Submitted by Dr. Melissa Bird, of Natural Born Rebel.
Melissa Bird, PhD, MSW is a passionate feminist whose education in social work has led to a career advocating for children, women, and their families. She is a fierce believer in social justice advocacy and preparing women for leadership roles in politics. As a writer, professor and fiery public speaker, Dr. Bird creates the genesis for a new brand of leadership. Her words awaken revolutionaries, trailblazers and powerful innovators in the quest for justice. She is the proud author of Sage Guide to Social Work Careers: Your Journey to Advocacy.
Reader Advisory is a series in which community and business leaders and our staff offer their top 5 books on any topic. To contribute, e-mail [email protected].
Witch by Lisa Lister
I hadn't given much thought to how much the witch trials of the 1400's brought out the original “mean girls” but this book makes me feel so empowered I just really think everyone should read it and tap into their inner unapologetic badass!
Eleanor Roosevelt by Blanche Wisen Cook
I love Eleanor Roosevelt so much that her signature is tattooed on my arm. There are 3 books written by Blanche Wiesen Cook about Mrs. Roosevelt and they are gorgeous! I teach my students and the women I work with to find their heroes; Eleanor is certainly mine. I have a shrine to her in my house and I own nearly every book she has ever written. Her story is iconic and critical reading. These gems are written in and dog-eared on my bookshelf. I love them!
Radical Reproductive Justice by Loretta J. Ross et al
If you are going to use the term “reproductive justice” in a sentence, then knowing the history of the movement is critical. This book is a life changer for anyone engaged in social justice work. It is everything!
Generation Roe by Sarah Erdreich
Maybe it is because I was interviewed for it, maybe because it is just that good, Generation Roe is a phenomenal book about what it is like for anyone who wants to debate the matter of choice. No matter where you fall on the spectrum, this book is a really phenomenal read by a really remarkable woman.
Sisterhood is Powerful by Robin Morgan et al
My mother was adopted as an infant. A few years ago she met her birth mother. A few months after I was introduced to her she asked me if I wanted her feminist library. I nearly died. First editions of some of the greatest feminist works of all time. This book, which I had read numerous times, was part of the collection. Sometimes I just randomly open it to see what essay I fall on. The words of these legendary activists are sometimes just what I need to keep doing the work that I do.