The United States recognizes March as Women’s History Month, celebrating women’s contributions to history and modern society. From stories of generational struggles and oppressive marginalization to female empowerment and collective strength, the Falconer collected a list of essential reads to highlight how women shape society.

“The Girl with the Louding Voice” by Abi Daré

Adunni dreams of receiving an education — her lifeline to a better life. But at 14, when her mother dies, her father sells her into marriage, where her value is commodified by four goats, two bags of rice, some chickens and a new TV. Adunni flees, leading her on an agonizing journey of poverty, abuse and exploitation in Lagos. Filled with heartbreaking adversity, this novel showcases the pinnacle of female resilience. 

“With the Fire on High” by Elizabeth Acevedo

The Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Reader’s Favorite Young Adult Fiction follows a high school senior and teenage mother, Emoni Santiago. As difficult decisions encroach on her delicately balanced priorities, Emoni escapes to the kitchen, where she finds solace in her passion for cooking. Written in prose, “With the Fire on High” provides a voice for the stories of teenage mothers, often shunned as cautionary tales, focusing on the strength of a support system, emphasizing that no one needs to go through anything alone.

“Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus

Chemist Elizabeth Zott is brilliant. Just not equal. Following an increase in sexism in the workplace, Elizabeth is fired from her position at Hastings Research Institute to make way for an all-male research team. Reluctantly, she signs on as a host for the cooking show “Supper at Six,” where she revolutionizes the conventional approach to cooking with empirical science. Challenging the notion that a woman’s place is at home, Garmus’ work of historical fiction dares its audience to be fearless in the face of adversity. 

“Someone Else’s Shoes” by Jojo Moyes

Nisha has it all: the wealth, the prestige and the demeanor to match it. Sam’s life is falling apart and her self-esteem is dropping like a stone. When the two women cross paths by chance, catalyzing a chain of chaotic events, they do not realize that this simple mishap will change their lives forever. Exploring the beauty of calamitous mix-ups and second chances, coupled with confidence and friendship, “Someone Else’s Shoes” tears away the illusion that women could ever be invisible; it illustrates what it means to be a woman and even more crucially, what it means to be human.

“Copper Sun” by Sharon M. Draper

Kidnapped, sold and enslaved, 15-year-old Amari is torn from life she once knew and thrown into a world of rampant racism and abuse. As a slave, Amari forms a life-saving friendship with a white indentured servant, Polly, as they plan an escape to Florida. The sobering novel details one of the most painful parts of American history, with a focus on the atrocities women faced during this time period. Readers will want to bring tissues for this one. 

“The Women” by Kristin Hannah

Narrating the harrowing tale of Frances “Frankie” McGrath as she serves in the Army Nurse Corps during the Vietnam war, “The Women” shines a spotlight on the contributions of women — on the front lines and behind the scenes — amidst the chaos and destruction of war. When heroism is not a gallant declaration, but a hard-pressed sacrifice, this historical period of combatting division and idealism came to define the indispensable role of women. Through war time and the aftermath, “The Women” ties the story together with the difficulty women face when returning to a country that too often ignores their service. 

“I am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban” by Malala Yousafzai with Christina Lamb

Centered around one of the most famous female activists in the world and youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, Malala’s memoir takes what the media has glossed over and simplified, and turns it into a captivating narrative highlighting the inequities in women’s rights and education that still exist today. It will make you believe that the power of one person’s voice is enough to change the world.

“The Island of the Sea Women” by Lisa See

A work of historical fiction based on factual events, “The Island of the Sea Women” flips the stereotype of gender roles on its head. It is set on Jeju Island, which is known for its matriarchal society; the women, the Haenyeo, are the primary breadwinners, diving for sea food, while the men take care of the family. The novel focuses on the unlikely bond between two girls from completely different social backgrounds through decades of conflict including WWII and the Korean War. Above all, “The Island of the Sea Women” illuminates the fierce female divers of Jeju island and the history that shaped their lives.

“Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake” by Anna Quindlen

In this memoir, Quindlen, a No. 1 New York Times bestselling author, reflects on the various stages of life from a woman’s perspective, from childhood to marriage to motherhood to aging. She celebrates the inner complexities and discounted struggles of womanhood through reflecting on her own experiences. Humorous and wise, Quindlen guides the reader through a journey of life, articulating her regrets and losses as a survival guide for the next person.

“Such a Fun Age” by Kiley Reid

Emira Tucker is just trying to figure her future out. However, one night changes everything. Seeing a young black woman out late with a white child, the grocery store’s security officer racially profiles Emira and accuses her of kidnapping the toddler, setting off a drastic chain of events that force Emira to question who should have a say in her life. Goodreads Reader’s Favorite Debut Novel in 2020, “Such a Fun Age” presents a coming-of-age story examining what it takes for Emira to take control of her life and harness her autonomy. Just because she is a woman, does not mean she needs saving.