In honor of Women’s History Month, here are some of my favorite nonfic books about historical and some present-day role models who broke boundaries and made (underrated) history.

Rejected Princesses and Tough Mothers by Jason Porath

First off my favorite book and what got me into finding about badass historical female figures. A few are mythical but very important to know like a griffin riding queen. It’s witty while informing of the historical context and exploits of these women. Plus it has a helpful labeling system of how triggering it can be and the kind of subjects that are in it (abuse, sexual asault, rape etc). Also the Disney styled art is an absolute treat to look at. 

Bygone Badass Broads by Mackenzi Lee

While it may repeat some women from other books, that is just because people should know who these women are by now!!  This is was originally written in tweet form and has some snarky commentary to current events. Offers some more modern women scientists and composers as well as queens. As the author said, “Yaaas kween,” very much for the Gen Z audience.

100 Bad Girls Throughout History by Ann Shen

This book has some more modern women in the mix like Dolly Parton and Tina Fey to remind us that not all badass women are dead. We still have another generation of women empowerment to go through and many more. This has less information since it serves to inspire you to research these women. I absolutely adore the watercolor art too.

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls by Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo

This New York Times winner features some favorites like Jane Austen and RBG and some new ones, well new to me because I have occasionally gone to live under a rock, for example Nina Simon. It also has a sequel out aptly titled Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls 2. Made for lower schoolers.

Women in Science by Rachel Ignotofsky

This is for all those aspiring STEMers out there and proves that women can break as many boundaries than men. Maybe more since the men so often took credit for their work. I avoided this book for awhile since I’m so…so so so not scientifically/mathematically/engineering inclined but my mom did anyway so I decided to read for the sake of being knowledgeable. It doesn’t go to into the science which is helpful for those who are like me. But still provides valuable insight to the field. The book has two sequels entitled Women in Arts; Women in Sports. For middle and lower schoolers.