Women’s History Month – Rise: A Feminist Book Project

Each March, we acknowledge the systemic oppression and celebrate the significant accomplishments of women throughout history and into the present day. In honor of Women’s History Month, the library’s display shelf features titles from our collection that focus on these women – the ordinary and the extraordinary – who remind us that Women’s History is Our History! From picture books to academic analysis, we have something for every reader on display.

Our juvenile and YA collection has recently expanded after librarian Sara Beth Coffman donated the 60+ titles found on the 2025 Rise: A Feminist Book Project booklist. Sara Beth serves on this award committee, part of the Social Responsibilities Round Table of the American Library Association (ALA). This dedicated team of readers works year-round to identify those books published for young readers (birth-18) which represent quality feminist literature:

For this committee, feminist books for young readers must move beyond merely “spunky” and “feisty” young women, beyond characters and people who fight to protect themselves without concern for the rights of others. Feminist protagonists call out and work to eliminate sexism and other systemic prejudices, actively shaping their destinies. They break bonds forced by society as they defy stereotypical expectations and show resilience in the face of societal strictures. People who are not women can also play an important part in questioning and defying gender and/or sex roles. In addition, feminist books show women solving problems, gaining personal power, and empowering others. They celebrate girls and women as a vibrant, vital force in the world.

To be included on the list, a book must be nominated by a committee member. Then, at least 4 additional readers must agree that it meets the selection criteria for inclusion. These decisions are made over a 4-day deliberation period each January, with the list publishing soon after. The committee also selects a Top Ten list, noting those titles found to be most distinguished:

• The Judgment of Yoyo Gold by Isaac Blum
• Plain Jane and the Mermaid by Vera Brosgol
• Bright Red Fruit by Safia Elhillo
• Ida B. Wells Marches for the Vote by Dinah Johnson, illustrated by Jerry Jordan
• The Beautiful Game by Yamile Saied Méndez
• Find Her by Ginger Reno
• The Race to Be Myself: Young Readers Edition by Caster Semenya
• The Unboxing of a Black Girl by Angela Shanté
• Black Girl You Are Atlas by Renée Watson, illustrated by Ekua Holmes
• Diary of a Confused Feminist by Kate Weston

Our display highlights some notable facts from women’s history with QR codes available for those who would like to read further. Patrons can also find printed copies of the 2025 Rise list, making it easy to request titles that might not currently be on display. Featuring a broad mix of historical fiction, biographies, YA non-fiction, graphic novels, fantasy, memoir, realistic fiction, and more, there is something in the list for every age and every interest.  The population of adults who read YA titles continues to grow, so whether you are looking for something for yourself or a younger member of the family, come check out our display and be inspired. 

Celebrate Women in STEM

For Women’s History Month we’ve decided to focus on the history and importance of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).  

We have a selection of books at the front of the library available for adults and children.  

Adult books: 

cover of Broad Band

Broad Band: The Untold Story of the Women Who Made the Internet by Claire L. Evans explores the contributions of women to computer science. Women profiled in this book include Ada Lovelace, Grace Hopper, Elizabeth "Jake" Feinler, Stacy Horn and others.  

Cover of The Future of Tech is Female

The Future of Tech Is Female: How to Achieve Gender Diversity by Douglas M. Branson discusses the importance of women in tech leadership and current systemic struggles women face in the technology field. Branson offers solutions for creating a more inclusive and equitable tech culture for women.  

Cover of Women and Ideas in Engineering

Women and Ideas in Engineering: Twelve Stories from Illinois by Laura D. Hahn and Angela S. Wolters details the lives and contributions of some of the first women engineers to graduate from College of Engineering at the University of Illinois. Hahn and Wolters also show how the field of engineering has changed for current women students and recent graduates of the college.  

Children’s Books:  

Cover of Shark Lady

Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean's Most Fearless Scientist by Jess Keating is a beautifully illustrated story about Eugenie Clark’s childhood fascination with sharks and how she grew up to become a scientist and deep-sea diver who studies sharks.  

Cover of Mae Among the Stars

Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed is an inspirational telling of astronaut Mae Jemison’s childhood and her desire to explore space.  

Cover of Path to the Stars

Path to the Stars: My Journey from Girl Scout to Rocket Scientist by Sylvia Acevedo is an autobiography for middle-school readers. Acevedo grew up in an underprivileged community but found inspiration and encouragement through her local Girl Scout troop. Through Girl Scouts, Acevedo developed a love of math and science and is now a rocket scientist at NASA.  

On our display, you’ll also see colorful posters of women scientists that are available for free download from Women You Should Know.

For our online friends, we recommend the National Women’s History Museum’s Women in STEM online exhibit and you can also check out the podcast Babes of Science, which explores a different woman scientist in each episode.  

Weaving the Stories of Women's Lives

Women's History Month is celebrated each year to recognize the contributions of women to society. Chattanooga State is holding events on campus to put a spotlight on women's history. The library will be displaying books about famous women, by women authors, and about gender equality throughout the month.

On March 4th at 10:00 AM, author Stephanie Kadel Taras will be at Humanities Auditorium to speak about her book, Mountain Girls, and will later be in KLIC for a book signing and meet and greet at 12:00 PM. All are welcome to attend this free event.

Amelia to Zora by Cynthia Chin-Lee

Looking for something educational to read the little bundle of joy in your life? Amelia to Zora: Twenty-Six Women Who Changed the World by Cynthia Chin-Lee is the perfect pick.

Chin-Lee discusses 26 famous women who have influenced society for the better. In the fashion of an A through Z children's book she writes short biographies for many popular figures in women's history as well as some people who readers may not know. Each biography is a paragraph long and accompanied by an interesting portrait by Megan Halsey and Sean Addy. In addition to Helen Keller and Eleanor Roosevelt, Chin-Lee writes about Nawal El Sadaawi, women's rights activist, and Yoshiko Uchida, writer, and many more.

Pick up this book to teach your little one something new and introduce yourself to a few new historical figures as well.

I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai

Malala Yousafazai's biography, I am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and was Shot by the Taliban is a moving tale of life in Pakistan. Malala is the first born child for her parents, but her father Ziauddin is offered no congratulations because she is a girl. Ziauddin refuses to follow Pakistani customs and delights in the birth of his first child. He adds her to the record of the family lineage which is usually reserved for males. Ziauddin's refusal to see Malala as less valuable will shape her view of the world, and give her the courage to stand up to the Taliban and advocate for women's education across the globe.

The Yousafazai family lives in the Swat Valley of Pakistan. It may not have many of the amneities of Western society, but it makes up for this lack of luxury in beauty and history. Malala lives with her two younger brothers, a loving but illiterate mother, and a school teacher for a father. She recognizes the value of education from first hand observation and is encouraged to attend school by her father, rather than staying at home which many traditional Pakistani families require of their daughters. Malala dreams of becoming a politician and improving life for people in the Swat Valley. But as the Taliban comes into power in the valley, these dreams become impossible. The government seems powerless to stop the Taliban as they impose Sharia Law, vigilante justice, and ultimately ban the education of girls. Malala refuses to stop attending school. She speaks out publicly defending her right to an education, attracting national attention. She also draws the ire of the Taliban. Convinced that the Taliban would never attack a young girl, Malala only fears for her father's safety. But she has underestimated the lengths that the Taliban will go to silence her. Her school bus is stopped one afternoon and armed Taliban demand, "Who is Malala?" When her classmates eyes instinctively glance her way, the man takes his gun and shoots her at close range.

Malala miraculously survives this attack. She's flown to England for adequate care and her family follows her there. Now, as an exile from the country she loves, Malala fights for equality and hopes that one day she can return to a peaceful Pakistan.

Celebrate Women’s History Month! March is Women’s History Month

The library is celebrating Women’s History Month!

The book display area has a women's history theme. Come by and check out a book!

Women's History Month Book Display

Read the library guide on women’s history month at: http://libguides.chattanoogastate.edu/womenhistory and find more books to read to celebrate Women's History Month!

Women Veterans and Women's History Month

A display of women veterans will be posted in the library from March 18 to 31. The exhibit will honor women veterans and will include Chattanooga State relatives who served in the military.

The library has the book, When Janey Comes Marching Home, both in print and as an eBook.  If you are a Chattanooga State student or staff, the eBook can be found at http://tiny.cc/nvjstw

Two other events also in the Library, March 2013

1. Judith Nembhard Visiting Library

Judith Nembhard, author of Myra’s Calling, will be in the library launching her new book in the Christian fiction romance genre on Wednesday, March 20 at 4:00 PM. The event will be hosted by the Chattanooga State Humanities Department.

March 20 at 4:00 PM

2. Lecture by Denise Heinly, distinguished Chattanooga State faculty in art history

Denise Heinly will present her second lecture during a student activity period on Friday, March 22 at 11:00 AM in the library classroom. This lecture is a second part of series in Renaissance art.  Please attend this event during your March 22^nd student activity period.

March 22 at 11:00 AM

DDH