15 Non-Fiction Books About Real Women Who Changed the World (For the Better!)

Nonfiction books about real women

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Women have been changing the world for ages, but sometimes their stories get overlooked. 

That’s why I’m so excited to share these 15 nonfiction books that celebrate the incredible women who made history. 

From inventors to activists and everything in between, these books are filled with inspiring stories that will make you root for these trailblazers. 

You’ll be amazed at how much they achieved, and how much more they deserve to be remembered. 

If you love reading about strong, inspiring women, these books are a must-read!

1. The Nine by Gwen Strauss

The Nine scaled

This one’s based on the real story of Gwen Strauss’ great aunt, Hélène Podliasky, and her incredible journey leading a group of nine women through the horrors of WWII. 

They fought through so much, from evading the Gestapo to escaping a forced labor camp, all while risking everything to get back to Paris. 

The bond these women share is amazing, and their courage – especially in the darkest times – is truly inspiring. 

It really makes you reflect on the power of friendship and resilience, doesn’t it?

2. Unbowed by Wangari Maathai

Unbowed

Wangari Maathai, Nobel Peace Prize winner and the first woman to earn a PhD in East Africa, shares her extraordinary journey in this memoir. 

She was a fierce advocate for women’s rights and the environment, especially with her Green Belt Movement, which empowered women to plant trees while restoring forests. 

Her story just goes to show how strong one person can be when they believe in something and fight for it – even in the face of a brutal government.

It’s an inspiring tale of courage, and it’s definitely something I’d say we all need a bit more of today.

3. Free Woman by Marion Meade

Free Woman

Victoria Woodhull was ahead of her time. 

A stockbroker, journalist, and advocate for women’s rights (even running for president in 1872), she challenged society’s norms in the most unexpected ways. 

What stands out to me is how she wasn’t afraid to tackle issues like “free love” and the need for reform in marriage and family. 

She wasn’t just a suffragist; she was a revolutionary. Her life makes you think about how much progress we’ve made – and how much more there is to go.

4. Kalpana Chawla: A Life by Anil Padmanabhan

Kalpana Chawla

Kalpana Chawla’s story is a powerful one. Born in a small town in India, she went on to become the first Indian woman in space, not once, but twice! 

Her relentless determination and belief in herself show us that no dream is too big. 

Reading about her journey makes me feel like anything is possible when you put your mind to it, especially when it’s a dream that might seem impossible at first.

5. I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai

I am Malala

Malala’s story is one that tugs at your heartstrings. 

She defied the Taliban for her right to an education, and when they tried to silence her, she came back even stronger. 

This memoir really opened my eyes to the lengths some girls have to go just to attend school, and it makes me appreciate the opportunities I have every day. 

Her journey from a small town in Pakistan to becoming a global advocate for girls’ education is nothing short of amazing.

6. Coco Chanel: An Intimate Life by Lisa Chaney

Coco Chanel

Coco Chanel was one of those women who revolutionized everything – fashion, beauty, and how women were seen in the world. 

This biography pulls back the curtain on her life and shows that behind all the glamour was a woman who defied societal norms and created a legacy that still impacts us today. 

But what’s fascinating is how much complexity was in her relationships and her life – so much more than the stylish image we all know. 

It’s like getting a backstage pass to the real Chanel, warts and all.

7. Come Fly the World by Julia Cooke

Come Fly the World

This book takes you back to the golden age of air travel with Pan Am stewardesses, who weren’t just serving drinks – they were living bold, free lives in the sky during a time when women’s roles were changing. 

These women were part of some of the most historical moments, like the Vietnam War and Operation Babylift. 

The stories here made me think about how much change can happen when you step outside the norm and embrace something new.

8. All That She Carried by Tiya Miles

All that she carried

In this heartbreaking yet beautiful story, we learn about Ashley’s Sack – a simple cotton bag passed down through generations of women, carrying the weight of their struggles and resilience. 

The bag tells the story of a mother’s love and the survival of a family in the face of unimaginable hardship. 

It’s not just about an object; it’s about what it means to hold on to family and hope, no matter the odds. 

This book really makes you think about the things we pass down – what we carry with us through life.

9. The Sound of Wings: The Life of Amelia Earhart by Mary S. Lovell

The Sound of Wings

Amelia Earhart’s life is a mix of boldness, mystery, and adventure.

She was an aviator who challenged the limits of her time and became a symbol of courage. 

This biography digs deep into her life and shows not only her accomplishments but the relationships and moments that shaped her. 

It’s hard not to be drawn into her story, especially when it’s filled with so much mystery about her final flight. 

Amelia’s legacy shows that sometimes, the sky’s the limit – unless you’re willing to challenge even that.

10. The Woman They Could Not Silence by Kate Moore

The Woman They Could Not Silence

Elizabeth Packard’s life was one of quiet rebellion. 

Her husband, threatened by her independence and intellect, had her committed to an insane asylum. But Elizabeth didn’t give in. 

This book tells the story of how she fought for her freedom and uncovered the injustices many women faced in these asylums. 

It’s a powerful reminder that sometimes, when society silences you, you have to find your own voice and keep fighting.

11. Narrative Of Sojourner Truth by Sojourner Truth

Narrative Of Sojourner Truth

Sojourner Truth’s story is nothing short of inspiring. 

Born into slavery, she became a powerful voice for abolition and women’s rights. 

Her speeches and sermons captivated audiences, challenging not only slavery but the societal norms of her time. 

This narrative takes us on her journey from slavery to freedom, and hearing her voice, so full of wisdom and truth, makes you realize how much one person can change the course of history.

12. Bessie by Chris Albertson

Bessie

Bessie Smith, the “Empress of the Blues,” had a larger-than-life personality that matched her incredible voice. 

This biography gives us a close-up look at her life, debunking myths and shedding light on the complexities of her personality and career. 

It made me appreciate how much of an influence Bessie had on music, and how often stories like hers don’t get the recognition they deserve.

13. Unbreakable by M.C. Mary Kom

Unbreakable

Mary Kom’s story is one of grit, determination, and sheer willpower. 

From a poor background in India to becoming a world champion boxer, she has shown us all that limits are made to be broken. 

I love how this book is about the sport and also about breaking through the barriers, whether that’s in the ring or in life. 

Her journey is the kind of reminder we all need when things feel tough.

14. Nobody Said Not to Go by Ken Cuthbertson

Nobody Said Not to Go by

Emily Hahn was a true adventurer, who took on the world on her own terms. 

From dressing as a boy to traveling the country in the 1920s to being part of underground relief work during WWII, she lived an extraordinary life. 

What I love most about her story is her unwavering curiosity and willingness to go wherever life took her. 

She lived boldly and told her story without any fuss – and that’s something to admire.

15. The Light of Days by Judy Batalion

The Light of Days

This is an incredible story of Jewish women in WWII who became resistance fighters in Poland. 

They were teenagers, some still girls, and yet they risked their lives to fight the Nazis and save their communities. 

It’s one of those books that you can’t put down because these women’s courage is beyond words. 

And, it’s a reminder of how powerful women can be in moments of unimaginable hardship, and how important it is to keep their stories alive.


I’d love to know which ones you’re adding to your reading list – leave a comment and let’s chat!

Also, be sure to browse through the related posts for more book recommendations and inspiring reads. 

Happy reading, and let’s continue celebrating the awesome women who’ve shaped our world!

Preye

Hi! I'm Preye ("pre" as in "prepare" and "ye" as in "Kanye"), and I am a lifelong book lover who enjoys talking about books and sharing bits and pieces of all the fascinating things I come across. I love books so much that I decided to become a developmental editor, and right now, I work with authors to help them tell their stories better. On this blog, I share everything from book recommendations to book reviews and writing tips, so feel free to stop by anytime you like!

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