This year marks the 24th anniversary of Rise: A Feminist Book Project for Ages 0-18, part of the American Library Association’s Feminist Task Force. As I wrap up my tenure on the committee, which produces an annual list of recommended feminist titles for young readers, I’m struck by the fact that our work remains (sadly) more relevant than ever.
The following statement from Rise’s selection criteria stands out to me as critical in a society in which people frequently seem to feel threatened by a diversity of opinions and in which individualistic striving is often valorized over altruism and communal care:
“We recognize that feminism is not a monolith or a single organized movement, and we value voices that expand and challenge our existing understandings of feminism. Feminist books for young readers must move…beyond characters and people who fight to protect themselves without concern for the rights of others. Feminist protagonists call out and work to eliminate sexism and other systemic prejudices.”
The following YA books from our 2025 list exemplify these positive social values and highlight diverse perceptions of feminism. They—and the others on this year’s list—are worthy of sharing far and wide.
The Judgment of Yoyo Gold by Isaac Blum (Philomel, 2024): What happens when an Orthodox rabbi’s daughter who’s always done what’s expected of her starts questioning her community’s gender double standards? In an irresistibly engaging voice, Yoyo relates her personal crusade to expose hypocrisy via an anonymous TikTok account.
Flawless Girls by Anna-Marie McLemore (Feiwel & Friends, 2024): In a world where girls—especially brown girls whose bodies don’t conform—must stifle their true selves, Isla investigates the sinister finishing school that profoundly damaged her sister. She seeks answers for Renata and the other students in this exquisite, gut-wrenching work.
A Greater Goal: The Epic Battle for Equal Pay in Women's Soccer—and Beyond by Elizabeth Rusch (Greenwillow Books, 2024): Readers don’t need to be fans of the beautiful game to become utterly absorbed in this riveting account of the struggle of the U.S. Women’s National Team to receive equal compensation. Their battle with the U.S. Soccer Federation mirrors many other crusades against injustice.
The Race To Be Myself: Young Readers Edition by Caster Semenya (Norton Young Readers, 2024): In this frank, courageous, and heartfelt memoir, the world-record-setting South African Olympian describes how her intimate medical details became the focus of painfully intrusive scrutiny and biased regulation. Her courage in fighting for equity makes her a powerful role model.
Black Girl You Are Atlas by Renée Watson, illustrated by Ekua Holmes (Kokila, 2024): This volume of passionate poems and gorgeous full-page portraits of Black women and girls embodies the spirit of uplifting one another and living as full, vibrant beings: “Gather the women, / the truth-tellers, the wise ones. / Always keep them close.”
Diary of a Confused Feminist by Kate Weston (Simon & Schuster, 2024): As a lone girl—even one with loyal friends ready to take up arms (or cans of spray paint, anyway)—smashing the patriarchy feels like a tall order. Readers will laugh in recognition as Kat, an English teen, wrestles with what feminism means.
Laura Simeon is a young readers’ editor.
