Born Reading

This collection of twenty short-form biographies reveals how foundational reading experiences shaped some of history's most influential women, from Cleopatra to Audre Lorde and Taylor Swift. Kathleen Krull demonstrates how early literary engagement wasn't just a pastime but a critical catalyst that empowered these women to reshape their worlds. The book connects diverse figures across centuries through their shared childhood passion for books, showing how reading became their superpower for challenging conventions and achieving extraordinary impact. Each profile illustrates the transformative potential of literature in developing the confidence and vision needed to make history.

What distinguishes this work is its compelling argument that literacy serves as revolutionary fuel, tracing direct lines between childhood reading habits and adult accomplishments across varied fields. The carefully curated selection of women—spanning ancient rulers, modern activists, and contemporary artists—creates a powerful narrative about universal access to empowerment through books. Teen readers will find both inspiration and validation in these stories, recognizing their own potential in the journeys of women who turned pages into pathways for change. This isn't just biography—it's a manifesto for how reading cultivates the courage to rewrite the rules.