Women’s History Month Books To Share With Your Class

Looking for meaningful ways to bring Women’s History Month books into your whole-class reading or independent novel and book selections? Newsela ELA’s Novel and Book Studies Collection has stories that feature women and girls whose stories spark discussion, empathy, and deeper understanding.

Each novel or book study includes articles, videos, and lesson ideas to help students connect what they read to their world, themselves, and other media. It helps them understand the historical, cultural, and social contexts behind the stories.

Jump to:

• Elementary Women’s History Month novels and books
• Middle school Women’s History Month novels and books
• High school Women’s History Month novels and books

[Elementary Women’s History Month novels and books](id-elementary)

Key takeaways:

• Women’s History Month books for elementary students help them explore identity, resilience, and belonging through stories.
• Students can build reading comprehension and empathy using age-appropriate fiction and memoirs.
• Background resources help students understand culture, history, and real-world connections.

Who is Malala Yousafzai in “I Am Malala”?

In “I Am Malala,” the title character shares her experience growing up in Pakistan under Taliban rule and her fight for girls’ education. This memoir introduces students to global perspectives through a powerful, student-accessible voice.

To help students understand Malala’s story and its context, pair the book with:

• A video detailing Malala’s advocacy causes. 
• An introduction to Muhammad and the Islamic faith.
• Articles that describe the justice proceedings of those charged in Malala’s assassination attempt.

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Note: This book contains references to violence and an assassination attempt.

What can students learn about pioneer life from “Little House on the Prairie”?

This novel follows author Laura Ingalls Wilder’s childhood on the American frontier. It gives students insights into westward expansion and daily life in the 1800s. The book also supports discussions about perspective and historical context.

Students can deepen their understanding with resources like:

• An article that explains what the prairie is and what makes it unique.
• A fictional story called “A Day on the Trail” by Jerry Miller that describes a typical day on the California Trail.
• An interview with “Prairie Lotus” author Linda Sue Park, which offers an Asian American perspective of events similar to those in “Little House on the Prairie.”

How does “Smile” explore growing up and self-esteem?

In “Smile,” Raina Telgemeier uses the graphic novel format to share her middle school experience dealing with braces and self-confidence. This book is a strong choice for reluctant readers and visual learners. Support comprehension and discussion with resources like:

• A video that explores whether graphic novels areeally novels.
• An article that explains what wisdom teeth are and when they develop.
• A TedEd talk that explains why it’s so hard to predict earthquakes.

Why is “Esperanza Rising” a powerful story?

“Esperanza Rising” tells the story of a young girl forced to leave her comfortable life in Mexico and become a migrant worker in the United States. The novel supports discussions about immigration, resilience, and social class. Build background knowledge with resources such as:

• A video about the Depression and the Dust Bowl.
• The full text of Cesar Chavez’s 1984 address about farmworkers' rights.
• An article about the history of the Mexican Revolution.

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Note: This book includes themes of poverty, loss, and displacement.

How does “Anne of Green Gables” highlight imagination and identity?

Anne Shirley’s story emphasizes imagination, belonging, and personal growth. It’s a great pick for exploring character development, friendship, and setting. You can enhance student understanding of the themes with resources like:

• A video that shows what a typical fishing village in Prince Edward Island, Canada, looks like.
• An article that explains what social identity is.
• An article about how the real-life building that inspired Montgomery’s setting became a popular landmark.

[Middle school Women’s History Month novels and books](id-middle)

Key takeaways:

• Middle school Women’s History Month books support identity exploration and cultural understanding.
• Students can analyze historical context, empathy, and moral decision-making in these stories.
• Paired texts and media help students connect fiction to real-world events.

What experiences does the author share in “Almost American Girl”?

In this graphic memoir, Robin Ha describes immigrating from South Korea to Alabama with her mother. The book helps students explore topics like language barriers, cultural identity, and belonging. You can support learning with resources like:

• An explainer on South Korean culture, government, and customs.
• An article on Asian-American migration to southern states.
• An article that examines the importance of language, customs, and religion across 14 countries.

How does “Number the Stars” show courage during World War II?

Set in Nazi-occupied Denmark, this novel highlights bravery, friendship, and resistance. It’s an accessible entry point for Holocaust studies.  You can build historical context and background knowledge with resources such as:

• An explainer article on the Nuremberg Laws.
• An article that explains how being empathetic can make you a better friend.
• A video biography of author Lois Lowry.

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Note: This book references war, persecution, and institutional fear.

Who are the women behind “Hidden Figures”?

The young readers’ edition of this nonfiction book tells the true story of Black women mathematicians at NASA. Their work helped launch the space program we still operate today. This book is ideal for cross-curricular learning in ELA, social studies, and science.

Extend students’ learning with resources like:

• An article that explains the events that led to the start of the space race.
• A biography of one of the “hidden figures,” Katherine Johnson.
• An article that explores the history of women at NASA.

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Note: This book includes themes of racism and discrimination.

Why is “Brown Girl Dreaming” written in verse?

Jacqueline Woodson’s verse memoir explores childhood, race, and identity. The poetic format supports discussion on voice, memory, and personal history. Pair the book with resources like:

• A video biography about Jacqueline Woodson.
• An article about the organizations of the Civil Rights Movement.
• Additional poetry selections from Woodson’s body of work.

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Note: This book includes references to racism.

How does “The Hunger Games” explore themes of power and triumph?

Katniss Everdeen’s story allows students to examine power, sacrifice, and authority through a dystopian lens. You can support theme analysis with resources such as:

• An interactive video that explains what it means to have “power.”
• An article exploring how members of a Thai coup group embraced the “Hunger Games” three-finger salute as an act of defiance against the government.
• An interactive video that looks at the qualities of a hero.

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Note: This book contains violence and survival themes.

[High school Women’s History Month novels and books](id-high)

Key takeaways:

• High school Women’s History Month books tackle themes of identity, power, and systemic challenges.
• Students can engage in critical analysis, debate, and reflection.
• Contextual texts support discussions of complex and sensitive themes.

How does “Divergent” question conformity?

Tris Pryor’s journey challenges rigid societal structures. It makes the novel useful for examining the government’s role in society and identity. Students can explore these themes using articles on topics like:

• Comparing similarities and differences in the structures of democratic and authoritarian governments. 
• Contrasting the hallmarks of economic systems like capitalism, communism, and socialism.
• What neoliberalism is and how it emphasizes the value of free market competition.

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Note: This book includes violence.

How does “I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter” explore grief and identity?

Julia’s story addresses family expectations, cultural identity, and loss. It offers ways to discuss character, theme, and analysis. You can support discussions with resources like:

• An opinion article about how young children grieve.
• An explainer article that examines mental, emotional, social, and spiritual health.
• A video that explores whether people can inherit trauma.

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Note: This book includes themes of death, mental health, and family conflict.

What historical events can students study with “Persepolis”?

Marjane Satrapi’s graphic memoir provides a firsthand account of growing up during the Iranian Revolution. You can help students build context of the time period and her story with resources like:

• An overview of Iran's culture, government, and customs.
• An article where women who wear hijabs explain why they choose to do so.
• A look back at the 1979 Iranian hostage crisis.

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Note: This book contains imagery of political violence and war.

How does “Girl on Fire” blend advocacy and fiction?

In Keys’ novel, 14-year-old Lolo discovers she has telekinetic abilities and must learn how to use her gift for good. Students can learn more about the author and the novel’s themes with resources like:

• A biography of author and singer Alicia Keys.
• An article that explains how the novel came from Keys’ popular song with the same title.
• A video about how Black pride and self-love are connected.

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Note: This book includes themes of racial injustice.

Why is “Speak” an important novel about finding your voice?

Melinda’s journey highlights trauma, silence, and healing. Students can reflect on themes and the creation of the novel by exploring resources like:

• A video biography of author Laurie Halse Anderson.
• An article that details the requirements of an art therapist’s job.
• An article that explains how loneliness can make our brains crave human contact.

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Note: This book contains themes of sexual assault and trauma and is not recommended for students below the high school grade band.

Turn the page on dull lessons with Newsela ELA

Using Women’s History Month books that align with your curriculum is just one way to keep students engaged while meeting instructional goals.

With Newsela ELA’s Novel and Book Studies, students build background knowledge, practice literacy skills in context, and explore diverse perspectives, whether they’re reading along as a whole class or devouring stories independently.

Not a Newsela customer yet? Sign up for Newsela Lite for free and start your 45-day trial. You’ll get access to our Novel and Book Studies collection and additional premium ELA, social studies, and science content and activities to take your lessons to the next level!