Feminism and gender equality are important and crucial themes that young adults need to be introduced to, and young adult literature is the perfect way to do so with honesty and heart. From fictional stories to real-life narratives, these eight books feature strong women, bold movements, and empowering journeys that are sure to leave you inspired. Whether you’re looking to learn or reflect, these YA reads perfectly show that change begins with just one voice brave enough to speak out.
1. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
The Hate U Give follows 16-year-old Starr Carter after she closely witnesses the death of her childhood best friend, Khalil, at the hands of a police officer during a traffic stop. Starr’s already tired of living in her poor and mostly Black neighborhood while watching the wealthy whites live in peace. So after Khalil dies, she throws herself into the center of a national controversy as she learns to use her voice and speak out while seeking justice for others who have faced the same tragic fate as Khalil. The Hate U Give explores systematic racism, the power of speaking out, and a Black girl using her voice as she fights for equality, change, and justice for her community.
“That’s the problem. We let people say stuff, and they say it so much that it becomes okay to them and normal for us. What’s the point of having a voice if you’re gonna be silent in those moments you shouldn’t be?”
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
2. This Book Is Feminist by Jamia Wilson
If you’re brand new to feminism and need a quick and accessible run-down, then This Book Is Feminist has your back! It’s a short and sweet, all-inclusive guide that easily breaks down the core principles of intersectional feminism that’s perfect for young readers. This Book Is Feminist covers important topics such as identity, gender privilege, and equality. Wilson combines their own personal insight, history, and vibrant illustrations to show how feminism continues to impact everyday life and encourages teenagers of all backgrounds and genders to challenge injustice, speak up, and become active participants in creating a more equal world.
“In our imperfect world, if conditions are such that those who have the least are taken care of, we will all be closer to freedom and justice.”
This Book Is Feminist by Jamia Wilson
3. Moxie by Jennifer Mathieu
Vivian Carter is a shy high school junior who is sick and tired of her school’s sexist dress codes, harassment, and double standards. After she discovers her mom’s Riot Grrrl past, she becomes inspired and anonymously creates a feminist zine called Moxie to call out her school and society’s injustices. But Moxie soon becomes bigger than she expected and sparks a school-wide movement, and as more girls join, Vivian quickly learns the power of standing in solidarity, resistance, and helping herself and others find their own voice in their fight against gender inequality.
“Making girls monitor their behavior and their appearance because boys are supposedly unable to control themselves? That is one of the oldest fucking tricks in the book.”
Moxie by Jennifer Mathieu
4. Because I Was a Girl by Melissa De La Cruz
Because I Was a Girl is a powerful collection of women and girls’ real-life stories who have faced gender based challenges and overcame them. This book features voices from all different backgrounds, such as authors, activists, and athletes, as it highlights the many obstacles women are forced to overcome simply for being a girl. Because I Was a Girl is both honest and empowering as it shows readers that feminism is about equality, resilience, and the courage to create change for women all over the world.
5. The Nowhere Girls by Amy Reed
Gracie, Rosina, and Erin come together to fight for justice after their classmate is sexually assaulted and nothing is done about it. Together, the three of them form a secret group called The Nowhere Girls and work to unite their fellow classmates to challenge their high school’s toxic culture of misogyny and silence. The Nowhere Girls is packed full of raw emotion and powerful activism as it explores consent, identity, and the strength of women coming together to fight back.
“Silence does not mean yes. No can be thought and felt but never said. It can be screamed silently on the inside. It can be in the wordless stone of a clenched fist, fingernails digging into palm. Her lips sealed. Her eyes closed. His body just taking, never asking, never taught to question silence.”
The Nowhere Girls by Amy Reed
6. The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo
Xiomara Batista is a Dominican American teen living in Harlem who discovers a love for slam poetry. Slam poetry allows Xiomara to express her thoughts on her faith, family, and body as she grapples with her conservative upbringing and society’s harsh expectations of girls. Xiomara soon finds power in her voice and starts to push back on society’s limitations as she tells her story in lyrical verse. The Poet X is a coming-of-age story that is both fierce and empowering as it celebrates self-expression, identity, and what it means to be a feminist.
“And I think about all the things we could be
if we were never told our bodies were not built for them.”
The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo
7. Watch Us Rise by Renée Watson and Ellen Hagan
Jasmine and Chelsea are best friends who are tired of the gender equality happening in their high school and in the world. Together, they start a feminist club at their New York high school and use art, poetry, and activism as they challenge the issues of racism, body shaming, and gender inequality both in their school and in society. Watch Us Rise is both unapologetically honest and inspiring as it empowers teens to use their voices, challenge injustice, and fight for what they believe in.
“I wonder why girls with bodies like mine can’t even model the clothes that are made for us.”
Watch Us Rise by Renée Watson and Ellen Hagan
8. Things a Bright Girl Can Do by Sally Nicholls
Evelyn, May, and Nell are young women fighting for themselves and other women during the suffragette movement in early 20th-century England. Each woman comes from a different background, but they are united by a shared fight for women’s right to vote and determine their own futures. Through protest, war, loss, and love, Things a Bright Girl Can Do is a novel that explores feminism, class, and identity while offering a rich look into the courage that it takes to fight for change.
“When they writes up the history of this war,’ said Nell’s mother. ‘I hope they tells about the wives and the children starving to death!’.
‘They won’t,’ said Nell, gloomy socialist. ‘It’ll be all “Our Boys”, and everyone enlisting and people doing without chauffeurs to help the war effort.”
Things a Bright Girl Can Do by Sally Nicholls
These eight powerful and empowering YA books not only highlight the inequality that women and girls face every day, but they also celebrate their activism, resilience, and fight for change. Each story perfectly inspires young readers to question injustice and take action against gender inequality.
Looking for more feminist reads? Check out our article, Eye-Opening Books on The Urgent Truth Behind Feminism!
Find these books on our Bookshop Feminism & Gender Equality Recs bookshelf!
