Leslie Knope may be known as a Parks and Recreation fan favorite, but she’s also the champion of ambition, resilience, and the urge to constantly make the world a better place. These eight books reflect the same qualities that she values most, such as leadership, strength, and activism, and so whether you’re looking to be empowered, inspired, or just need a good laugh, this list has something for every Leslie Knope fan.
1. Becoming by Michelle Obama
Former First Lady Michelle Obama gets personal in Becoming as she shares stories from her childhood living on Chicago’s South Side and how that shaped her into the woman we know and love today. As she reflects on her experiences, challenges, and the triumphs that transformed her, she does it with warmth, raw honesty, and humor that feels almost relatable at times. Becoming is full of themes of perseverance, resilience, and service as it offers readers an inspiring look into what it truly means to stay true to who you are while doing everything you can to make a difference in a world that doesn’t always want you to. Leslie would refer back to this book every time she needs inspiration to keep going when times get tough.
2. Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg by Irin Carmon
Late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a hero and inspiration to girls across America, and Notorious RBG offers readers an intimate and sparkling portrait of Ruth Bader Ginsburg as it blends biography, pop culture, and her inspiring political history. From her journey as a young lawyer fighting for gender equality to the political icon that we know today, her sharp dissents and unwavering principles are celebrated along with her impact on civil rights and politics as a whole. Her legacy lives on and continues to inspire millions to stay tough in the pursuit of justice, and Leslie would take this book to heart and have an annotated copy ready to go whenever a man has something degrading to say about how she does her job.
3. Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will To Lead by Sheryl Sandberg
Facebook COO and author Sheryl Sandberg perfectly examines and highlights the challenges that women continually face in leadership positions and encourages women to continue pursuing their aspirations with confidence. Sandberg blends her personal stories with practical advice as she explores the societal and self-imposed barriers that continue holding women back while offering strategies to help overcome those barriers. Lean In inspires women to lead with impact and intent as she sparks a global conversation about true gender equality in male-leading workplaces. Leslie would march into Ron’s office with this book in hand while ranting about the Pawnee government’s gender inequality.
4. Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore
Annabelle Archer is one of Oxford’s first female students, who is tasked with recruiting powerful men to help support the women’s suffrage movement. But when Annabelle runs into the Duke of Montgomery, sparks immediately fly, and their chemistry is undeniable. But when Annabelle and the duke begin clashing over politics, desire, and individual duties, they are led into a battle of wits and wills where they both realize that love may be the most unexpected victory of all. Bringing Down the Duke would remind Leslie of her and Ben’s relationship and wouldn’t let him forget it.
5. No One Is Too Small To Make a Difference by Greta Thunberg
Greta Thunberg has become a name for the history books with her powerful actions towards the global climate crisis, and reminds me of a younger Leslie Knope. In No One Is Too Small To Make a Difference, Greta Thunberg’s most powerful speeches are gathered together while walking readers through the actions that ignited a global climate movement. Leslie Knope would try to hire Greta Thunberg as her intern and then be disappointed that she’s too busy saving the world to work in the Pawnee Parks and Rec department.
6. Modern Herstory: Stories of Women and Nonbinary People Rewriting History by Blair Imani
Modern Herstory is a vibrant and all-inclusive celebration of 70 different women and nonbinary people who have and continue to shape the world for the better. From the Civil Rights Movement to the Black Lives Matter Movement, Modern Herstory highlights trailblazers from marginalized communities who haven’t gotten the appreciation in history that they deserve. With powerful storytelling and bold illustrations, this is a book that perfectly honors leaders, activists, and revolutionaries whose contributions have gone overlooked for far too long. Leslie Knope would read this and then strive to be featured in a future edition.
7. Promise Me, Dad by Joe Biden
It’s no secret that Leslie’s favorite person is Joe Biden, and Leslie was definitely the first person in line when Promise Me, Dad was released. Former President Joe Biden uses his book to reflect on his toughest year as he dealt with immense loss and overwhelming responsibility while working to balance his role as Vice President and work through his son, Beau’s, battle with brain cancer. Biden paints a devastatingly intimate portrait of his moments of political challenge, grief, and his deep family connection through strength, hope, and his enduring power of purpose and faith. Leslie would be instantly brought to tears by the end and would beg Ben to take her to D.C. to give Joe Biden a hug.
8. Pawnee: The Greatest Town In America by Leslie Knope
Leslie Knope’s own book, Pawnee: The Greatest Town In America, is Leslie’s own humorous tour of Pawnee, Indiana, that’s packed full of funny stories, history, and fun illustrations. This book celebrates Pawnee’s most eccentric citizens, disorderly events, and small-town charm, all told with Leslie’s signature enthusiasm and charm. Although this book may be last on our list, it’s the first one that she would recommend.
These eight books are each unique in their own ways, just like our beloved Leslie Knope. And whether it’s through inspiring change, celebrating history’s most loved trailblazers, or bringing laughs, each one of these books captures Leslie Knope’s curiosity, ambition, and heart.
Looking for more inspiring reads? Check out our article, 5 Peacemakers and Their Powerful Books That Inspire Change.
Find these books on our Bookshop Leslie Knope Book Recs bookshelf!
