The Book List: Bold Women in Books to Celebrate Women's History Month

This month’s recommendations feature bold women (both real and fictional) whose stories will inspire and empower growing girls to reach for the stars.

Firebird by Misty Copeland

Penned by legendary ballerina Misty Copeland, Firebird is a story about how hard work, determination, and perseverance can make you into anything you want to be—even a firebird.

Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly

This picture book recounts the hidden history of NASA and the four incredible African-American women who launched America into space. Alongside beautiful illustrations, this book contains extra historical information and a glossary for further learning.

Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls by Elena Favilli & Francesca Cavallo

Imagine a jam-packed anthology containing 100 true stories about 100 incredible women and illustrated by over 60 female artists around the world. That’s this book. Featuring past and present world-changers, Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls is proof that women can be world-changers, too.

I Am Malala (Young Readers Edition) by Malala Yousafzai

When the Taliban took over Malala’s once peaceful region in Pakistan, they insisted that educating women was a crime. Women weren’t allowed to go to the market, let alone a school. Malala continued to fight for her right to education, and for her defiance, she was shot point-blank by the Taliban on her way home from school. Against all odds, Malala survived and dedicated her life to fighting for what she believes in. This is her story.

From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks

Zoe Washington is a bright young girl with a talent for writing and an appetite for justice—and when her absent father is convicted of a crime he says he didn’t commit, she’s determined to uncover the truth. Amid investigations and a baking internship that could help her accomplish her dreams, Zoe learns how to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and chase after what she thinks is right.

Ramona Quimby, Age 8 by Beverly Cleary

Beverly Clearly’s Ramona Quimby, Age 8 is a Newberry Honor Book and Young Readers classic. To read Ramona is to grow up with her, learning to be brave, to be kind, and to take on responsibility.

Matilda by Roald Dahl

At five years old, Matilda is neglected by her family and bullied by Miss Trunchbull, the headmistress at her school—but Matilda knows she is special in more ways than one, and she’s willing to do what it takes to protect her classmates and her beloved teacher, Miss Honey. Roald Dahl’s 1988 classic is a tried-and-true story of being brave in the face of adversity and standing up against bullies.

Kate Higginbotham is a writer, reader, and editor from North Alabama. After self-publishing several YA novels, spending a considerable amount of time abroad, and graduating from the University of Alabama in Birmingham, Kate moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where she spends her time elbow-deep in literature of all kinds. She currently writes the “Book List” column alongside freelance editing and other publishing ventures.