The GLOW Summer Reading List: 15 Books That Celebrate Girls and Women

Books have the power to challenge our perspectives, spark new ideas, and remind us of the strength found in stories — and this summer reading list, curated by women from around the world, invites you to celebrate the power, experiences, and resilience of women and girls across cultures and generations.

At Global Girls Glow, we believe stories girls’ and women’s stories matter. Too often, our experiences, ideas, and leadership are overlooked — yet our voices hold the power to deepen understanding, challenge harmful norms, and drive meaningful change. 

This summer, our global team is excited to share the books that have shaped us and reminded us of the power of our own voices — books that have expanded our vision of what’s possible as we work towards creating a world where every single girl can access the future she deserves.

Above all, these books offer a vital spark: When girls and women see their own courage and leadership reflected on the page, they become inspired to break their silence and step confidently into their own power.

We hope this collection of summer reads that celebrate girls and women helps you discover a new favorite, and inspires you to learn, grow, and create lasting change.

Staff Summer Picks

I Am a Girl From Africa by Elizabeth Nyamayaro

Recommended by Victoria | Engagement and Event Manager

Part memoir and part call to action, I Am a Girl From Africa tells the story of Elizabeth Nyamayaro’s journey from rural Zimbabwe to becoming a global advocate for women and girls. Through her experiences, the book explores the transformative power of education, mentorship, and opportunity, making it a natural choice for our current GLOW Book Club read.

Want to dive deeper into this inspiring story? Join us for our virtual book club in July to discuss this book with our team and community. We’ll be joined by Elizabeth Nyamayaro herself! Sign up at globalgirlsglow.org/glowbookclub.

We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Recommended by Riya | Senior Manager of Global Advocacy

“We Should All Be Feminists is a concise and compelling exploration of gender equality, told through personal stories, humor, and everyday experiences. This book resonated with me because advocacy often requires us to translate complex ideas into conversations that people can connect with. Adichie makes feminism accessible without oversimplifying it, and is persuasive without being confrontational. It is the kind of book that opens doors to conversation and helps people better understand why advancing equality benefits us all.”

The Summer War by Naomi Novik

Recommended by Courtney | Vice President of Engagement and Communications

“The Summer War tells the story of a young girl who doesn’t understand the scope of her power, requiring her to learn more about herself and others as she attempts to undo the damage. This heartfelt fantasy novella centers relationships as the driving force behind the magical elements and quietly challenges readers to consider the impact we have on the world around us and vice versa.”

Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men by Caroline Criado Perez

Recommended by Michele | Director of Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning 

“Invisible Women explores how the research world has been designed to study men. As a result, there are massive gender data gaps in nearly every part of our society, including healthcare, transportation, and public policy. This book resonated with (and infuriated!) me because it puts evidence behind inequities many women intuitively experience but struggle to quantify. It shows how ‘neutral’ systems can still produce unequal outcomes, and powerfully demonstrates why gender-responsive research, policy, and programming matter. It encourages readers to think critically about whose experiences are centered — and whose are missing — when decisions are made.”

The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Daré

Recommended by Adrienne | Vice President of Programs

“This novel follows Adunni, a Nigerian girl whose life is marked by unimaginable hardship. Yet she refuses to give up on her dream of getting an education. This book stayed with me because Adunni’s resilience, hope, and determination feel so powerful despite everything working against her. It reminded me how important it is to see every girl as someone already filled with strength, insight, and the ability to create change when given the chance to be seen, supported, and heard.”

Half the Sky by Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn

Recommended by Laura | Manager, U.S. Programs

“Half the Sky had a big impact on me as a high school student. Reading it opened my eyes to global inequalities and sparked my interest in creating opportunities for women and girls. It played a significant role in shaping my decision to study public health and international development, and eventually pursue this work professionally. Although some stories are difficult to read, the book ultimately leaves readers feeling hopeful and motivated to take action.”

Nickel and Dimed by Barbara Ehrenreich

Recommended by Stephanie | Donor Research Coordinator 

“Barbara Ehrenreich went undercover in a series of low-wage jobs and found that if she wanted to live indoors, she’d need more than one job. This book offers crucial insight into how difficult it is for many people to simply get by. One comment from a book group discussion has always stayed with me: even professional women are only a few paychecks away from this reality. It’s probably my all-time most recommended book.”

A Woman Is No Man and Evil Eye by Etaf Rum

Recommended by Sam | Chief Storyteller

“Both novels follow Palestinian-American women as they navigate family and cultural expectations, patriarchal norms, and cycles of abuse and oppression. While the stories can be somewhat hard to read, they are also profoundly hopeful. In a world where far too many girls and women are held back from ever living lives of their own design, these extraordinary protagonists — and the intimate look into their longings, hopes, and aspirations — are a powerful testament to the courage it takes for girls to imagine a different future and claim it as their own.”

What I Know for Sure by Oprah Winfrey

Recommended by Kajal | Monitoring & Evaluation Data Analyst 

“I recommend this book because it explores themes of self-love, resilience, and personal growth in a way that has stayed with me. Through a collection of personal reflections, Oprah shares lessons about gratitude, trusting yourself, and learning from life’s challenges. It reminded me how powerful it can be when women own and share their stories, recognize their worth, and choose to grow through difficult experiences rather than be defined by them.”

I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman

Recommended by Hana | Youth Engagement & Creative Projects Manager

“This book tells the haunting story of forty women kept in an underground cage, guarded by silent men, with no memory of how they got there or why. This book spoke to me because it explores what remains when everything familiar has been stripped away. Rather than focusing on the mystery of the apocalypse, it centers the bonds formed between the women and the ways they care for and protect one another. It is a powerful reminder that resilience is rooted in community, connection, and our shared humanity.”

Aboke Girls by Els De Temmerman

Recommended by Mukonyo | Program Manager, Africa 

“The powerful true story of Ugandan schoolgirls who were abducted by the Lord’s Resistance Army, and their incredible courage in the face of violence and fear. This book resonated with me because it highlights both the vulnerability and resilience of girls, especially in contexts where systems fail to protect them. It is a reminder of the importance of advocacy, education, and creating spaces where girls can reclaim their voices and futures. It speaks to the strength of girls and women even in the most difficult circumstances.”

Additional Summer Reads We Love

Rage Becomes Her by Soraya Chemaly

Rage Becomes Her explores how girls and women are often taught to suppress anger, and examines what happens when that anger is recognized as a force for awareness, advocacy, and change. Through research, history, and storytelling, Chemaly offers a thought-provoking perspective on power, voice, and leadership.

Strangers: A Memoir of Marriage by Belle Burden

One of the most celebrated books of the year, this deeply personal memoir explores identity, relationships, and the ongoing process of understanding ourselves and the people closest to us. Through honest reflection, Belle Burden examines vulnerability, growth, and the courage required to navigate life’s uncertainties.

A Girl Is a Body of Water by Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi

Set in Uganda, this coming-of-age novel follows Kirabo as she searches for answers about her absent mother and her place in the world. Richly told and deeply moving, the story explores family, identity, belonging, and what it means for a young girl to discover her own voice and sense of self.

Read Along With Us This Summer

Whether you’re picking up one book or working your way through the entire list, we hope these recommendations introduce you to new perspectives, spark meaningful conversations, and leave you feeling inspired throughout the summer and beyond.

Which book has reminded you of the power of your own voice, or the power of girls and women? Share it on social media, tag @global_glow, and use #GLOWSummerReads for a chance to be featured. And if you know someone who would enjoy these recommendations, send them the list and invite them to read along with us this summer.

Global Girls Glow mentors girls around the world to become powerful advocates and confident leaders. Through our signature program, GLOW Club, we create safe, supportive spaces for girls in some of the world’s most underserved areas to connect with trusted mentors, develop the confidence to lead, and begin dreaming without limits. Since our founding, we’ve ignited the power of more than 100,000 girls — and we’re just getting started.