This Women’s History Month, one of the greatest ways to honor those who came before us is to celebrate the extraordinary lives of some phenomenal ladies.

We’ve rounded up 11 biographies of 11 vastly different women, whose remarkable — and often controversial — journeys will inspire and educate.

1. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

Henrietta Lacks unknowingly contributed to medical and scientific marvels like the polio vaccine, in vitro fertilization and gene mapping. The Southern tobacco farmer has been immortalized by “HeLa,” or, the cells of her cervical cancer, and her story sheds a light on the dark history of medical experimentation on black Americans.

2. Frida: A Biography of Frida Kahlo by Hayden Herrera

The Mexican artist was one of the most influential figures of the 20th century, known primarily for her inspiring and honest depictions of womanhood through art, as well as her friendships with other important cultural and political figures and her tumultuous relationship with fellow artist Diego Rivera.