Amazing Moms from History

10 nonfiction books about courageous mothers who changed the world

In anticipation of Mother's Day, we decided to celebrate some of history's most extraordinary mothers. Motherhood itself is an impressive undertaking. But throughout history, mothers around the world have distinguished themselves with accomplishments of intelligence, bravery, endurance, and strength. Here are ten nonfiction books about exceptional mothers who changed the world.  

Madame Curie

Born in 1867, Marie Sklodowska Curie was the first woman scientist to win worldwide acclaim, earning two Nobel Prizes in Physics and Chemistry. Written by Curie's daughter, renowned international activist Ève Curie, this excellent biography chronicles Curie's legendary life.

The Three Mothers: How the Mothers of Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, and James Baldwin Shaped a Nation

Much has been written about Berdis Baldwin's son James, about Alberta King's son Martin Luther, and Louise Little's son Malcolm. But virtually nothing has been said about the extraordinary women who raised them. Here, scholar Anna Malaika Tubbs celebrates the essential roles they played.

Victoria The Queen: An Intimate Biography of the Woman Who Rules an Empire

In a world where women were often powerless, Victoria ruled the most powerful country on earth with a firm hand. Born in 1819, she became the Queen of England as a teenager, married for love at twenty, and bore nine children, ruling for 63 years. Julia Baird paints a vivid portrait of this fascinating woman.

A Dolores Huerta Reader

Despite her history-making work as a civil rights activist alongside César Chávez, little has  been written about the renowned labor leader—and mother of 11— Dolores Huerta. Mario T. Garcia compiles an informative biographical introduction, Huerta-related articles and book excerpts, and her own writings.

Madame Fourcade's Secret War: The Daring Young Woman Who Led France's Largest Spy Network Against Hitler

In 1941 a 31-year-old Frenchwoman, a young mother born to privilege and known for her beauty and glamor, became the leader of a vast intelligence organization. Lynne Olson tells the fascinating story of Marie-Madeleine Fourcade, a woman who defended her nation, her fellow citizens, and herself.

Grandma Gatewood's Walk: The Inspiring Woman Who Saved the Appalachian Trail

In September 1955, having survived a rattlesnake strike, two hurricanes, and a run-in with Harlem gangsters, 67-year-old Emma Gatewood became the first woman to hike the entire 2,050-mile Appalachian Trail alone. Ben Montgomery shares her extraordinary story and how she saved the trail from extinction.

Eleanor of Aquitaine: A Life

Married to two kings and mother to three kings and two queens, Eleanor of Aquitaine was one of the most powerful women in Europe during the Middle Ages. Alison Weir paints a vibrant portrait of the fascinating figure from works like The Lion in Winter, a 1968 film and Lauren Groff's recent bestseller Matrix.

Prairie Fires: The American Dreams of Laura Ingalls Wilder

Little House readers may believe they already know her, but the story of Laura Ingalls Wilder has never been fully told. Caroline Fraser reveals a nuanced, meticulously researched portrait of the complex woman and chronicles her tumultuous relationship with journalist daughter, Rose Wilder Lane.

Empress Dowager Cixi: The Concubine Who Launched Modern China

Cixi became a royal concubine at age sixteen. When the emperor died in 1861, her five-year-old son became emperor. Launching a palace coup, Cixi ousted the group of regents appointed by her husband and assumed control, ruling for 47 years. Biographer Jung Chang uncovers her fight to modernize China.

The Woman They Could Not Silence: One Woman, Her Incredible Fight for Freedom, and the Men Who Tried to Make Her Disappear 

Wrongly committed to an insane asylum by her controlling husband, Elizabeth Packard, a lively, intelligent mother of six, refused to be silenced. Kate Moore offers the unputdownable story of the forgotten woman who courageously fought for her freedom and that of millions of women like her.

Pro tip: If any of these stories remind you of the powerful mothers in your life, it would probably make a pretty good Mother's Day gift. Just sayin'! 

Read more by Ashly Moore Sheldon