Dynamic Dames by Sloan DeForest

This is a great addition to any TCM or feminist library going into 50 iconic female roles from Jane Eyre to The Bride and the actresses that portrayed them, showing how their characters influenced and widened the scope of how women can be portrayed in film and make a difference in public perception.

The Book of Awesome Women by Becca Anderson

If you want to add to your collection, this is a solid book that gives snapshots into the lives of 50 boundary-breaking women. It is spread across time and the world giving some boosted diversity as one of the only books that mentioned tribal leader, Wilma Mankiller. However, the tone of the book is hard to take seriously, using the word “shero” a lot and making puns with their names like Jane Goodall, not monkeying around. Better for middle schoolers.

Modern Herstory: Stories of Women and Nonbinary People Rewriting History by Blair Imani

As the title says, this book doesn’t delve too much into the past, but into the present role models and ruler breakers that are chaning the world. This book is one that mainly delves into women who have been excluded from the lists of activists, focusing prominantly on women of color, and/or part of the LGTBQ community and/or being nonbinary. Additionally, their causes range from sexism to other less-talked about ones such as disabilities and body positivity.

Nevertheless, We Persisted

This anathology of essays range from teen activists to US Senator, Amy Kloubacher to actress, Alia Shawkat and more. All focusing on a moment where they’ve been held back, be it by race, gender, sexuality, religion etc. and how they overcame. The message is clear that even in the face of rejection, you can persist and achieve. It can be hard to read especially if you relate to some of the slurs/obstacles/prejudices that are in this book, but it is meant to be inspiring that while life may throw difficulties in your way, you cannot give up.

For a similar anathology of essays about feminism, empowerment and injustice read Our Stories, Our Voices from the experiences of 21 of the top YA authors in the field.