variation-1.svg) March 1, 2024 **FREE DOWNLOAD** ![](https://britannicaeducation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/be-blog-ai-playbook-hero.jpg) **[5 Plays for AI-Powered Planning](https://britannicaeducation.com/blog/5-plays-for-ai-powered-planning/)** Navigate and champion AI at your school, district, or library. [Get the Playbook](https://britannicaeducation.com/blog/5-plays-for-ai-powered-planning/) **SPARK LEARNING THAT LASTS** [![Text: Curious Kids. Award-Winning Results. ](https://britannicaeducation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/be-Early-Elementary-Britannica-School-Blog.png)](https://britannicaeducation.com/solutions/prek-12/britannica-school/early-elementary/) **[Britannica School: Early Elementary](https://britannicaeducation.com/solutions/prek-12/britannica-school/early-elementary/)** - Trustworthy articles - Engaging videos - Seamless translation - Leveled text - Built-in accessibility tools [Fuel Curiosity](https://britannicaeducation.com/solutions/prek-12/britannica-school/early-elementary/) **RESOURCE HUB** ![illustration of boy holding a green checkmark in one hand and a red X in the other hand with a question mark thought bubble](https://britannicaeducation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/be-Media-Literacy-Hub-Header.jpeg) **[Media Literacy for the Digital Era](https://britannicaeducation.com/media-literacy/)** Trusted Resources for Navigating Modern Media [View Now](https://britannicaeducation.com/media-literacy/) These female children’s book authors and illustrators have significantly impacted the world of children’s literature. They continue to inspire young readers with their imaginative and thought-provoking stories. On this Read Across America Day, let’s celebrate their contributions and encourage young readers to pick up a book and immerse themselves in a world of adventure and imagination. ## **Elevate Your Classroom with Engaging Lesson Plans and Author Study Activities** ![](https://britannicaeducation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/be-blog-Beverly-Cleary.png) ### [Beverly Cleary](https://school.eb.com/levels/middle/article/Beverly-Cleary/310726) Beverly Cleary** **is the author of many beloved children’s books, including *Ramona Quimby, Age 8* and *Henry Huggins*. Her relatable characters and real-life situations have made her books a staple of children’s literature for over 50 years. ![](https://britannicaeducation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/be-blog-Lois-Lowry.png) ### [Lois Lowry](https://school.eb.com/levels/middle/article/Lois-Lowry/312239) Lois Lowry** **is an American author who wrote over 40 children’s books covering many themes and subjects. She has won two Newbery Medals for the most distinguished children’s book of the year, in addition to numerous awards and critical acclaim. ![](https://britannicaeducation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/be-blog-Kate-DiCamillo1.jpeg) ### [Kate DiCamillo](https://school.eb.com/levels/middle/article/Kate-DiCamillo/489679) Kate DiCamillo is a Newbery Medal-winning author of children’s books, including *The Tale of Despereaux* and *Because of Winn-Dixie*. Her stories are full of heart, humor, and a touch of magic, making them a favorite among young readers. ![](https://britannicaeducation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/be-blog-Amanda-Gorman-1.png) ### [Amanda Gorman](https://school.eb.com/levels/middle/article/Amanda-Gorman/633194) Amanda** **Gorman is an American poet and author who gained attention after performing at the inauguration of President Biden. Her picture book *Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem*, encourages acts of kindness through rhyming verses. Gorman’s works have made her an important voice in contemporary literature. ![](https://britannicaeducation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/be-blog-Toni-Morrison.png) ### [Toni Morrison](https://school.eb.com/levels/middle/article/Toni-Morrison/312581) Toni Morrison was a Nobel Prize-winning author and one of the most important voices in contemporary American literature. Her novels, including *Beloved* and *Sula*, explore themes of race, gender, and identity with stunning grace and insight. ![](https://britannicaeducation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/be-blog-amy-tan.png) ### [Amy Tan](https://library.eb.com/levels/youngadults/article/Amy-Tan/313772) Amy Tan is a notable literary figure whose bestsellers have generated widespread, multiethnic appeal. From novels and short stories to children’s books and essays, Tan’s work often touches on complex themes, including her award-winning book, *The Joy Luck Club*, which recollects her experiences growing up as a Chinese American. ![](https://britannicaeducation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/be-blog-Jane-Austen-1.png) ### [Jane Austen](https://school.eb.com/levels/middle/article/Jane-Austen/273017) Jane Austen was a pioneering novelist whose wit and wisdom continue to captivate readers today. Her works, including *Pride and Prejudice* and *Sense and Sensibility*, are considered some of the greatest works of English literature. ![](https://britannicaeducation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/be-blog-Harper-Lee.png) ### [Harper Lee](https://school.eb.com/levels/middle/article/Harper-Lee/312131) Harper Lee was the author of *To Kill a Mockingbird*, a novel that explores racial injustice and prejudice in the American South. The book remains a classic of American literature and continues to inspire new generations of readers. ![](https://britannicaeducation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/be-blogJudy-Bloom.png) ### [](https://school.eb.com/levels/middle/article/Judy-Blume/310279)[Judy Blume](https://school.eb.com/levels/middle/article/Judy-Blume/310279) Judy Blume is an American author known for her honest and empathetic writing style, particularly in her popular books for children and young adults. Her works, such as *Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret *and *Forever*, have significantly impacted the genre of children’s literature. ![](https://britannicaeducation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/be-blog-Beatrix-Potter1.jpeg) ### [Beatrix Potter](https://school.eb.com/levels/middle/article/Beatrix-Potter/333627) Beatrix Potter was an English author and illustrator best known for her beloved children’s books featuring animals such as Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddle-Duck, and Squirrel Nutkin. Her whimsical stories and charming illustrations are adored by generations of readers and have been translated into numerous languages. *All linked articles can also be found on [Britannica Library](https://library.eb.com/levels).* ## **Lesson Plan: Celebrating Women’s Contributions to Literature** In honor of these incredible female authors on Read Across America Day, we’ve created a lesson plan and author study activities to help students explore their work and impact on literature and society. **[DOWNLOAD LESSON PLAN >](https://britannicaeducation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/be-blog-Lesson-Plan-Celebrating-Womens-Contributions-to-Literature.pdf)** Beverly Cleary; Washington State Archives. Lois Lowry; Courtesy of Lois Lowry. Kate DiCamillo; Courtesy of Kate DiCamillo. Amanda Gorman; Pat Benic—UPI/Shutterstock.com. Toni Morrison; Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. Amy Tan; Hindustan Times/Getty Images. Jane Austen; © North Wind Picture Archives. Harper Lee; Terrence Antonio James—Tribune Content Agency LLC/Alamy. Judy Blume; © Carl Lender (CC BY 2.0). Beatrix Potter; Hulton Archive/Getty Images. ![](https://britannicaeducation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/be-word-cloud-background-1024x585.png) ## Recent Blog *Posts* ![](https://britannicaeducation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/be-blog-hbd-america.jpg) [Content Spotlight](https://britannicaeducation.com/blog/category/expedition-learn/content-spotlight/) #### Happy Birthday, America! April 27, 2026 [Read More: Happy Birthday, America!](https://britannicaeducation.com/blog/happy-birthday-america/) ![](https://britannicaeducation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/be-blog-summer-reading-2026.png) [Summer Reading](https://britannicaeducation.com/blog/category/summer-reading/) #### Summer Reading Ideas for Kids: Free Activities & Book List April 14, 2026 [Read More: Summer Reading Ideas for Kids: Free Activities & Book List](https://britannicaeducation.com/blog/summer-reading-2026/) ![](https://britannicaeducation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/be-blog-april-fools.jpg) [Interactive Quiz](https://britannicaeducation.com/blog/category/quiz/) #### Practical Jokes or Practical Adaptations: Can You Find These Critters? March 27, 2026 [Read More: Practical Jokes or Practical Adaptations: Can You Find These Critters?](https://britannicaeducation.com/blog/april-fools-animals/) ![Earth Day with Expedition: Learn!](https://britannicaeducation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/be-blog-earth-day-expedition-learn.jpg) [Content Spotlight](https://britannicaeducation.com/blog/category/expedition-learn/content-spotlight/) #### Earth Day in Action March 26, 2026 [Read More: Earth Day in Action](https://britannicaeducation.com/blog/earth-day-in-action/) ![two hands holding Earth](https://britannicaeducation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/be-blog-earth-day-quiz-hero.jpg) [Interactive Quiz](https://britannicaeducation.com/blog/category/quiz/) #### How Deep Are Your Roots? An Earth Day Curiosity Quiz March 13, 2026 [Read More: How Deep Are Your Roots? An Earth Day Curiosity Quiz](https://britannicaeducation.com/blog/earth-day-quiz/) ![](https://britannicaeducation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/be-trust-checklist-featured-image.jpg) [AI in Education](https://britannicaeducation.com/blog/category/ai-in-education/) #### If We Can’t Trust What We Read, What Does That Mean for AI in Schools? March 3, 2026 [Read More: If We Can’t Trust What We Read, What Does That Mean for AI in Schools?](https://britannicaeducation.com/blog/trust-checklist/) ![Student taking a test using a scantron and pencil](https://britannicaeducation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/be-blog-prepping-for-testing-season.jpg) [Content Spotlight](https://britannicaeducation.com/blog/category/expedition-learn/content-spotlight/) #### Teaching Women of the American Revolution During Testing Season March 1, 2026 [Read More: Teaching Women of the American Revolution During Testing Season](https://britannicaeducation.com/blog/teaching-women-of-the-american-revolution/) ![Women's History Quiz Collage Image](https://britannicaeducation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/be-blog-whm-quiz-featured-image.jpg) [Interactive Quiz](https://britannicaeducation.com/blog/category/quiz/) #### Women’s History Quiz: Do You Know These Famous Ladies? February 24, 2026 [Read More: Women’s History Quiz: Do You Know These Famous Ladies?](https://britannicaeducation.com/blog/womens-history-quiz/) ![](https://britannicaeducation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/be-trust-whitepaper-studio-blog-hero-image.jpg) [AI in Education](https://britannicaeducation.com/blog/category/ai-in-education/) #### Trust Comes First: What Teachers Really Want from AI ✨ February 17, 2026 [Read More: Trust Comes First: What Teachers Really Want from AI ✨](https://britannicaeducation.com/blog/teachers-trust-ai/) ![](https://britannicaeducation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/be-blog-olympics-quiz-header.jpg) [Interactive Quiz](https://britannicaeducation.com/blog/category/quiz/) #### Olympic History Quiz: Go for Gold 🥇 January 26, 2026 [Read More: Olympic History Quiz: Go for Gold 🥇](https://britannicaeducation.com/blog/olympic-history-quiz/) ![Thistle background graphic](https://britannicaeducation.com/wp-content/themes/britannica-education/assets/img/backgrounds/thistle.svg) ## Join Our *Newsletter* From tips and tricks to engaging activities, find attention-grabbing content for tomorrow’s lesson. [ Sign Up Now ](https://pages.britannicaeducation.com/newsletter-subscription)