Find a New Hero: 10 Stories of Great American Women

Amelia Earhart
Amelia Earhart

Looking for a summer read? Why not get inspired by reading one of these 10 biographies about amazing women who changed our world.

1. Amelia: A Life of the Aviation Legend, Katherine V. Dillon & Donald M. Goldstein

An impressive account of one of the 20th-century's most exciting, adventurous women, whose disappearance remains a mystery to this day.



Sojourner Truth
Sojourner Truth

2. Sojourner Truth: A Life, a Symbol, Nell Irvin Painter

A former slave, Truth tells a story of overcoming incredible adversity and taking a stand that culminates with her famed speech, "Ain't I a Woman?"




Mary Kay
Mary Kay


3. Mary Kay: The Story of America's Most Dynamic Businesswoman, Mary Kay Ash

This self-made businesswoman's autobiography chronicles the creation of a cosmetics empire that's all about empowering other women to succeed.



Abigail Adams
Abigail Adams


4. Abigail Adams: A Biography, Phyllis Lee Levin

A woman ahead of her time, this wife and mother of presidents urged her colonial contemporaries to recognize women's rights. Buy the book



Katharine Graham
Katharine Graham


5. Personal History, Katharine Graham

This Pulitzer Prize-winning account of her life tells the story of a woman in a man's world who rose to the occasion and succeeded beyond her wildest dreams.




Georgia O'Keeffe
Georgia O'Keeffe


6. Portrait of an Artist: A Biography of Georgia O'Keeffe, Laurie Lisle

With a life that was just as captivating as her art, O'Keeffe broke the all rules for women artists of her time.




Margaret Mead
Margaret Mead


7. Margaret Mead: A Life, Jane Howard

Howard's definitive biography of the famed anthropologist covers Mead's professional accomplishments, three marriages, intense friendships, and groundbreaking travels.



Wilma Rudolph
Wilma Rudolph


8. Wilma, Wilma Rudolph

An autobiography that tells the dramatic personal story of this indomitable woman who became a great Olympic athlete.

Related Link: Paris in Love Excerpt by Eloisa James



Gloria Steinem
Gloria Steinem


9. Education of a Woman: The Life of Gloria Steinem, Carolyn G. Heilbrun

Go behind the scenes of one of today's most fascinating and influential women. Keep in mind that this story is far from over; the famed feminist is still making history.




Clara Barton
Clara Barton

10. Clara Barton: Professional Angel, Elizabeth Brown

Pryor A look at the personal and professional life of one of America's greatest humanitarians, a nurse during the Civil War who became president of the Red Cross.


More from Good Housekeeping: