5 Books to Read for Women's History Month

by Donna Huber

Are you looking for something to read for Women's History Month? Not into nonfiction? Thats okay! I have a couple of fiction books on the list too.

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The Women by Kristin Hannah

February 2024; St. Martin's; 978-1250178633
audio, ebook, print (480 pages); historical fiction

This book about an Army Nurse during the Vietnam War just came out last month. While the main character Frankie McGrath isn't a real person her experiences and feelings are drawn from actual accounts. Hannah does extensive research so that she gets the history right. Both Susan, who lived through the Vietnam era, and I, who was born after it was all over, reviewed the book. Read my review and Susan's review for different perspectives.

The Women is the story of one woman gone to war, but it shines a light on all women who put themselves in harm’s way and whose sacrifice and commitment to their country has too often been forgotten. A novel about deep friendships and bold patriotism, The Women is a richly drawn story with a memorable heroine whose idealism and courage under fire will come to define an era. (Goodreads)

Buy The Women at Amazon

The Mad Girls of New York by Maya Rodale

April 2022; Berkley; 978-0593436752
audio, ebook, print (336 pages); biographical fiction

Have you heard of Nellie Bly? She was a journalist in the late 1800s and early 1900s. She didn't want to be writing helpful homemaker tips or covering society events. Instead, she became an investigative reporter who often went undercover in places men couldn't. Like the insane asylum for women - one of worst places of its time. The Mad Girls of New York tells of her 11 days in the asylum as a patient. Read my review.

Fearless reporter Nellie Bly will stop at nothing to chase down stories that expose injustices against women—even if it comes at the risk of her own life and freedom—in this exciting novel inspired by the true story of one remarkable woman. (Goodreads)

Buy The Mad Girls of New York at Amazon

Soccer Grannies: The South African Women Who Inspire the World by Jean Duffy

May 2023; Rowman & Littlefield; 978-1538170175
ebook, print (264 pages); nonfiction

It seems like Women's History Month often focuses on American women. So if you want to know about women in other parts of the world then this nonfiction book is a good one. Duffy touches a bit on South African history but the focus is on the women who came to play soccer in the U.S. Read my review.

Jean Duffy, a soccer-playing mom herself, recounts how she and her team set to work to bring the Soccer Grannies to the U.S. after hearing their incredible story. Despite many obstacles that stand in their way, the Soccer Grannies finally arrive, and Jean describes the wonderful friendships and cultural exchanges that follow. But Soccer Grannies tells more than just the physical journey of the South African women; it also details the Grannies' personal journeys, sharing poignant insights into the realities of women living in South Africa. (Goodreads)

But Soccer Grannies at Amazon

Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World by Rachel Ignotofsky

July 2016; Ten Speed Press; 978-1607749769
audio, ebook, print (128 pages); children's nonfiction

I listened to this book but I've thought about buying the print edition as it is illustrated. I recognized some of the women (Jane Goodall, Marie Curie, Rachel Carson, Sally Ride) and some I recognized their work, if not their names, but there were several that I had never heard of. I think this was meant for younger readers but I found it interesting.

Women in Science highlights the contributions of fifty notable women to the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) from the ancient to the modern world. Full of striking, singular art, this collection also contains infographics about relevant topics such as lab equipment, rates of women currently working in STEM fields, and an illustrated scientific glossary. (Goodreads)

Buy Women in Science at Amazon

A Lab of One's Own by Rita Colwell and Sharon Bertsch McGrayne

Did you enjoy Lessons in Chemistry? Did you wonder how accurate the treatment Elizabeth Zott experienced as a chemist in the 1950s? When I read Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus, I immediately thought of A Lab of One's Own which shares true stories of women who were pioneers in the life sciences. Read my full review. 

At once alarming and inspiring, A Lab of One’s Own is an indispensable history of sixty years of scientific progress and a must-read for any woman with dreams of shattering the glass ceiling in STEM. (Goodreads)

Buy A Lab of One's Own at Amazon

Donna Huber is an avid reader and natural encourager. She is the founder of Girl Who Reads and the author of how-to marketing book Secrets to a Successful Blog Tour.

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