BOOKS

From our fabulous April/May cover star Ariana Greenblatt to climate activist Greta Thunberg, there are tons of inspiring women in the news lately. But this Women's History Month, we want to remind you about all the amazing female role models that you can find in books, too. Both fiction and non-fiction, these book recs will surely make your March reading experience educational *and* fun. 

1. Home is Not a Country by Sofia Elhillo

@booksnailmail

A book written in verse (which automatically means beautiful language), Home is Not a Country follows Nima, a girl caught between two different cultures. Using fantasy and magical realism elements, the author shows Nima's struggle with what it means to be a Middle Eastern immigrant in America. 

2. Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo

@bookish_ells

An LGBTQ romance and historical fiction, Last Night at the Telegraph Club will def give you all the feels. 1950s Chinatown in San Francisco is the worst place for two girls to fall in love, but you won't be able to help rooting for Lily and Kath's sweet relationship. 

3. Girlhood: Teens Around the World in Their Own Voice by Masuma Ahuja

@shejustlovesbooks

Formatted like a scrapbook, Girlhood is a collection of diary entries from girls around the world. If you've ever wondered what music girls in Kazakhstan listen to, or what school is like for girls in Ireland, this is the perfect book for you. 

4. Feminist AF: A Guide to Crushing Girlhood by Brittney Cooper

@brew.reading

Feminist AF is written by Brittney Cooper, an expert in Black feminism and an associate professor at Rutgers University. In this book, she explains feminist and social justice concepts in an easy-to-understand way. This is the type of book we wish we had when we were younger!

5. Bad Girls Never Say Die by Jennifer Mathieu

@alice_reads

You've probably heard of S.E. Hinton's The Outsiders, but what if Ponyboy Curtis was a girl named Evie Barnes? Bad Girls Never Say Die is a gender-swapped version of Hinton's classic YA tale with the bonus of unlikely female friendships.  

6. A Face for Picasso by Ariel Henley

@leannaslittlelibrary

In this brave and honest memoir, Ariel Henley explores her experience growing up with Crouzon syndrome, a rare condition that resulted in numerous facial reconstruction surgeries in her childhood. Her writing will make you both laugh and cry, though always appreciative of her strength and resilience. 

Which book are you most excited to read? Tag us in your B&N hauls on Instagram for a chance to get featured @glbestiebookclub! 

Slider image: @innisfreebookshop
Top image: @ellereadsomebooks

by Cathy Li | 3/21/2023