Literature
Suggested Texts
The primary objective of this project is to support and empower English teachers by providing them with a thoughtfully curated canon of literary works authored by women.
By highlighting the voices and perspectives of women writers—both historical and contemporary—this initiative aims to enrich classroom discussions, promote diversity in literary study, and offer students a more inclusive understanding of literature.
“One child, one teacher, one pen and one book can change the world.” –Malala Yousafza
All books listed are available through open access.
High School
The following suggested texts align with Common Core reading objectives and are written at grade level, while simultaneously centering the works by and stories of women.
Anne Frank’s Diary, Anne Frank
Discovered in the attic where she spent the last years of her life, Anne Frank’s remarkable diary has become a world classic—a powerful reminder of the horrors of war and an eloquent testament to the human spirit.
Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen
"The story delves into themes of love, social class, and individual agency, largely revolving around the life of Elizabeth Bennet, one of five sisters from a modest but genteel family navigating the complex social landscape of Regency England. "
Sense and Sensibility, Jane Austen
"The story primarily revolves around the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, who embody the principles of reason and emotion, respectively, as they navigate through their personal and financial challenges after the loss of their father."
The Blazing World, Margaret Cavendish
A highly original part Utopian fiction, part feminist text, it tells of a lady shipwrecked on the Blazing World where she is made Empress and uses her power to ensure that it is free of war, religious division and unfair sexual discrimination.
The Lais of Marie de France, Marie de France
The Lays are short romances, often about women and men who suffer in love. In the prologue, Marie says that she was looking for a work in Latin or French to translate and could not find anything, so she decided to write down some lays (short narrative poems, intended to be sung) which she had heard performed.
Marcella, Mary Ward
The story centers around Marcella Boyce, a young woman who has recently returned to her ancestral home, Mellor Park, after the death of her uncle, and is now grappling with her identity, familial expectations, and the socio-political landscape of her time.
The Beth Book, Sarah Grand
The story revolves around the life of Elizabeth Caldwell Maclure, who represents the struggles and aspirations of women during this period, particularly focusing on themes of marriage, social expectations, and personal growth.
The Rover, Aphra Behn
A notable work of Restoration drama set during the vibrant carnival season in Naples. The narrative revolves around two sisters, Hellena and Florinda, who navigate societal constraints and their own desires.
Emma, Jane Austin
Set in the fictional village of Highbury, the story focuses on its 'handsome, clever and rich' heroine Emma Woodhouse, who entertains herself by matchmaking and meddling in the lives of her friends and neighbors.
Conversations on Political Economy, Jane Marcet
Employing her trademark format of dialogues between Mrs. Bryan and her pupil Caroline, Marcet introduces readers to theories surrounding property, population, and the 'condition of the poor'.
Middle School
The following suggested texts align with Common Core reading objectives and are written at grade level, while simultaneously centering the works by and stories of women.
Anne Frank’s Diary, Anne Frank
Discovered in the attic where she spent the last years of her life, Anne Frank’s remarkable diary has become a world classic—a powerful reminder of the horrors of war and an eloquent testament to the human spirit.
Heidi, Johanna Spyri
The heartwarming tale follows the adventures of a young orphan girl who goes to live with her reclusive grandfather in the Swiss Alps.
The Governess; or, the Little Female Academy, Sarah Fielding
It is a significant work in the history of children's literature, recognized as the first full-length novel written for children and specifically aimed at girls.
Mäzli: A Story of the Swiss Valleys, Johanna Spyri
The narrative likely follows the lively young girl Mäzli and her adventures in the picturesque Swiss valleys, exploring themes of childhood innocence, family bonds, and local folklore against a charming backdrop of nature and traditional Swiss life.
Beauty and the Beast, Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont
The story explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the idea that true beauty comes from within, rather than from physical appearance.
Women Writing Wonder: An Anthology of Subversive Nineteenth-Century British, French, and German Fairy Tales, Edited and Translated by Julie L. J. Koehler, Shandi Lynne Wagner, Anne E. Duggan, and Adrion Dula
This book is an anthology that brings together previously overlooked fairy tales written by women in Britain, France, and Germany during the 19th century.
These lists were curated by the following amazing people:
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Amanda Zurawski
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Allison Tyra
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Annabell Blevins Pifer
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Beverly Duran
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Celina Mullady
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Jenna Cacciatore
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Meredith Morgan Eliassen
Thank you so much for all of your help!
