Essential Reads About Women in History
Stories of remarkable women who changed the course of history.
Published on August 1, 2022
The Three Mothers: How the Mothers of Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, and James Baldwin Shaped a Nation
The Three Mothers: How the Mothers of Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, and James Baldwin Shaped a Nation
Anna Malaika TubbsThe Code Breaker: Jennifer Doudna, Gene Editing, and the Future of the Human Race
Walter IsaacsonJust as I Am: A Memoir
Cicely TysonBird Woman (Sacajawea) the Guide of Lewis and Clark: Her Own Story Now First Given to the World
Bird Woman (Sacajawea) the Guide of Lewis and Clark: Her Own Story Now First Given to the World
James Willard SchultzElizabeth Cady Stanton: An American Life
Lori D. GinzbergShe Came to Slay: The Life and Times of Harriet Tubman
Erica Armstrong DunbarIda B. the Queen
Michelle DusterMy Own Words
Ruth Bader GinsburgThe Moment of Lift: How Empowering Women Changes the World
Melinda GatesThe Girl Explorers: The Untold Story of the Globetrotting Women Who Trekked, Flew, and Fought Their Way Around the World
The Girl Explorers: The Untold Story of the Globetrotting Women Who Trekked, Flew, and Fought Their Way Around the World
Jayne ZangleinHidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race
Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race
Margot Lee ShetterlyThe Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America's Shining Women (Harrowing Historical Nonfiction Bestseller About a Courageous Fight for Justice)
The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America's Shining Women (Harrowing Historical Nonfiction Bestseller About a Courageous Fight for Justice)
Kate MooreCode Name: Lise: The True Story of the Woman Who Became WWII's Most Highly Decorated Spy
Code Name: Lise: The True Story of the Woman Who Became WWII's Most Highly Decorated Spy
Larry LoftisMr. President, How Long Must We Wait?: Alice Paul, Woodrow Wilson, and the Fight for the Right to Vote
Mr. President, How Long Must We Wait?: Alice Paul, Woodrow Wilson, and the Fight for the Right to Vote
Tina CassidyFly Girls: How Five Daring Women Defied All Odds and Made Aviation History
Keith O'BrienSally Ride: America's First Woman in Space
Lynn SherrSelf Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker
A'Lelia BundlesThe Woman Who Smashed Codes: A True Story of Love, Spies, and the Unlikely Heroine Who Outwitted America's Enemies
The Woman Who Smashed Codes: A True Story of Love, Spies, and the Unlikely Heroine Who Outwitted America's Enemies
Jason FagoneThe Book of Gutsy Women: Favorite Stories of Courage and Resilience
Hillary Rodham ClintonAmerica's Women: 400 Years of Dolls, Drudges, Helpmates, and Heroines
Gail CollinsWomen With Wings
In the 1920s, when civilian aviation was organizing itself and aviators were setting benchmark upon benchmark, air races were a popular spectator sport. The All Women’s Air Derby, as it was known officially, drew crowds to see and meet record setters
In 1929, 117 women held flying licenses. These pioneering female aviators were making waves — and headlines — while delivering mail, performing daredevil stunts, and flying record-breaking distances. However, little is taught about these remarkable women (save Amelia Earhart) and their contributions to aviation history. This article from “American History” offers an in-depth look at the achievements and adventures of women with wings, including Louise Thaden, Harriet Quimby, and Marvel Crosson.