It’s Women’s History Month and you might be feeling a little overwhelmed. After all, women have been around for a while and have been doing awesome things just as long – how can you figure out which awesome book to read next? Well have no fear, Busboys and Poets Books has you covered – just stop by one of our six bookstores for any one of these beautiful books to learn about some of the incredible women of human history.
Dead Feminists: Historic Heroines in Living Color
Chandler O’Leary & Jessica Spring
Artists Chandler O’Leary and Jessica Spring have been making graphic broadsides for various feminists from history. In Dead Feminist they collect several examples of their work and expand upon their subjects lives, histories, and beliefs. Detailed, informative, and stunning, Dead Feminists is an incredible book for each and every reader (whether living or ghostly).
Literary Witches
Taisia Kitaiskaia and Katy Horan
Easily one of the strangest, most beautiful, and most haunting books on this list Literary Witches takes on the most eccentric, eerie, and elegant women in literary history. Ranging from Sappho to Maria Sabina each entry contains three poetic vignettes by Taisia Kitaiskaia accompanied by striking surreal illustrations by Katy Horan. Pick up a copy and fall into the dreamlike worlds of these women writers.
Lady Killers: Deadly Women Throughout History
Tori Tefler and Dame Darcy
There are many ways to be remembered. Some people create works of art, others devote their lives to science, some are just truly exceptional whistlers. And then there are those that take a rather darker path. Tori Tefler looks at some of the most violent women in history with her book Lady Killers. Along with detailed descriptions of their crimes Tefler also looks at the situations and societies in which these women found themselves. Furthermore she also considered the ways in which their lives and acts have been sensationalized and remembered. Accompanied by charming illustrations by Dame Darcy Lady Killers is sure to thrill as well as enlighten.
Rejected Princesses
Jason Porath
Jason Porath got the idea for Rejected Princesses while working for Dreamworks and musing about which historical ladies would be the least likely candidates for an animated children’s movie. How covering a wide range of women from various times, places, and professions Rejected Princesses has become a rich collection of the fiercest and most uncompromising women from human history. Porath’s essays on each figure come with detailed end notes and a charming illustration in the style of a classic cartoon princess. Done with skill, detail, and wry humor Rejected Princesses is a collection of truly exceptional women.
Wonder Women: 25 Innovators, Inventors, and Trailblazers Who Changed History
Sam Maggs and Sophoa Foster-Dimino
Sam Maggs has collected twenty-five neglected women to star in this neat little book. Covering women in science, medicine, espionage, invention, and adventure Wonder Woman strives to bring some much needed attention to some of the less well known women in history. Along with essays recounting the lives of her wonder woman Sam Maggs has also included interviews with living women related each chapter of her book. She also has a list of resources for women looking to perfect their skills and help women succeed. Along with charming, playful illustrations by Sophia Foster-Dimino Wonder Woman is sure to enchant feminists, scientists, and adventurers alike.
Bad Girls Throughout History: 100 Remarkable Women Who Changed the World
Ann Shen
Looking back through human history Ann Shen collects 100 exceptional woman to highlight and illustrate in her Bad Girls Throughout History. Herein lie pirates, poets, politicians, and so many more. Each entry is beautifully illustrated with one of Shen’s brilliantly expressive watercolors. Shen’s illustrations can also be found in an accompanying journal and postcard, perfect for when you need a little inspiration on the go.
Women of Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World and Women of Sports: 50 Fearless Athletes Who Played to Win
Rachel Ignotofsky
Author and illustrator Rachel Ignotofsky brings us 100 women from the worlds of science and sports in a two incredible books. Ignotofsky’s Women of Science and Women of Sports bring us 100 entries on 100 of the brightest women in scientific and athletic history. With strong line work and judicious use of color Ignotofsky has created iconic images for these iconic stories. A perfect book the art lover, the scientist, and the athlete alike.
Rad American Women A-Z and Rad Women Worldwide
Kate Schaltz and Miriam Klein Stahl
With a bold, pop-art style and clear biographies Rad American Women A-Z and Rad Women Worldwide are eye-catching titles for feminists of each and every age. Author Kate Schaltz has made a conscience effort to fully represent women from every background and field in history and from each and every corner of the globe. Illustrator Miriam Klein Stahl meanwhile brings each lady to life with brilliant color and strong black and white illustrations. Two beautiful books to lead you through the alphabet and past each and every border.
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls Vols. I & II
Elana Favilli and Francesca Cavallo
Starting life on Kickstarter Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls blew far beyond their initially goal of $40,000 to reach funding of $600,000. 60 women artists bring 100 exceptional women to life allowing us to delight in a varied and always interesting collection of illustrations. With 100 incredible women immortalized into 100 memorable bedtimes stories Elana Favilli and Francesca Cavallo have created an incredible book sure to inspire feminists of any age.
Little Leader: Bold Women in Black History
Vashti Harrison
Vashti Harrison has created a stunning book recounting the many impressive accomplishments of Black women in American history. Reaching back to before the Declaration of Independence Harrisson brings us artists, activists, astronauts and so much more in her Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History. With gentle, dreamy illustrations accompanying each and every entry this is a book to enchant and educate in equal measure.
She Persisted: 13 American Women Who Changed the World and She Persisted Around the World: 13 Women Who Changed History
Chelsea Clinton and Alexandra Boiger
Chelsea Clinton collects 26 incredible women in this beautiful children’s book for young feminists. Covering women from various walks of life She Persisted shows girls that there are many ways they can impact the world around them. With short, easy to read entries both She Persisted and She Persisted Around the World are perfect for very young readers. And with beautiful watercolors by Alexandra Boiger these are books that can be admired by readers of any age at all.
Shaking Things Up: 14 Young Women Who Changed the World
Susan Hood
Susan Hood brings us 14 youths in Shaking Things Up all honored with their own biographical poem and illustration. Each woman gets a poem in a unique style to match the unique art from one of 13 illustrators. Such variety in tone and art makes for an entertaining and inspiring read. And in choosing to focus on such young heroines Hood’s subjects are relatable for younger readers. An incredible book, Shaking Things Up is a great way to let young people know that their accomplishments and dreams are valuable regardless or age.
Our thanks to bookseller Aliza Cohen for these awesome recommendations!
