OUR 2025 YEAR-END READING LIST

Stories That Inspired Us, Moved Us, and Kept Us Going

As we wrap up 2025, we find ourselves returning to one consistent truth: none of our work would be possible without you. Your belief in young women and gender expansive youth’s leadership fuels this movement every single day. Because of your partnership, more young people are stepping into their power, advocating for change, and shaping the future of our democracy.

This season, we wanted to share something special with you—a reflection of what has inspired us this year. Our team curated a list of our favorite reads, including 10 powerful nonfiction books, 10 imaginative fiction books, and 6 additional books authored by members of the IGNITE community. We hope these stories spark joy, learning, and thought-provoking conversations!

Nonfiction 

  1. 107 Days by Kamala Harris
  2. Almost Everything: Notes on Hope by Anne Lamott
  3. A Mind Spread Out on the Ground by Alicia Elliot
  4. Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience by Brené Brown
  5. The Good Immigrant: 26 Writers Reflect on America by Nikesh Shukla
  6. In The Country We Love: My Family Divided by Diane Guerrero
  7. Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men by Caroline Criado Perez
  8. The Love Songs of W. E. B. Du Bois by Honorée Fanonne Jeffers
  9. Nations Apart: How Clashing Regional Cultures Shattered America by Colin Woodard
  10. Trick Mirror: Reflections on Self-Delusion by Jia Tolentino

Fiction 

  1. An American Marriage by Tayari Jones
  2. Clytemnestra by Costanza Casati
  3. Firekeepers Daughter by Angeline Boulley
  4. In the Lives of Puppets by TJ Klune
  5. James by Percival Everett
  6. The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
  7. The Names by Florence Knapp
  8. The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen
  9. There Are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak
  10. The Unmaking of June Farrow by Adrienne Young

More Books from our IGNITE community 

  1. Her Work, Live Love Lead: A Woman's Guide to Living on Purpose by Tanna Abraham
  2. How to Raise a Citizen by Lindsay Cormack
  3. Limitless: The Uncompromising Path to Mastery and Success by Eugena Jordan
  4. The Politics of Gen Z: How the Youngest Voters Will Shape Our Democracy by Melissa Deckman
  5. Unleashed: The Unapologetic Leader’s Guide to Empowering Everyone Around You by Anne Morriss and Frances Frei
  6. Voting with Mommy by Jocelyn Yow

We also invite you to read through The Power of 15, our 15-year impact report, a celebration of our growth, our incredible alumni, and the future we are building together. 

Thank You for Being Part of Our Story

As we close out the year, we are filled with gratitude. Thank you for standing with IGNITE, believing in young women’s leadership, and helping us create a future where all young people have the power to shape their communities.

From our family to yours, we wish you a joyful and restorative holiday season.

With gratitude,
 The IGNITE Team