Hear Me Roar: YA Books About Feminism

I have five brothers. FIVE. And no sisters. To say that I grew up in a male-dominated house would be an understatement. I love my brothers, but every girl needs to feel like she has someone or something to relate to. That’s where YA books about feminism can help.

As a mom to three girls (and no sons), I’m growing more conscious of the need for books that empower girls and women. I want my girls to grow up with confidence, be willing to take risks, and do hard things.

To celebrate Women’s History Month, I decided to put together a list of YA books about feminism. Not all of these books are about feminism directly, but they’re all empowering — whether they’re funny, adventurous, or informative.

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YA Books About Feminism

Votes for Women: American Suffragists and the Battle for the Ballot by Winifred Conkling

This is such an amazing book. It chronicles the lives and efforts of women who fought for the right to vote. I’m so glad they had the strength to do what they did because now I can go to the ballots alongside my husband and cast my vote. And I get to teach my daughters the importance of voting — that it was a hard-won victory and should not be taken for granted.

From peaceful protesters to law-breaking rebels, this book shines a light on the perseverance, struggles, and ferocity of the amazing women who changed the world.

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Here We Are: 44 Voices Write, Draw, and Speak About Feminism for the Real World edited by Kelly Jensen

This is a fascinating book. It’s full of essays, illustrations, Q & A sessions, and poetry about feminism. Women, men, mothers, fathers, old, and young speak out about what feminism means to them.

Not just for teens, Here We Are is an interesting read for anyone looking for YA books about feminism. As a parent, I found it encouraging, discouraging, hopeful, and frustrating. It offers a lot of food for thought.

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Moxie by Jennifer Mathieu

I hesitate to recommend YA books about feminism that I haven’t personally read, but the premise of this novel speaks to me.

Viv is tired of the double standards and blatant sexism in her high school so she starts an anonymous feminist zine and starts a movement for equality. I love that Viv has the courage to stand up and speak out about an issue that bothers her. Most teenage girls (and women) can identify with this story to some degree.

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V is for Virgin by Kelly Oram

I read this book a few years ago and loved the message. It’s about a girl named Val who has made the decision to wait until marriage for sex. A nasty breakup, a viral YouTube video, and days of harassment from her classmates push Val to start a campaign to support her cause.

This is NOT a slut-shaming book, it’s quite the opposite. It’s a story about a strong young woman who made up her mind about her sex life and doesn’t let boys, society, or friends shame her into changing it. This book is about having the strength to say “no” until YOU (not your boyfriend) are ready — and demanding respect for your decision.

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Reign the Earth by A.C. Gaughen

This book is feminist in a quieter way, but it’s still just as powerful. In order to establish peace, Shalia marries the king of a neighboring country. But it doesn’t take long before Shalia realizes her husband will stop at nothing to achieve his goals.

This book is about a young woman whose strength lies in her kindness and her ability to love people. Shalia struggles at first but quickly finds her feet, her voice, and her power. She’s the kind of heroine we need more of.

For ages 15+.

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I am Malala: Young Reader’s Edition by Malala Yousafzai and Patricia McCormick

This is one of those YA books about feminism that we all know we should read. It’s the memoir of Malala who was shot point-blank on a bus because she insisted on going to school when the Taliban forbade girls to attend.

While most of us won’t experience the extreme sexism that Malala did, we can all learn from her courage and persistence.

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And I Darken by Kiersten White

What if Vlad the Impaler was a girl? This new series from Kiersten White answers that question. This is a great book to read if you love YA books about feminism and alternate history stories. The Ottoman Empire, a fierce young woman, and the quest for dominance will appeal to older teens and has loads of cross-over appeal for adults.

Read my review for And I Darken for more information about the content.

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Jamie Baker series by Kelly Oram

This series is a heap of fun. If you’re looking for YA books about feminism that are less serious, more fun, and addicting to read, this is for you. After a terrible accident, Jamie discovers she has superpowers. As she sets about discovering her abilities and rescuing unfortunate souls from criminals, she tries to avoid falling in love. But Ryan is just SO irresistible!

I loved this series. It’s definitely worth a read if you love female superheroes, YA romance, and feminist themes. Plus, you can read the entire series for free on Kindle Unlimited.

For another superhero feminist read, check out Ms. Marvel by G. Wilson.

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Do you have any books to add to this list? Let me know about them in the comments!