Women’s History Month 2019

Bold & Brave By Kirsten Gillibrand; illustrated by Maira Kalman

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand was inspired by her own great-grandmother, grandmother, and mother to be bold and brave—to stand up and fight for what she believes in. But who inspired them? The long chain of women before them who spoke out for what’s right—women who taught each generation that followed how to be bold and brave.

Here are the stories of ten leaders who strove to win the right to vote for American women—a journey that took more than seventy years of passionate commitment. From well-known figures, such as Susan B. Anthony and Sojourner Truth to lesser-known women such as Alice Paul and Mary Church Terrell, these are heroes who dreamed big and never gave up. Senator Gillibrand highlights an important and pithy lesson from each woman’s life—from “dare to be different” to “fight together.”

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We all know the story of scrappy Alexander Hamilton and his rise in American politics—but how much do we know about his workmate, inspiration, and stabilizing force, Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton? Margaret McNamara employs the letter-writing style of the period to tell the story of Eliza Hamilton, who was born into a family of considerable wealth, power, and influence in Albany, New York, in 1757. Eliza was expected to marry into a similarly powerful family… until she met and fell in love with the charismatic Hamilton. She stood by him throughout his tumultuous life, and after his death, she single-handedly collected his papers and preserved them for historians and musical-theater writers of the future. Eliza outlived Hamilton by fifty years; during that time she founded the first orphanage in New York State, raised funds for the Washington Monument, and kept the flame of her husband’s memory and achievements alive. Featuring Esme Shapiro’s exquisite, thoroughly researched art, which mirrors paintings from 18th-century America, this is a beautiful and informative biography with extensive back matter.

The Pink Hat By Andrew Joyner

Here is a clever story that follows the journey of a pink hat that is swiped out of a knitting basket by a pesky kitten, blown into a tree by a strong wind, and used as a cozy blanket for a new baby, then finally makes its way onto the head of a young girl marching for women’s equality.

Inspired by the 5 million people (many of them children) in 82 countries who participated in the 2017 Women’s March, Andrew Joyner has given us a book that celebrates girls and women and equal rights for all!

Girl Rising By Tanya Lee Stone, in association with Girl Rising

Worldwide, over 130 million girls are not in school.

But one girl with courage is a revolution.

Girl Rising, a global campaign for girls’ education, created a film that chronicled the stories of nine girls in the developing world, allowing viewers the opportunity to witness how education can break the cycle of poverty.

Now, award-winning author Tanya Lee Stone deftly uses new research to illuminate the dramatic facts behind the film, focusing both on the girls captured on camera and many others. She examines barriers to education in depth—early child marriage and childbearing, slavery, sexual trafficking, gender discrimination, and poverty—and shows how removing these barriers means not only a better life for girls, but safer, healthier, and more prosperous communities.

Yes She Can By Compiled by Molly Dillon

They were teens when Barack Obama announced he was running for president.

They came of age in the Obama Era.

And then they joined his White House. Smart, motivated, ambitious—and ready to change the world.

Here are ten inspiring, never-before-told stories from diverse young women who got. Stuff. Done. They recall—fondly and with humor and a dose of humility—what it was like to literally help run the world.

YES SHE CAN is an intimate look at Obama’s presidency through the eyes of some of the most successful, and completely relatable, young women who were there. Full of wisdom they wish they could impart to their younger selves and a message about the need for more girls in government, these recollections are about stepping out into the spotlight and up to the challenge—something every girl can do.

I Look Up To... Michelle Obama By Anna Membrino; illustrated by Fatti Burke

It’s never too early to introduce your child to the people you admire! This board book distills Michelle Obama’s excellent qualities into deliciously illustrated little baby-sized bites, with text designed to share and read aloud.

Each spread highlights an important trait and is enhanced by a quote from Michelle herself. Kids will grow up hearing the words of this influential woman and will learn what YOU value in a person!

I Look Up To... Ruth Bader Ginsburg By Anna Membrino; illustrated by Fatti Burke

It’s never too early to introduce your child to the people you admire! This board book distills Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s excellent qualities into deliciously illustrated little baby-sized bites, with text designed to share and read aloud.

The I LOOK UP TO… series aims to shine a spotlight on women making a difference in the world today, and to encourage young kids to follow in their footsteps!