18 Awesome & Compelling Books for Mothering as a Feminist

If you are on the hunt for books for feminist moms, it is most likely because you are wondering how best to go about mothering as a feminist. 

Does being a feminist mean different rules as a parent? You may question whether feminism devalues motherhood in any way, for example. 

I believe a lot of questions that feminist moms grapple with can be answered by self-reflection. By looking inward rather than outward. 

Reading the different schools of thought of feminists of varying backgrounds is a great way to organize your own thoughts as a feminist mom about how you will parent as a feminist.

In this article, you will find a list of some of the most helpful and interesting books for feminist moms that are especially insightful for mothering as a feminist.

18 Books for female empowerment that will be useful for feminist moms

Disclaimer: At no extra cost to you, I may gain a small commission from purchases made through links on this page.

1. Modern Motherhood: An American History by Professor Jodi Vandenberg-Daves

This book looks at the different ways that people have viewed the concept of motherhood over time. It is written by a professor and is therefore scholarly in nature. However, it is written in a way that is very easy to understand. It leaves you feeling inspired and empowered.

2. Things That Helped: On Postpartum Depression by by Jessica Friedmann

This is a beautifully written collection of stories by the author on her journey to recovery from postpartum depression. While not specifically feminist, it is in my list of best feminist books because postpartum depression is commonly faced by new moms of any value system. It is interesting to read how one woman navigated her way out of it.

READ:

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3. Parenting beyond pink and blue by Christia Spears Brown

This book tackles some of the gender stereotypes in society and suggests ways to deal with those stereotypes in a productive way. It goes over some of the biggest issues that parents of today face in their parenting journey and guides parents to focus on their kids’ strengths irrespective of gender.

4. How to raise a feminist son: A Memoir & Manifesto by Sonora Jha 

This is essentially a feminist manifesto targeted at parents of boys. It contains a lot of the author’s life story and that personal touch makes it special.

5. We Live for the We: The Political Power of Black Motherhood by Dani McClain 

Are you a black mom who considers herself a feminist? You will relate to this book. The author is not afraid to go into the politics of the issues that affect her as a black woman. You will find that it is hard to put down.

6. Mother power: a feminist’s guide to motherhood by Poppy O’Neill

This is one of the best feminist books because it is highly relatable. It encourages not just prioritising the wellbeing of your children but also your own self-care.

7. How to Raise a Feminist: Bringing Up Kids With the Confidence to Change the World by Allison Vale

This is a slightly cheeky look at how to raise kids who are strong, empowered and also kind. 

8. Feminist’s guide to raising a little princess by Devorah Blachor 

It is as fun as its title however the author touches on important issues like maternal healthcare. I think it would make a great gift for any girl-mom or someone who is about to become a parent to a girl. Definitely one of the best feminist books available.

9. Mothering While Black: Boundaries and Burdens of Middle-Class Parenthood by Dawn Marie Dow

The author looks at the ways that middle class black moms parent in America while also dealing with protecting their kids’ rights to be themselves.

10. Motherhood So White: A Memoir of Race, Gender, and Parenting in America by Nefertiti Austin 

The author adopted a black boy as a single black women and could not find enough resources to guide her through the experience as a black mother. I would love to read it as it has awesome reviews online.

11. Black Feminist Thought by Patricia Hill Collins

Very well-written and “in-depth” is how I would describe this piece. It is excellent for opening your mind up to black feminist thought. I would say it is a necessary read for any one.

12. Like A Mother by Angela Garbes 

This is one of the best books on female empowerment. It is highly relatable as a mom and very much so warm in tone as it makes you feel like the things you go through as a mother are real and valid. 

13. Motherhood and Women’s Dual Identities: Rewriting the Sexual Contract by Petra Bueskens

This piece of research tells the story of women being empowered in the public sphere and yet still carrying the burden of responsibility of many things at home.

14. The Motherhood Complex: The Story of Our Changing Selves by Melissa Hogenboom

This book is all about the modern mom and the physical, emotional and mental complexities of pregnancy and motherhood.

15. The Way We Never Were: American Families and the Nostalgia Trap by Stephanie Coontz

This book is a great feminist read for moms and moms-to-be as it goes into detail about certain topics that people might struggle to navigate. For example, black motherhood and how couples divide labour in the home.

16. (M)otherhood: On the Choices of Being a Woman by Pragya Agarwal

I put this book in the list of best feminist books because it highlights the limitations of the patriarchy for moms.

17. Mothers and Others: The Evolutionary Origins of Mutual Understanding by Sarah Blaffer Hrdy 

If you like a scientific approach to analysis, you will enjoy this. The author looks at different sources of socialization when it comes to behaviour as parents.

18. Motherhood: A Manifesto by Eliane Glaser

A great view of motherhood through a feminist lens. It points out all the ways in which women become disadvantaged once they become mothers. Especially the social disadvantages faced by moms. It really makes you think and also feel seen as a mom.

Have you already read any of these feminist books?