10 books by women who are changing the world

Former first Lady Michelle Obama has accomplished so much in the White House and beyond. Now she’s giving readers a play-by-play on how she got it all done. Take notes!  Even after you close the book, you can expect to hear more from Obama. “So I’m still becoming, and this is the story of my journey,” she told Oprah. 

The history books don’t always get it right. In fact, they often skip, ignore, or suppress the accomplishments of women and nonbinary people. This collection of profiles helps give a fuller picture, sharing the stories of 70 leaders who are making the world a better place. 

In 2016, fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad made history when she became the first Muslim woman from the U.S. to compete in the Olympics in a hijab. In her book, she describes the many obstacles she had to overcome to get to that moment. 

Janet Mock’s twenties involved going to the University of Hawaii as a first-generation college student and learning how to navigate school, love, being away from home, and figuring out her next steps — just like so many of us. The trans rights activist talks about it all in her inspiring book. 

For years, Cecile Richards was the president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America and the Planned Parenthood Action Fund. Her career in activism actually started way back when she was in just seventh grade. In this book, she shares the ups and downs of her life as an activist. 

Although it’s devastating to hear all the ways the Trump administration has attacked trans people’s rights, there’s also plenty of reason to have hope. Activist Sarah McBride is one of those reasons. 

This is the story of why Patrisse Khan-Cullors, Alicia Garza, and Opal Tometi co-founded Black Lives Matter, and how the original hashtag #BlackLivesMatter turned into the movement we know today. 

Whether you’ve seen her on YouTube or her TLC reality show, I Am Jazz, chances are, you’ve heard of teen activist Jazz Jennings. She is one of the youngest voices advocating for transgender equality. In this book, you’ll learn about her personal and very public journeys. 

Gloria Steinem does it all. She’s a writer, speaker, and an activist for women’s rights. She also co-founded New York magazine and Ms. magazine, and she currently serves as an advisor to TIME’S UP. As the title suggests, her book explores critical moments on the road that shaped her life and the women’s liberation movement.

Malala Yousafzai has fearlessly advocated for girls’ education for years, even after she was shot by the Taliban. Read her story and you’ll understand why she became the youngest person to win the Nobel Peace Prize.