Best biographies about women for teens

From memoirs written by iconic actors to manifestos by change-making activists, there is a wide range of books about female empowerment that showcase inspiring women and their incredible lives. The stories of how these incredible women have changed — and continue to change — the world we live in serve as a timely reminder of the importance of drive, determination and passion.

These thought-provoking and important reads belong on any best books list because they allow readers to learn more about the lives of some inspirational women, from Malala Yousafzai to Tarana Burke and Gloria Steinem. Our list covers influential books of the past alongside more modern offerings, full of inspirational quotes by strong women , important lessons and courage.

Tara Westover was brought up in a survivalist Mormon family, who isolated their children from outside influences and institutions such as schools, hospitals, and progressive social attitudes. As she grows up and becomes more intrigued by the outside world, Westover finds she aches for a formal education, and later attends the University of Cambridge, going on to complete her PhD.

However, she has rarely been given the chance to tell her life story from her perspective, without society deciding for themselves who she is. Known for her roles in iconic movies such as Cruel Intentions and Legally Blonde , here Selma Blair writes of her complex and eventful life, from her struggles with alcohol addiction to her recent multiple sclerosis diagnosis.

Known for her decades-long acting career and her hilarious honesty, Miriam Margolyes finally tells her life story in this surprising, riotous and inspirational memoir. From her early days in the Cambridge Footlights to her famous roles in Harry Potter and The Age of Innocence , Margolyes delves into her past with warmth and wit. When she was a victim of sexual assault in the landmark Brock Turner case that shook the world and prompted then-Vice President Joe Biden to send her an open letter, Chanel Miller was known as Jane Doe throughout the highly publicized trial.

Determined to write her own story, Miller released her memoir Know My Name , in which she fights for agency and reclaims her identity after it was taken from her during the trial. An inspirational, profound and empowering read.

Explore our list of Women's Biography - Teens Books at Barnes & Noble®.

Michelle Yeonmi Park bravely recounts her experiences growing up in North Korea, escaping from the repression she faced in the country before meeting an even darker fate, and finally finding her way to freedom. Her secret? In the s, before Neil Armstrong became the first person to walk on the moon, a group of Black women mathematicians for NASA calculated the equations that would help launch the rockets to get him there, and the flight paths that would enable the historic achievement.

Henrietta Lacks may not be a name known by everyone, but her contribution to the world of medicine and science was enormous.