Join University Libraries as we celebrate Women’s History Month 2023 with a list of materials available for check-out at Duane G. Meyer Library. Every year, the National Women’s History Alliance selects a theme for the month of March, with this year’s being “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories.” Explore the prevailing history of women and their contribution to culture and society through their own words and experiences. We hope the selected books, movies and websites below inspire you to learn more about the legacy and impact of women on our world.

Book Recommendations

“Becoming,” by Michelle Obama

Written by the former First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama, this book tells of her road to becoming part of the White House and what she accomplished while there. The book dives deep into Obama’s upbringing and discusses her role as First Lady, a mother and an advocate for the world.

“I Am Malala,” by Malala Yousafzai and Christina Lamb

“I Am Malala: The Story of the Girl Who Stood Up for Education and was Shot by the Taliban” is an autobiography that describes Malala’s fearless steps towards activism for female education. This book shares the account of her assassination attempt by the Taliban and gives readers an inspiring message for young female activists worldwide. The book was also adapted into a film entitled He Named Me Malala.

“My Own Words,” by Ruth Bader Ginsburg with Mary Hartnett and Wendy W. Williams

In this book, late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg provides her collection of speeches and writings dating all the way back to her childhood. Topics examined include gender equality, Supreme Court accounts, equal rights, and much more. Even following her death in September 2020, Ginsburg continues to be a role model for many individuals and leaves a lasting legacy for all. RBG is a good documentary to watch that discusses her life further.

“Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina,” by Misty Copeland

Misty Copeland recounts her journey of becoming a world-class ballerina in this New York Times bestselling memoir. Facing family conflict and unimaginable circumstances, Copeland shares how she overcame obstacles that nearly stopped her from achieving success in her dance career.

Hidden Figures 

This incredible film features star actresses Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monae, and depicts their experience as three African American women working as mathematicians at NASA in the 1960s. Employed with mostly men and living with still-present racial barriers, these women face harsh obstacles to overcome while simultaneously using their knowledge to bring the United States to space. You can also check out the book “Hidden Figures,” by Margot Lee Shetterly.

Mulan

This reimagined Disney classic stars Liu Yifei as the live-action Mulan. With changes made to the plot of the new film, including the removal of a love story between Mulan and an officer, there is more focus on Mulan and her independence, bravery and femininity. Her courage ultimately brings her to take her aging father’s spot in the military. Disguised as a man along the way, Mulan proves her fellow male warriors wrong about the impact and strength one woman can have.