Timely Take-aways: Strong Women through History

From medieval times to the present, several new books explore strong women through history and why they are often misrepresented, overlooked, or unheard.

Brave Hearted: The Women of the American West 
Katie Hickman, 2022, Spiegel & Grau             
Themes: US History, American West, Women

Through a wide range of primary source documents, explore the little-known world of diverse women who survived harsh landscapes and circumstances.

Take-aways: Update the curriculum to include first-hand accounts of diverse women of Native American, African, and Chinese descent.

The Dark Queens: The Bloody Rivalry that Forged the Medieval World
Shelley Puhak, 2022, Bloomsbury, Macmillan       
Themes: World History, Medieval, Women

During 6th century, two powerful women of the Merovingian Empire ruled for decades while balancing statecraft and family life.

Take-aways: Use these queens to show how history often misrepresents women’s contributions.

Poor Richard’s Women: Deborah Read Franklin and the Other Women Behind the Founding Father
Nancy Rubin Stuart, 2022, Beacon Press, Penguin Random House       
Themes: US History

Readers are introduced to the many women who impacted the life of Benjamin Franklin.

Take-aways: Update the Colonial Period curriculum to include the women who surrounded the men who are often the focus on US history courses. Discuss the use of personal correspondence in historical research.

Women Healers: Gender, Authority, and Medicine in Early Philadelphia 
Susan H. Brandt, 2022, University of Pennsylvania Press         
Themes: US History, Women

Explore the role of women in medical science through the works of Elizabeth Coates Paschall and the accomplishments of other practitioners of European, African and Native American descent.

Take-aways: Share the authoritative medical work of diverse women during the mid-19th century.

Off with Her Head: Three Thousand Years of Demonizing Women of Power
Eleanor Herman, 2022, William Morrow: HarperCollins                   
Themes: History, Women

From the ancient world to the politics of today, trace the history of misogyny against women.

Take-aways: Use the book’s humorous examples to discuss with students the different ways women of power have been portrayed through history.

Warrior Queens & Quiet Revolutionaries
Kate Mosse, 2023, Mantle: Macmillan                                             
Themes: History, Women

Through a diverse cast of women from around the world along with personal connections, Mosse addresses why the achievements of women are often overlooked or under-represented.

Take-aways: Explore Mosse’s book for unique women that will bring history alive for students.

Young Queens: Three Renaissance Women and the Price of Power

Leah Redmond, 2023, Farrar, Straus & Giroux                   
Themes: History, Europe, Women

In the sixteenth-century, Catherine de’ Medici, Elisabeth de Valois, and Mary, Queen of Scots transformed Europe.

Take-aways: Use the intertwining lives of these three women to demonstrate the different ways women were able to survive and thrive in male dominated societies.

Whether helping educators keep up-to-date in their subject-areas, promoting student reading in the content-areas, or simply encouraging nonfiction leisure reading, teacher librarians need to be aware of the best new titles across the curriculum and how to activate life-long learning. - Annette Lamb

Synergy: Birka Viking Warrior

BIRKA VIKING WARRIOR was a 10th century professional woman soldier. First discovered in the 1870s, the bones were originally thought to be male. Recent DNA research confirmed that the skeleton was female. Artifacts in the grave indicate that the warrior woman was likely known for her battle strategy.

Read the recently published nonfiction book for young adults, then learn more at the websites:

THE BONES OF BIRKA by C.M. Surrisi traces the story of a 10th century Viking warrior women from her discovery in the 19th century to Dr. Charlotte Hedenstierna-Johnson’s recent DNA analysis. Of particular note is how the book challenges traditional gender roles in ancient societies and traditional research bias. ARC courtesy of Chicago Review Press.

An article in the AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY provides details of the research.

To read the article, go to http://uu.diva-portal.org/smash/record.jsf?pid=diva2%3A1160189&dswid=9775

An article in SMITHSONIAN MAGAZINE discusses the latest evidence that Birka was a woman Viking warrior.

To read the article, go to https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/researchers-reaffirm-famed-ancient-viking-warrior-was-biologically-female-180971541/

An article in LIVE SCIENCE also discusses the Viking warrior woman.

To read the article, go to https://www.livescience.com/64816-woman-viking-warrior-burial.html

Timely Take-aways for life-long Learners: Modern European History: A Fresh Look

 

Several new works of nonfiction provide fresh insights into early modern and modern European history. Beyond the violence and wars, these books examine the period through archaeology, political actions, and the roles of women.

Bosworth: The Archaeology of the Battlefield
Richard Mackinder, Feb 2022, Pen and Sword Military, Casemate Publishers
Themes: History, Military

Richard Mackinder uses the latest archaeological research to take readers step-by-step through the Battle of Bosworth (1485) that began the early modern era.

Take-aways: Use this fascinating work to help youth better understanding the role of physical evidence and archaeology in understanding key historical events.

William of Orange and the Fight for the Crown of England: The Glorious Revolution
Brian Best, Oct 2021, Frontline Books, Casemate Publishers
Themes: Biography, History, Military

Known as the Glorious Revolution, Protestant William of Orange and his troops ousted Catholic King James. Brian Best takes readers through the Stuart dynasty from 1660 to 1714 on an exploration of the key acts passed by Parliament and the major religious conflicts of the period along with the life of King William III of England, Scotland, and Ireland.

Take-aways: Use this work of nonfiction to talk with youth about how conflicts were settled not only by violence, but also through Acts of Parliament.

The House of Orange in Revolution and War: An European History, 1772-1890
Jeroen Koch, Dik Van Der Meulen, Jeroen Van Zenten, May 2022, Reaktion Books, University of Chicago Press
Themes: History, Europe

This sweeping history of the House of Orange-Nassau takes readers from the 18th century into the 20th century. Exploring three Dutch Kings, this fast-paced narrative examines the transnational impact of this period.

Take-aways: Use this book to review the key people, places, and events of European history through the lens of the House of Orange-Nassau.

When Women Ruled the World: Making the Renaissance in Europe
Maureen Quilligan, Dec 2022, Liveright, an imprint of W. W. Norton
Themes: History, Europe, Tudor & Elizabethan Era (1485-1603)

Quilligan’s engaging work of nonfiction demonstrates how powerful women challenged tradition by creating strategic alliances and assuming political authority. Through gift giving and political ingenuity, four Queens figured out a way to flourish in a male dominated world.

Take-aways: Use this book as an outstanding example of revisionist history that seeks to demonstrate how creative, intelligent women impacted the European monarchy.

The Tudors in Love:Passion and Politics in the Age of England’s Most Famous Dynasty
Sarah Gristwood, Dec 2022, St. Martin’s Press, an imprint of Macmillan
Themes: History, Europe, Great Britain, Tudor & Elizabethan Era (1485-1603)

Romantic courtly love played a key role in politics and international diplomacy during the Tudor dynasty. Sarah Gristwood takes readers through the drama and obsessions that shaped the era.

Take-aways: Teens love drama. Use Gristwood’s captivating history to bring this period alive for students.

Whether helping educators keep up-to-date in their subject-areas, promoting student reading in the content-areas, or simply encouraging nonfiction leisure reading, teacher librarians need to be aware of the best new titles across the curriculum and how to activate life-long learning. - Annette Lamb

Timely Take-aways for life-long Learners: Strong Women Around the World

From a planetary scientist to a pirate’s wife, several new autobiographies and biographies explore the lives of lesser-known women through history. Whether using her position as first lady to support educational projects or solving crimes on the high seas, these nontraditional women left powerful legacies.

A Portrait of the Scientist as a Young Woman: A Memoir
Lindy Elkins-Tanton, May 2022, William Morrow, HarperCollins
Themes: Memoir, Science, Women

Elkins-Tanton overcame a traumatic childhood and ovarian cancer to become the principal investigator on a major space exploration project. Her engaging story shares personal connections with science and how these experiences lead her to find meaning in life.

Take-aways: Teachers will find useful examples that demonstrate how to nurture a passion for science in students, particularly young women.

A Woman of Adventure:
The Life and Times of First Lady Lou Henry Hoover
Annette B. Dunlap, June 2022, Potomac Books and Longleaf Services
Themes: Biography, First Ladies, Women

While supporting her husband’s political career and the needs of her family, Lou Henry Hoover was still able to promote educational opportunities for women. This engaging biography shares the fascinating life and powerful legacy of this less-known first lady.

Take-aways: Students are likely familiar with first ladies such as Eleanor Roosevelt. Use this biography to demonstrate the achievements of first lady Lou Henry Hoover.

Woman, Captain, Rebel:
The Extraordinary True Story of a Daring Icelandic Sea Captain
Margaret Willson, January 2023, Sourcebooks
Themes: Biography, Maritime History, Women

This fast-paced, well-researched biography tells the story of Captain Thurídur Einarsdóttir, a woman who fought for human rights as Iceland’s most famous female sea captain. Whether solving a robbery or challenging social norms, this powerful woman fought for underrepresented Icelanders.

Take-aways: Women’s stories are underrepresented in the world history curriculum. Feature the story of Captain Thurídur Einarsdóttir to demonstrate the ongoing struggles of women in nontraditional roles.

The Pirate’s Wife: The Remarkable True Story of Sarah Kidd
Daphne Palmer Geanacopoulos, Dec 2022, Hanover Square Press, HarperCollins
Themes: Biography, Maritime History, Women

During the Golden Age of Piracy, socialite turned legendary accomplice Sarah Kidd fought behind the scenes in support of her infamous pirate husband. This work of narrative nonfiction connects this resourceful woman to the larger story of pirate wives.

Take-aways: Traditional pirate stories overlook the role wives played in support of their swashbuckling husbands. Weave this example into the broader context of the Golden Age of Piracy.

In Search of Amrit Kaur: A Lost Princess and Her Vanished World
Livia Manera Sambuy, Mar 2023, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, Macmillan
Themes: Biography, World History, Women

Livia Manera Sambuy traces the forgotten story of H. H. Amrit Kaur of Mandi, a woman who left her family for personal freedom and spoke out for women’s rights.

Take-aways: Teachers are always looking for less-known stories and perspectives.

Whether helping educators keep up-to-date in their subject-areas, promoting student reading in the content-areas, or simply encouraging nonfiction leisure reading, teacher librarians need to be aware of the best new titles across the curriculum and how to activate life-long learning. - Annette Lamb

Synergy: Prudence Cummings Wright

PRUDENCE CUMMINGS WRIGHT (1740-1824) organized and lead a women’s militia in Pepperell, Massachusetts during the American Revolution.

Read the recently published picture book, then learn more at the websites:

REVOLUTIONARY PRUDENCE WRIGHT: LEADING THE MINUTE WOMEN IN THE FIGHT FOR INDEPENDENCE written by Beth Anderson and illustrated by Susan Reagan tells the inspiring story of Prudence Wright and the “minute women” of Pepperell, Massachusetts. Organizing and leading a group of resourceful women, she rallies support against British policies and defends her town against Tory invaders.

PRUDENCE WRIGHT from the American Battlefield Trust provides a short biography.

Go to https://www.battlefields.org/learn/biographies/prudence-wright

PRUDENCE WRIGHT AND THE WOMEN WHO GUARDED THE BRIDGE is a book written by Mary Shattuck in 1912 providing details about Wright and her minute women. It contains interesting references to primary source materials.

Go to http://www.pepperellhistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/PrudenceWright.pdf

COVERED BRIDGE OVER THE NASHUA RIVER is an article at the Pepperell MA townsite describing the history of the bridge in the story. 

Go to https://town.pepperell.ma.us/160/Covered-Bridge-Over-the-Nashua-River

BETH ANDERSON’s website contains resources for teachers interested in using the book in the curriculum.

Go to https://bethandersonwriter.com/revolutionary-prudence-wright-leading-the-minute-women-in-the-fight-for-independence/

ARC courtesy of Calkins Creek/Astra Books for Young Readers.

Synergy: Women’s History

Women’s history studies the role females played in history. This includes how women and their perspectives are (or aren’t) represented in standard historical references. Specifically, women’s history includes their struggle for equality and freedom along with recognition for contributions overlooked by traditional historical sources.

Read the recently published work of graphic nonfiction, then learn more at the website.

GOOD GIRLS DON’T MAKE HISTORY by Elizabeth Kiehner, Kara Coyle, and Keith Olwell is a powerful and visually stunning work of graphic nonfiction. Young adults will immediately connect with the contemporary issues of voter suppression including long lines to vote. Through short, focused vignettes, readers learn about women’s history while also exploring larger issues of enslaved people, indigenous people, and others facing challenges to their human rights. Weaving in lesser known stories along with well-known turning points, the graphic history includes images and references to primary source documents and quotes from key figures.

The WOMAN’S SUFFRAGE TIMELINE from the National Women’s History Museum contains dozens of key events in women’s history. The website also includes resources for students and educators along with biographies, articles, and online exhibits.

To explore the timeline, go to https://bit.ly/3x5lPSt.

To visit the National Women’s History Museum, go to https://womenshistory.org/

ARC courtesy of Wide Eyed Editions. Distributed by the Quarto Group.

Synergy: Dark Matter and Vera Rubin

Dark matter is made up of particles that do not emit, reflect, or absorb light. It can’t be seen directly or detected through electromagnetic radiation, so we only know about it through its effect on objects that we can observe.

Vera Rubin (1928-2016) was an American astronomer who provided some of the first scientific evidence of dark matter and expanded our understanding of how galaxies work.

Read the informational picture book for youth, then learn more at the website:

THE STUFF BETWEEN THE STARS is a biographical picture book exploring the life of astronomer Vera Rubin. This inspirational story shares the challenges Rubin had as a woman astronomer along with the process of making her discoveries about dark matter and the universe.

VERA RUBIN AND DARK MATTER is a short article about Rubin and her scientific discoveries from the American Museum of Natural History.

To read the article, go to https://bit.ly/3i5HAgZ.

Open Mind’s VERA RUBIN AND DARK MATTER is an engaging short video exploring her life and work.

To watch the video, go to https://youtu.be/pkrljGUJOPA

DARK MATTER from NASA’s SpacePlace explains the basics of dark matter to children.

To read the article, go to https://go.nasa.gov/3i12AWe.

ARC courtesy of Abrams for Young Readers.

Synergy: Women of STEM

Historically, women have been under-represented in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). According to a AAUW report, women make up only 28% of the STEM workforce. Gender gaps are particularly high in computing and engineering. Recent support for STEM education increases the likelihood that more young women may select these careers.

Read the informational book for youth, then learn more at the website:

WONDER WOMEN OF SCIENCE written by Tiera Fletcher and Ginger Rue and illustrated by Sally Wern Comport explores a dozen STEM professionals who have made major contributions to science. Each biography contains a fact box and short narrative with illustrations. Readers learn about the spark that got them started, their eureka moment, note to self, note to you, and words to live by. Each narrative concluded with information about their specializations. The book concludes with a glossary and suggestions for activities and further reading.

THE UNTOLD HISTORY OF WOMEN IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY is a webpage sharing the diverse stories of women across the fields of science, technology, engineering and math. Users can read a short biography, then listen to a SoundCloud podcast that shares their story. To explore this resource, go to https://bit.ly/3wwR89E.

The AAUW’s THE STEM GAP report shares research regarding women in science, technology, engineering and math. To read the report, go to https://bit.ly/3dD729K.

ARC courtesy of Candlewick Press.

Synergy: Grand Prix Racing

Grand Prix racing is a motorsport competition that began at the turn of the 20th century in France. Today, it’s known as formula racing.

Read the recently published books, then learn more at the websites:

THE RACERS by Neal Bascomb is a young readers’ adaptation of the adult title FASTER. It tells the true story of how an outcast driver, an American heiress, and a legendary car beat Hitler’s best. The combination of fascinating characters, world history, and racing will appeal to a broad audience. This well-research title incorporates historical photos, maps, and detailed race information. Teens with an interest in racing may prefer to read the adult edition.

To learn more about Rene Dreyfus, go to https://bit.ly/3j0YMCX.

To learn more about Lucy O’Reilly-Schell, go to https://bit.ly/2YtvZNO

To watch a video from the 1938 Grand Prix de Pau, got to https://youtu.be/LgiYUlEcTlE.

To watch a discussion with the author, go to https://youtu.be/5wUXihroUEk.

ARC courtesy of Focus, an imprint of Scholastic.

Synergy: Biography

From farmers and factory workers to celebrities, biographies tell the stories of people.

Read the recently published children's books, then learn more at the website:

THE BOOK OF KINGS and THE BOOK OF QUEENS are companion reference books from National Geographic that explore the lives of people from around the world. Each thematic chapter includes visionaries, leaders, or scholars who made major contributions. The colorful illustrators and short articles provide a useful introduction to kickstart a deeper exploration of people from all walks of life.

Biography.com explores the lives of thousands of people from around the world. Although the ads can be annoying, the website is well-organized and easy to use. Users can search for individuals or browse by people, nostalgia, celebrity, history and culture, or crime and scandal. Videos are also available.

Biography https://www.biography.com/

ARC courtesy of National Geographic Kids.

500 Women Scientists

500 WOMEN SCIENTISTS is an online project focusing on women scientists.

This online database contains information and resources about female scientists from around the world. The resource also includes ideas and resources for building leaders. In addition, users can locate female scientists across the globe.

To learn more, go to https://500womenscientists.org/

Website Review: National Women's History Museum

The NATIONAL WOMEN’S HISTORY MUSEUM contains exhibits and educational resources focusing on women and their history.

The museum website contains a content section that includes exhibits, articles, resources, and stories. The project uses text, images, audio, video, and interactives to share the rich history of women. The students and educators area provides learning materials including resources, biographies, key topics, and information about National History Day.

Librarians will find this to be a useful starting point for youth working on projects associated with women’s history. Use it to help students select research topics or locate lesser-known stories about the women’s movement.

To visit the website, go to https://www.nwhm.org/.

Book Review: Votes for Women

VOTES FOR WOMEN by Winifred Conkling tells the true story of the suffrage movement in America.

This well-researched, fast-paced nonfiction narrative explores the women that fought for their right to vote. This engaging story explores the successes and failures along with well-known and lesser-known events. The Preface begins with the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment, but the rest of the book transports readers back in time exploring the key people and events that lead to that final vote. The book concludes with key primary source documents, a timeline, bibliography, notes, and an index.

Librarians will find this comprehensive account to be a welcome addition to the nonfiction collection for middle and high school students. The author’s use of primary sources throughout the book make it an excellent choice for evidence-based inquiries. The author’s engaging, conversational style will draw readers who enjoy narrative nonfiction for leisure reading.

Published by Algonquin Young Readers, an imprint of Workman on January 17, 2018. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: Women's Footprint in History

WOMEN’S FOOTPRINT IN HISTORY is an interactive timeline from United Nations Women featuring well and lesser known trailblazers.

The attractive, interactive timeline features a women from history along with connections or implications for today. Students can stroll down through history or click on specific dates on the timeline.

Librarians will find this easy-to-use website useful for information literacy activities related to timelines and history. Involve students in creating their own “then” and “now” screens based on a person not found on the website timeline.

To visit the website, go to http://interactive.unwomen.org/…/womensfootpr…/en/index.html.

Digital Spotlight: National American Woman Suffrage Association

THE NATIONAL AMERICAN WOMAN SUFFRAGE ASSOCIATION COLLECTION from the Library of Congress contains materials related to the suffrage movement of the late 19th and early 20th century.

Contents: Containing over 100 digitized documents, the collection includes many primary sources related to Carrie Chapman Catt along with other members of the movement. Documents include books, pamphlets, photographs, poetry, speeches, and proceedings of conventions.

Classroom Connections: Teachers will find this collection filled with insights into the day-to-day activities of the association and people that led the suffrage movement. Ask students to select a document that reflects a particular aspect of the movement such as arguments for the amendment or speeches in support of women’s rights.

Featured Digital Objects:
Are Women People?
https://www.loc.gov/item/15013348/
An Appeal to the Women of the United States
https://www.loc.gov/item/tmp80018697/
Solitude of Self
https://www.loc.gov/item/93838358/

To visit the collection, go to https://www.loc.gov/…/national-americ…/about-this-collection

Digital Spotlight: Women Working

WOMEN WORKING, 1800-1930 is digital collection including Harvard Library associated with women’s history.

Contents: This collection includes books, diaries, records, magazines, catalogs, manuscripts, photographs, and other items associated with life in the 19th and 20th century.

Classroom Connections: This collection includes resources associated with women’s workplace regulations and conditions, home life, commerce, recreation, health, and social issues. Users can explore materials with a keyword search or by format. The collection also features notable people.

Featured Digital Objects: A teacher resources section highlights resources that can easily be connected to the social studies and history curriculum.

To visit the collection, go to http://ocp.hul.harvard.edu/ww/.

Website Review: Confronting Violence

CONFRONTING VIOLENCE: IMPROVING WOMEN’S LIVES is an online exhibition exploring the history of women’s health issues.

Produced by the U.S. National Library of Medicine, this fascinating online exhibition explores issues in domestic violence and women’s health through history. The exhibition contains six sections: introduction, generations of reformers, nurses take a stand, medicine confronts violence, change is possible, and the work continues. Each section features a short narrative along with primary source documents. The digital gallery provides easy access to a wide range of documents, images, and other materials. The education section connects with lesson plans, higher education resources, online activities, and other resources.

Librarians will find this resource useful in history, social studies, and science classrooms. Students will find the exhibition easy to use and provides inspiration for extended activities. Teachers will find the lessons to be useful for both in-class and out-of-class assignments.

To visit the website, go tohttps://www.nlm.nih.gov/exhi…/confrontingviolence/index.html.

Book Reviews: Fancy Party Gowns

FANCY PARTY GOWNS: THE STORY OF FASHION DESIGNER ANN COLE LOWE by Deborah Blumenthal is a picture book biography.

This beautifully illustrated children’s book tells that story of the first African American women to become a high-end fashion designer. As a child, Ann learned to sew from her mother and grandmother. After the death of her mother, Ann took over her mother’s commissions and later went to design school. Ultimately, she designed dresses for people like Jacqueline Kennedy.

Librarians know that it can be difficult to find biographies of interest to reluctant readers. Students interested in fashion design will be happy to find this book about a little-known designer.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.deborahblumenthal.com/.

Published by Little Bee Books on January 17, 2017. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: Daughters of Paradise

DAUGHTERS OF PARADISE is an interactive website telling the powerful stories of female Syrian refugees.

The website experience tells the story of Noor, Najlaa, and Reem. Each story includes text, still images, sounds, videos, and other elements to bring each person’s story to life.

Librarians will find this to be a useful tool in helping teens understand the impact of the Syrian War on women.

To visit the website, go to http://www.refinery29.com/syrian-refugees/.

Gunpowder Girls

GUNPOWDER GIRLS by Tanya Anderson tells the tragic story of 140 women and girls who were killed in arsenal explosions during the Civil War.

This quick-read is told in three parts including the catastrophes at Allegheny Arsenal, Confederate States Laboratory, and Washington Arsenal. The author weaves in primary source materials and interesting informational pages to bring the events to life for middle and high school readers. The book includes an epilogue, author’s note, endnotes, bibliography, recommended readings, and index.

Librarians will find this book to be a welcome addition to the history collection. Pair it with other little-known events in the American Civil War. Or, connect it with other tragedies in women’s history.

Published by Quindaro Press October 11, 2016. ARC from the publisher.