Experts Tell Us the Best Feminist Books For Young Adults

First, this will probably be the quickest heavy read one will ever have. This is not like any of Chimamanda’s previous books. It’s not “Purple Hibiscus or Americanah.” It, conceptually is, an opinion piece that is sprinkled with the salt of experience, and a brain that seeks to view things through a different set of mirrors. Modern-day feminism is inundated with radical ideas and “sexual politics.” Essentially, this book is a rousing, almost scalpel-sharp critique of the current systems. Chimamanda draws deep from her own experiences and often awkward social situations. Her approach to feminism is refreshing and somewhat enlightening. If it were a painting, this would be a Picasso, although small. It’s mastefrul.

A stunner by Mindy McGinnis based on rape culture by using alternating perspectives. It talks about a teenager that avenges the rape of her sister. It’s an unconventional read where she talks about how a small girl becomes a self-made human weapon.

The book revolves around the story of Melinda. She is a high-schooler who lost her voice in an incident, which has made her distant and isolated. Anderson talks about the reason for this behaviour change and portrays the need for standing up to rape.

A classic kids sci-fi story about Meg Murry, a young girl fighting against evil to protect her family. It’s a masterful blend of sci-fi and concepts of quantum physics. Meg’s mathematical skills will leave the readers in awe.

Her Story is a one-of-a-kind illustrated timeline highlighting the awesome, varied, and often unrecognized contributions of American women throughout U.S. history, beginning in the 1500s and spanning all the way through 2011. The women featured in Her Story range from writers, artists, actors, and athletes to doctors, scientists, social and political activists, educators, and inventors, and come from all backgrounds and philosophies. Her Story is a captivating look at America’s often unsung female champions that will resonate with women and men alike.

With more than 1200 women featured in the book, you will find names that everyone knows and loves—the movie legends. But you will also discover hundreds and hundreds of women whose names are unknown to you: actresses, directors, stuntwomen, screenwriters, composers, animators, editors, producers, cinematographers and on and on. Stunning photographs capture and document the women who worked their magic in the movie business. Perfect for anyone who enjoys the movies, this photo-treasury of women and film is not to be missed.

Be ready to yell at the universe while reading to this one. Louise O’Neill analyzes rape culture and muses on how college women passing out at midnight are like men running to battle—everyone stays together. No one goes left behind. I spent a lot of time relaxing in parking lots, trying not to puke as I read. But it’s a vital book for every human right now. It’s one of the original feminist books that made me hooked on taking in my feminism through my mind.

The book is about encouraging women, whatever their size, shape, and color, to work toward feeling wonderful about themselves despite today’s media-saturated culture through a 365-day action plan. When I read, I’ve stuck with the book so far, and I’m committed enough to finish out the year. The message of Beautiful You is extremely important for women. The authors remind us we don’t need to buy into all that negative garbage to feel good about ourselves. This book will help you build your worth. I recommend everyone to read it, regardless of gender identity.

If Water Were Fire follows teen “good girl” and feminist Sammy Selim as she discovers boys, boundaries, and bullying in the California beachside town of Newport Beach. What does she want, and what will she sacrifice to get it? What will make her happy, she wonders. What will it cost? A story about female empowerment and choice, this novel explores the challenges teen girls face growing up in modern America, the decisions they need to make, and how to rise to the occasion.

Looking for a new feminist take on Royal history? Survive alongside Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, and the rest of King Henry VIII’s ill-fated wives with this witty book of essential life advice, history, and trivia. Don’t Lose Your Head: Life Lessons from the Six Ex-Wives of Henry VIII by Harriet Marsden is written from the perspectives of each of the different women around Henry VIII. You’ll get the facts from the Queen Mother and the less-remembered but no less important Anna of Cleves, Katherine Howard, and more. Don’t Lose Your Head is the story of all six wives, told in their own (imagined) words, along with a few bits from Henry’s mother and daughters. With a bit of sarcasm and friendly charm, each of these legendary ladies explains how their 16th-century hard-earned lessons (from living with unstable men to enduring stifling Tudor traditions) apply to dating, marriage, and feminism in today’s world. Packed with must-know historical trivia, witty anecdotes, and wise advice, Don’t Lose Your Head is an unofficial survival handbook for fans of the hit musical Six as well as anyone fascinated by British royalty and culture.