Feminists unite! Check out these titles about totally rad women doing awesome things, and be inspired to be and do anything to make this world a better place!

7 Must-Reads Books for Budding Feminists

1. After the Ink Dries by Cassie Gustafson

What does it mean when you thought you knew someone? What does it mean when that person is your new boyfriend? Courtney Summers meets Deb Caletti in this page-turning suspense story of what it is to face hard truths about yourself and others, and how to find strength when you need it most.

 

2. The Degenerates by J. Albert Mann

In the tradition of Girl, Interrupted, this fiery historical novel follows four young women in the early 20th century whose lives intersect when they are locked up by a world that took the poor, the disabled, the marginalized—and institutionalized them for life.

 

3. What Every Girl Should Know by J. Albert Mann

Margaret Sanger grew up with limited means, and she witnessed and experienced incredible hardships early in life. But all of this led to her groundbreaking work as an advocate for women’s health, most notably founding Planned Parenthood in 1916. This fiery novelization of Margaret’s early life introduces us to a young woman with the passion and courage to change the world.

 

4. Tradition by Brendan Kiely

Jules Devereux is looking to get away from the old-boys club that is Fullbrook Academy. Jamie Baxter also wants to escape Fullbrook and the potential disappointment of both his parents and his coaches with a hockey scholarship. They forge a bond under the pressures of the school. But, is it too much when people are getting hurt? Do they stand together against the wrong, sexist traditions of an institution that thinks it can do no wrong?

 

5. Period Power by Nadya Okamoto

Nadya Okamoto is on a mission with her part manual, part manifest Period Power. For too long, menstruation has been an ugly secret leaving menstruators ashamed. This leads to a power dynamic that is both unhealthy and unhelpful. Through explanation of what menstruation is and a general acknowledgement of it, we can end the stigma surrounding our periods.

 

6. I Have the Right To by Chessy Prout

There’s a sad and disturbing epidemic: nearly one in five girls ages fourteen to seventeen are survivors of sexual assault or have attempted sexual assault. In 2014, Chessy Prout was a freshman at St. Paul’s School in New Hampshire. A senior boy sexually assaulted her. She tells her story of coming forward to help other survivors find their voice and hopefully help put an end to this horrific act.

 

7. Our Stories, Our Voices edited by Amy Reed

In these 21 essays written by major YA authors, the intersection of race, religion, ethnicity, and everything else involved in growing up a female in the USA is brought to light. Authors include Ellen Hopkins, Sandhya Menon, Tracy Walker, Jenny Torres Sanchez, Amber Smith, and many more. With these discussions, there is hope to inspire solidarity among all budding feminists.

 

8. Limitless by Leah Tinari

Learn about the most prominent and important women often over looked by history with the striking art of Leah Tinari. Honoring the achievements of twenty-four extraordinary women, Limitless is sure to inspire young women everywhere that they can aspire to be and do anything.

Looking for more? Check out these must-read books with strong female characters!