March is Women’s History Month here in the U.S., and I love seeing all of the lists of books by women authors flood my social media timelines. There’s just something special about seeing women’s books on my never-ending TBR. So this week, I’m featuring two books that highlight women throughout history. Each of these books is beautifully illustrated and perfect for gifting. But first, let’s look at bookish goods!
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Bookish Goods
Library Kid Sweatshirt by angiepea
I absolutely adore this Library Kid sweatshirt. I love everything, the font the colors. Just too cute. $30
New Releases
Beautiful People: My Thirteen Truths about Disability by Melissa Blake
When a troll told Melissa Blake that she should be banned from posting photos of herself on the internet, she pushed back by posting selfies of herself smiling. In Beautiful People, Melissa Blake unapologetically tells her story as she recalls the life that led her to become the disability rights advocate and influencer that she is today.
Thunder Song: Essays by Sasha taqʷšəblu LaPointe
Sasha taqʷšəblu LaPointe, a queer Coast Salish author from the Nooksack and Upper Skagit Indian Tribes, returns with this collection of essays that explore ideas around Native identity, environmentalism, and community. Her essays are described as punk, spiritual, and explorations of the creation of art.
For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.
Riot Recommendations
Wonder Women: 25 Innovators, Inventors, and Trailblazers Who Changed History by Sam Maggs, illustrated by Sophia Foster-Dimino
I adore Sam Maggs’ quirky sense of style in her illustrations, which makes this book so delightful. This adorable little book features so many incredible women throughout history. Wonder Women features scientists, adventurers, engineers, athletes, and so many more. I wish I’d had a book like this when I was a girl. It would have sparked my imagination, giving me a chance to see myself in so many different professions, so many possible futures. But even reading this for the first time in my late 20s, I felt so encouraged by how far women have come. Even with so far to go, I was so proud of all the things we have accomplished so far.
Bad Girls Throughout History: 100 Remarkable Women Who Changed the World by Ann Shen
I love Ann Shen’s illustrations. I first found her on Instagram, so when I learned she had a book coming out, I knew I had to get my hot little hands on a copy. It’s a beautifully illustrated book featuring dozens of women who changed the world. Women who have bucked the system and fought for change have long been described as “bad girls.” Shen turns this label on its head, featuring women who used their talents to change the world for the better. If you are looking for the perfect beautiful book, this one is definitely a fantastic option.
That’s it for this week! You can find me over on my substack Winchester Ave, over on Instagram @kdwinchester, on TikTok @kendrawinchester, or on my podcast Read Appalachia. As always, feel free to drop me a line at kendra.d.winchester@gmail.com. For even MORE bookish content, you can find my articles over on Book Riot.
Happy reading, Friends!
~ Kendra