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Talking Books Talk provides news and updates about the Kansas Talking Books Service (KTBS). Talking Books staff will highlight relevant announcements from KTBS and the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped.

Questions: KTB@ks.gov or 800-362-0699

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Mar 25

YA Reads: Women's History Month

Posted on March 25, 2022 at 4:00 PM by Maggie Witte

March has been declared Women’s History Month by the President since 1987. It’s a month that highlights and celebrates the contributions and achievements made by women throughout American history.

We’ve gathered a list of books that honor women and the stories of their accomplishments. Want even more books? Ask our readers’ advisors for more recommendations.

Black and white illustration of a girl in front of lockers with title Moxie in bright pink on top.

DB 90111 Moxie by Jennifer Mathieu

In a small Texas town where high school football and sexist behavior reign supreme, high school student Vivian starts a feminist revolution using anonymously written zines. Strong language and some violence. For senior high and older readers. 2017.

Illustration of the silhouettes of four women standing near a mushroom cloud from an exploding bomb.

DB 105401 Atomic women: the untold stories of the scientists who helped create the nuclear bomb by Roseanne Montillo

The author of The Lady and Her Monsters (DB 76463) reveals the little-known female scientists who were critical to the invention of the atomic bomb during World War II. Discusses their roles in the Manhattan Project, though many were not fully aware of the consequences. For senior high and older readers. 2020.

Illustration of a woman in shades of black and blue.

DB 106367 The woman all spies fear: code breaker Elizabeth Smith Friedman and her hidden life by Amy Butler Greenfield

Recounts the life of Elizebeth Smith Friedman, a top cryptanalyst in America during both WW I and WW II, and also for the Coast Guard's war against smugglers. Friedman had a rare talent for spotting patterns and solving puzzles. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. For senior high and older readers. 2021.

Illustration of a necklace with a pendant made of a red gem held by claws.

DB 98614 Ember queen by Laura Sebastian

With Astrea under the rule of a new leader, Theo returns with a misfit rebel army to fight for her land and her people. But her enemies are more powerful than ever before. Sequel to Lady Smoke (DB 93855). Descriptions of sex. Commercial audiobook. For senior high and older readers. 2020.

Pink, yellow, and teal zigzag lines on a blackground and the title on top in bold teal lettters.

DB 96578 History vs women: the defiant lives that they don’t want you to know by Anita Sarkeesian

Introduction to a range of diverse and remarkable women in history from across the globe. Notable figures are grouped into five categories: reckless rebels, revelatory scholars, ruthless villains, restless artists, and relentless amazons. For junior and senior high and older readers. 2018.

Pink M on a gold background with a pink rectangle underneath the M with the author's signature on

DB 94552 Girl mogul: Dream it. Do it. Change the world by Tiffany Pham

Founder and CEO of Mogul, a successful online platform to share information with women worldwide, presents a guide for helping teens define success, envision it, and make it happen in school, in their personal lives, and at work. Commercial audiobook. For senior high and older readers. 2019.

Illustration of a dark-skinned girl in gold armor, beaded necklaces, gold hair bands, and face paint

DB 104117 The gilded ones by Namina Forna

After a blood ceremony determines that Deka's blood is different, her discriminatory village offers her the choice to submit to a torturous fate or join the emperor's army of near-immortal women warriors. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. For senior high and older readers. 2020.

Image of plane on fire overlayed on an image of a woman looking over her shoulder.

DB 75966 Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein

During World War II, a British spy plane crashes with best friends Maddie and Verity on board. The Gestapo arrests and tortures Verity for information about her mission. She slowly confesses--but it isn't what her tormenters expect. Violence and some strong language. For senior high and older readers. 2012.

Illustration of a dark-skinned girl holding a finger to her chin surrounding by newspaper articles.

DB 104099 Off the record by Camryn Garrett

Teen journalist Josie writes pieces celebrating Black films. She uncovers the #MeToo scandal of the decade: a celebrity of an upcoming movie is taking advantage of cast members. Josie is reluctant to speak up, unsure if this is her story to tell. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. For senior high and older readers. 2021.

Illustration of a flame with sparks coming off it in pink, red, and orange on a black background.

DB 100073 Rules for being a girl by Candace Bushnell

When Marin, a star student and editor of Beacon, works up the courage to report her charismatic English teacher's unwanted advances, no one believes her. Standing her ground, Marin uses the school newspaper to fight back. Strong language. Commercial audiobook. For senior high and older readers. 2020.

Illustration of the back of someone wearing a bright blue jacket with patches of it.

DB 96943 Rebel girls by Elizabeth Keenan

When Athena's pro-life sister is accused of having an abortion, it's up to Athena and friends to go up against their Catholic school in true riot grrrl fashion. Strong language. For senior high and older readers. 2019.