March is Women’s History Month, a time when we celebrate and honor the efforts of women in the past and present who have made strides towards gender equality and influence younger generations of girls. To celebrate Women’s History Month, we’ve put together a list of some essential books, by, for, or about powerful women everywhere. 

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

This timeless classic explores the bonds of four sisters as they grow from girls into young women. Alcott based the characters loosely off of her and her own sisters, which make the experiences all the more authentic. She also stands out as a revolutionary writer because she addressed traditional gender norms at the time while also ensuring that her characters were ambitious women filled with individuality. Little Women continues to remind women everywhere that they don’t have to conform to a life of domesticity but can rather follow their own passions.  

Ribbons of Scarlet: A Novel of the French Revolution’s Women by Kate Quinn and Others

This novel is written from the perspective of seven different women during the French Revolution. From princesses to peasants, these women were emboldened to become involved in politics and fights against the injustices of the king, despite politics not being a place for women at the time. Ribbons of Scarlet serves as a fantastic example of some of the sacrifices women had to make in order to survive through some of the darkest events in history. 

In Search of Our Mothers’ Gardens by Alice Walker

In this work of prose, Alice Walker writes about her experiences as a black woman, mother, writer, and feminist. The book is comprised of 36 pieces of prose, all of which explore personal, political, and historical accounts of Walker’s life in this vivid and moving memoir. 

Mockingbird: A Portrait of Harper Lee by Charles Shields

Harper Lee, best known for her classic work To Kill A Mockingbird, is largely considered one of the greatest writers of the twentieth century. In Mockingbird: A Portrait of Harper Lee, Shields dives into the somewhat elusive and hidden life of this great American literature writer. Lee defied expectations at every age starting from a childhood spent in overalls. Her legacy continues to serve as inspiration for the writers, rebels, and dreamers of today. 

These books are a great way to honor Women’s History Month and the many amazing women we know and love. If you’re interested in creating a featured Women’s History Month book section for your shop or bookstore, American Book Company has a great selection of inspiring books to help you get started. Visit our website to explore our many works that celebrate women.