20 Books That Reveal The Untold Stories Of Trailblazing Women

Think back to the history lessons you grew up with. Chances are, most of the names were men. But history is bigger than the names we all know. Women have always been at the center of change, shaping the world in ways big and small. Let’s dive into the untold stories of women throughout history and rediscover their contributions.

“A Woman Of No Importance” By Sonia Purnell

Virginia Hall didn’t fit the mold of a traditional spy. Her intelligence and bravery led her to play an all-important role in WWII, but it wasn’t until later that the world knew her name. Purnell takes us through Hall’s daring journey, with revelations of a hidden history that makes you rethink the boundaries of courage.

“Hypatia: The Life And Legend Of An Ancient Philosopher” By Edward J. Watts

Hypatia wasn’t just a philosopher—she was a pioneer in an era when women’s voices were not credited. In “Hypatia,” Watts crafts a vivid narrative about her rise and tragic fall. His detailed storytelling connects her intellectual legacy to our modern understanding of what it means to defy society’s expectations as a woman.

“Theodora: Actress, Empress, Saint” By David Potter

Who would have thought a circus performer could rise to such heights? David Potter scribes Theodora’s journey from the stage to the empress, capturing her political and personal evolution. She changed the Byzantine Empire’s laws and influenced its future to prove power can originate from unexpected places.

“Femina: A New History Of The Middle Ages” By Janina Ramirez

Forget the damsel-in-distress trope—medieval women ruled and rebelled to forge history. Janina Ramirez unearths the forgotten female leaders and scholars who defied expectations. With groundbreaking research, she proves the Middle Ages weren’t just about kings and knights but powerful, world-changing women, too.

“Hildegard Of Bingen: A Visionary Life” By Sabina Flanagan

Imagine a woman in the 12th century shaping the diverse fields of music, medicine, and theology. That’s Hildegard of Bingen. Sabina Flanagan does a remarkable job of unpacking Hildegard’s genius and spiritual vision. The book shows how this visionary shaped her world and offers insights that still resonate today.

“Sor Juana: Or, The Traps Of Faith” By Octavio Paz

Sor Juana Ibarra, a 17th-century intellectual, found herself trapped between her love for knowledge and the constraints of faith. Octavio Paz delves into her journey with a mixture of reverence and inquiry. His exploration of her writings sheds light on how she fought for intellectual freedom in a society that demanded silence from women.

“The Radium Girls: The Dark Story Of America’s Shining Women” By Kate Moore

The Radium Girls’ story begins with a sense of hope—the glow of radium—but ends with tragedy and triumph. Kate Moore takes us deep into their fight for justice and how these women stood up against an industry that ignored their suffering. Their legacy is a powerful reminder of the price of progress.

“Chrysalis: Maria Sibylla Merian And The Secrets Of Metamorphosis” By Kim Todd

Maria Sibylla Merian didn’t just study nature; she lived it. Kim Todd’s “Chrysalis” brings her research and expeditions to life, which reveals a woman who challenged the norms of science. Merian’s unique passion for insects and metamorphosis led her to document the natural world in a way no one had before.

“The Pioneering Life Of Mary Wortley Montagu: Scientist And Feminist” By Jo Willett

Before vaccines became mainstream, Mary Wortley Montagu was already an advocate for them. Jo Willett’s biography explores how Montagu’s work in smallpox inoculation changed medical history. Her feminist spirit and scientific courage broke barriers to pave the way for future generations—yet her contributions were long ignored.

“The Immortal Life Of Henrietta Lacks” By Rebecca Skloot

Henrietta Lacks never consented to having her cancer cells immortalized in medical research, yet her legacy revolutionized science. Rebecca Skloot weaves Henrietta’s story with the ethical implications of modern medicine, humanizing her life while grappling with the injustices her family faced.

“The Fossil Hunter: Dinosaurs, Evolution, And The Woman Whose Discoveries Changed The World” By Shelley Emling

“The Fossil Hunter” takes you through Mary’s life, unraveling her relentless work in the discovery of prehistoric creatures. Mary Anning’s fossil discoveries rewrote history, even if the world took years to recognize her. However, it’s important to note that Anning’s contributions weren’t fully recognized during her lifetime.

“Sojourner Truth: Ain’t I A Woman?” By Patricia C. Mckissack

Sojourner Truth demanded change. In McKissack’s portrayal, we meet the fearless former slave who became an outspoken advocate for women’s rights and abolition. Her eloquence and boldness helped shape American history and showed that one voice could spark a revolution.

“Ada Lovelace: The Making Of A Computer Scientist” By Christopher Hollings

Before computers were even a reality, Ada Lovelace envisioned their future. Hollings’ book brings to light her groundbreaking work on Charles Babbage’s Analytical Engine. Her intellectual foresight laid the foundation for computer science, making her the first true computer scientist, even if few knew it at the time.

“Hidden Figures” By Margot Lee Shetterly

“Hidden Figures” brings to light the inspiring stories of the Black women mathematicians whose brilliant minds made space exploration possible. Though they worked behind the scenes, their groundbreaking contributions were essential to launching men into space—showing that every achievement is built on the shoulders of others.

“Lozen: Apache Warrior And Seer” By Debra Buchholtz

Lozen’s role in Apache society went far beyond being a warrior. She was also a prophet of the Chihenne Chiricahua Apache and a fierce protector. Buchholtz’s portrayal brings her unique life to light, challenging the traditional gender roles of Native American culture that accentuates Lozen’s invaluable contributions to her people’s resistance.

“On Her Own Ground: The Life And Times Of Madam C.J. Walker” By A’lelia Bundles

This is a tale of a self-made millionaire who revolutionized beauty and haircare for Black women. Madam C.J. Walker’s story is one of perseverance. Bundles explores Walker’s rise from poverty to her establishment of an empire. Her influence extended beyond beauty products, as she became a symbol of entrepreneurial spirit and empowerment.

“The Woman They Could Not Silence” By Kate Moore

Kate Moore’s book uncovers the powerful story of Elizabeth Packard, who fought to be freed from an asylum after being unjustly declared insane simply for challenging her husband’s authority. Her bravery sparked a movement for women’s mental health reform. 

“Code Girls” By Liza Mundy

In WWII, thousands of women played an essential role in deciphering enemy communication codes. Code Girls reveals the forgotten history of these women and brings to light their immense contributions to the war efforts. Their work not only helped win the war but also proved that intellect to strategize knows no gender.

“Reaching For The Moon: The Autobiography Of Nasa Mathematician Katherine Johnson” By Katherine Johnson

Katherine Johnson’s story is one of breaking barriers in mathematics. Her autobiography highlights her groundbreaking work at NASA, where her precise calculations helped launch astronauts into space. During a time of segregation, Johnson’s unwavering commitment to excellence laid the foundation for future generations of scientists.

“Rosalind Franklin: The Dark Lady Of DNA” By Brenda Maddox

Rosalind Franklin’s photographs helped discover the double helix, but her contributions were overshadowed. In Maddox’s biography, we uncover the true importance of Franklin’s work. Her X-ray crystallography images were the key to the comprehension of the DNA’s structure, making her one of science’s unsung heroes.

“Unbowed: A Memoir” By Wangari Maathai

Wangari Maathai’s memoir is a raw and honest account of the woman who dared to challenge the status quo. As the first African lady to win the Nobel Peace Prize, her consistent focus on environmental conservation and women’s rights left an imperishable mark. Her resilience is evident on every page.

“The Light Of Days” By Judith Batalion

War stories often focus on men with guns, but what about the women who fought in ways history forgot? In the ghettos of Nazi-occupied Poland, Jewish resistance fighters—many of them women—smuggled arms, forged documents, and led revolts. Judith Batalion unearths their defiance with gripping detail, restoring their place in history.

“The Sisterhood: The Secret History Of Women At The CIA” By Liza Mundy

Spycraft wasn’t just a man’s world, no matter what the movies show. From the Cold War to modern intelligence, women played key roles in America’s most secretive missions. Liza Mundy dives deep into classified files, uncovering the resilience and strategy that came with the sacrifices of the CIA’s forgotten female operatives.

“Founding Mothers: The Women Who Raised Our Nation” By Cokie Roberts

America’s founding fathers had partners in the revolution—yet these partners, the female family members, rarely get credit. Cokie Roberts brings these bold women to life, from Abigail Adams’ sharp political mind to Deborah Read Franklin’s quiet, tough nature. Without them, the United States’ foundation would have been much weaker.

“The Firebrand And The First Lady” By Patricia Bell-Scott

Pauli Murray and Eleanor Roosevelt formed an unlikely but powerful partnership that would shape history. They were a dynamic duo who worked tirelessly to bring about social change, and their collaboration helped improve critical civil rights issues. “The Firebrand and the First Lady” uncovers how their friendship bridged racial and gender divides.