20 Books Written by Women That Changed U.S. History

1. “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” by Harriet Beecher Stowe

When “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” was published in 1852, it shook the United States to its core. Harriet Beecher Stowe’s novel painted a vivid, heart-wrenching picture of the horrors of slavery. The book sold over 300,000 copies in its first year, making it the best-selling novel of the 19th century in America. Its emotional storytelling turned public opinion sharply against slavery and is widely credited with fueling the abolitionist movement. Even President Abraham Lincoln reportedly remarked to Stowe, “So you’re the little woman who wrote the book that started this great war.” The novel’s influence was so profound that it was banned in the South, yet it spread rapidly in the North and abroad. Stowe’s work proved just how powerful a story can be in changing minds and changing history.

2. “The Feminine Mystique” by Betty Friedan

In 1963, Betty Friedan released “The Feminine Mystique,” a book that gave a voice to millions of American women who felt trapped in domesticity. Friedan’s research and interviews exposed what she called “the problem that has no name”—the widespread unhappiness of women in the 1950s and 60s. Her book sparked the second wave of feminism in the United States, leading to the formation of the National Organization for Women (NOW) in 1966. By 1970, over 1 million copies had been sold, and surveys showed a direct link between the book and the rise in women seeking employment and higher education. Friedan’s work is still cited today in discussions about gender equality and women’s rights.

3. “Silent Spring” by Rachel Carson

Rachel Carson’s “Silent Spring,” published in 1962, is often credited with launching the modern environmental movement. Carson, a marine biologist, meticulously documented the dangers of pesticides, especially DDT, on wildlife and human health. Her book led to a nationwide ban on DDT and the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1970. A Gallup poll in 2007 named Carson as one of the most influential Americans of the 20th century. Her work inspired earth-friendly legislation and is required reading in environmental science classes across the U.S. “Silent Spring” still resonates as a call to protect the natural world.

4. “Beloved” by Toni Morrison

Toni Morrison’s “Beloved,” published in 1987, delves deep into the haunting legacy of slavery. The novel won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1988 and was later adapted into a film. Morrison’s poetic, brutal storytelling forced readers to confront the psychological scars endured by African Americans. According to a 2023 report from the American Library Association, “Beloved” remains one of the most frequently challenged books in schools, proving its ongoing impact and controversy. Morrison’s influence is seen in countless classrooms and discussions about race, memory, and trauma in America.

5. “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou’s groundbreaking autobiography, published in 1969, was one of the first to openly discuss the realities of sexual abuse and racism. The book spent two years on The New York Times bestseller list and has sold over 6 million copies. Angelou’s powerful narrative shattered taboos and became a beacon for Black women’s writing. In 2021, the U.S. Mint honored her legacy by putting her image on the quarter, highlighting her cultural significance. “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” is still required reading in many American schools and universities.

6. “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston

First published in 1937, Zora Neale Hurston’s novel was largely ignored until Black feminist writers revived it in the 1970s. Today, “Their Eyes Were Watching God” is recognized as a classic, exploring themes of race, gender, and self-discovery. In a 2018 survey by the Library of Congress, it ranked among the most beloved American novels. Hurston’s unique voice and use of Black vernacular set a precedent for generations of writers. The novel’s influence is seen in literature, film, and even music, with references by artists like Beyoncé.

7. “The Color Purple” by Alice Walker

Alice Walker’s “The Color Purple,” published in 1982, won both the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award. The novel’s unflinching look at racism, sexism, and violence in the early 20th-century South sparked fierce debate and led to a major motion picture and Broadway musical. According to the American Library Association, it is one of the most frequently challenged books due to its candid themes. Still, it has sold more than 5 million copies and is celebrated for its portrayal of Black women’s resilience. The phrase “Dear God” that opens many of the book’s letters has become iconic in U.S. literature.

8. “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott

Louisa May Alcott’s “Little Women” has never been out of print since its first appearance in 1868. The coming-of-age story of the March sisters broke new ground by centering on women’s ambitions, dreams, and independence. A 2020 survey by PBS ranked it among the top ten most influential novels in America. Alcott’s depiction of strong, complex female characters continues to inspire readers and filmmakers alike, with multiple adaptations released over the past century. “Little Women” remains a touchstone for discussions about women’s roles and choices.

9. “The Joy Luck Club” by Amy Tan

Amy Tan’s 1989 novel “The Joy Luck Club” brought Chinese American stories into the mainstream. The book spent 40 weeks on The New York Times bestseller list and has sold over 6 million copies worldwide. Tan’s intergenerational narrative helped pave the way for greater diversity in publishing. In 2022, the book was celebrated in a Smithsonian exhibition on Asian American literature. “The Joy Luck Club” remains a touchstone for immigrant stories and mother-daughter relationships.

10. “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood

Though Canadian, Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale” has profoundly shaped American cultural and political discourse since its 1985 release. The dystopian novel’s warnings about authoritarianism and reproductive rights have become rallying points for activists, especially following the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 decision overturning Roe v. Wade. Sales surged by 200% in the weeks following the ruling, according to NPD BookScan. The TV adaptation won multiple Emmy Awards and cemented the book’s status as a cultural touchstone.

11. “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee

Harper Lee’s 1960 novel “To Kill a Mockingbird” transformed the way America talked about race and justice. It won the Pulitzer Prize and has sold more than 40 million copies. A 2019 survey by the American Library Association found it remains one of the most assigned books in U.S. schools. Lee’s character Atticus Finch became a symbol of moral integrity, while Scout’s narrative opened new doors for young female protagonists. The novel’s impact is still felt in today’s debates on racial equality.

12. “A Room of One’s Own” by Virginia Woolf

Published in 1929, “A Room of One’s Own” laid the intellectual groundwork for feminist thought in the U.S. Woolf’s argument that women need financial independence and personal space to create art resonated with American suffragists and modern feminists alike. The book is frequently cited in scholarly research and feminist manifestos. A 2023 article in The Atlantic credited Woolf with inspiring generations of women to pursue professional and creative ambitions, making her work a timeless call for equality.

13. “The House on Mango Street” by Sandra Cisneros

Sandra Cisneros’s 1984 novel has become a staple in American classrooms, celebrated for its lyrical depiction of Latina identity and urban life. The book has sold over 6 million copies and is often recognized as the first mainstream U.S. novel to center on a Chicana protagonist. In a 2022 interview, Cisneros noted that her book helped pave the way for Latinx writers in America. “The House on Mango Street” continues to influence literature, curriculum, and cultural conversations.

14. “Bad Feminist” by Roxane Gay

Roxane Gay’s 2014 essay collection “Bad Feminist” redefined what it means to be a feminist in the 21st century. The book became a New York Times bestseller and was named one of the best books of the decade by NPR. Gay’s blend of personal stories and sharp analysis struck a chord in a time of social media activism and #MeToo. Surveys show her work has inspired young women to speak out about intersectionality and social justice. “Bad Feminist” remains a touchstone in modern feminist thought.

15. “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot

Rebecca Skloot’s 2010 nonfiction book tells the true story of Henrietta Lacks, a Black woman whose cancer cells were taken without her consent and used for groundbreaking medical research. The book spent 75 weeks on The New York Times bestseller list and has been adapted into an Emmy-nominated HBO film. It sparked new discussions about medical ethics, race, and consent, leading to changes in research policy. By 2024, universities across the U.S. reported using the book in bioethics curricula.

16. “The Second Sex” by Simone de Beauvoir

Though written by a French author, “The Second Sex” became an intellectual touchstone in American feminist circles after its English translation in 1953. De Beauvoir’s analysis of women’s oppression and her famous quote, “One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman,” became rallying cries in the U.S. feminist movement. The book is cited in over 10,000 scholarly articles and remains a foundational text in women’s studies programs. Its impact is visible in the ongoing debates about gender and equality.

17. “Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic” by Alison Bechdel

Alison Bechdel’s 2006 graphic memoir broke new ground by exploring LGBTQ+ identity, family secrets, and mental health. “Fun Home” won numerous awards, including the Stonewall Book Award, and was adapted into a Tony Award-winning Broadway musical. The memoir is frequently challenged in schools for its candid content, according to the American Library Association. Bechdel’s work introduced a new level of acceptance and visibility for queer voices in American literature and pop culture.

18. “In the Time of the Butterflies” by Julia Alvarez

Published in 1994, Julia Alvarez’s novel tells the true story of the Mirabal sisters, who resisted dictatorship in the Dominican Republic and became symbols of courage in the U.S. Latino community. The book is frequently used in American high school and college curricula. In 2024, the Library of Congress included Alvarez in its “Living Legends” list, citing her influence on U.S. literature and social justice. The novel continues to inspire activism and awareness of human rights.

19. “Sister Outsider” by Audre Lorde

Audre Lorde’s 1984 collection of essays and speeches became a cornerstone of Black feminist and LGBTQ+ thought. Her writing challenged racism, sexism, and homophobia with fierce clarity. In a 2023 report, the National Women’s History Museum credited Lorde’s work with shaping intersectional feminism in the U.S. “Sister Outsider” is required reading in countless gender studies courses and is quoted at marches and rallies to this day.

20. “The Warmth of Other Suns” by Isabel Wilkerson

Isabel Wilkerson’s 2010 masterpiece tells the epic story of the Great Migration, when millions of African Americans moved from the South to the North. The book won the National Book Critics Circle Award and was named one of the best nonfiction books of the decade by The New York Times. Wilkerson’s research brought new understanding to American demographics and civil rights history. “The Warmth of Other Suns” is now considered essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the complexity of race in America.