Amazons, Abolitionists, and Activists

Amazons, Abolitionists, and Activists : A Graphic History of Women's Fight for Their Rights
by Mikki Kendall
Ten Speed Press, 2019. 208 pages. Nonfiction

August 26, 2020, marked the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment, which granted some American women the right to vote. And while suffrage has been a critical win for women's liberation around the world, the struggle for women's rights has been ongoing for thousands of years, across many cultures, and encompassing an enormous variety of issues. Amazons, Abolitionists, and Activists is a fun, fascinating, full-color graphic novel-style primer of that important history, tracing its roots from antiquity to show how 21st-century feminism developed. Along the way, you'll meet a wide range of important historical figures and learn about many political movements, including suffrage, abolition, labor, LGBT liberation, the waves of feminism, and more.

If you like Amazons, Abolitionists, and Activists, you might also like:

Finish the Fight
by Veronica Chambers
Versify Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2020. 132 pages. Nonfiction

Who was at the forefront of women's right to vote? We know a few famous names, like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, but what about so many others from diverse backgrounds--black, Asian, Latinx, Native American, and more--who helped lead the fight for suffrage? Gorgeous portraits accompany biographies of such fierce but forgotten women as Yankton Dakota Sioux writer and advocate Zitkála-Sá, Mary Eliza Church Terrell, who cofounded the National Association of Colored Women (NACW), and Mabel Ping-Hua Lee, who, at just sixteen years old, helped lead the biggest parade in history to promote the cause of suffrage.

She Represents
by Caitlin Donohue
Zest Books, 2020. 214 pages. Nonfiction

In a complicated political era when the United States feels divided, this book celebrates feminism and female contributions to politics, activism, and communities. Each of the forty-four women profiled in this illustrated book has demonstrated her capabilities and strengths in political and community leadership and activism, both in the United States and around the world. Featuring women from across the political spectrum, rounded out by beautiful color portraits, history, key political processes, terminology, and thought-provoking quotes, this book will inspire and encourage women everywhere to enact change in their own communities.

Alice Paul and the Fight for Women's Rights: From the Vote to the Equal Rights Amendment
by Deborah Kops
Calkins Creek, 2017. 220 pages. Nonfiction

After women won the vote in 1920, Paul wrote the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), which would make all the laws that discriminated against women unconstitutional. Passage of the ERA became the rallying cry of a new movement of young women in the 1960s and '70s. Paul saw another chance to advance women's rights when the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964 began moving through Congress. Kops introduces readers to this relatively unknown leader of the women's movement, and the changing times in which she lived.

MW

Blood Countess

Blood Countess

By Lana Popovic

Harry N. Abrams, 2020. 293 pages. Young Adult

Anna is intelligent, driven, and struggling to figure out her place in the world with limited options. After a chance meeting, Anna catches the attention of the young Countess Elizabeth Báthory, an incredible opportunity for Anna to provide for her struggling family. Anna is drawn to the charismatic Elizabeth, who seems a kindred spirit who is just as invested in their friendship despite their differences in fortune and class. But the outwardly-charming countess is hiding a dark side, and her friendship comes at a high cost. Alone and trapped, Anna tries to mitigate Elizabeth's abuses and rationalize away her violent whims, but can she see Elizabeth for what she truly is before it's too late?

You've probably heard of Dracula, but less known and far more deadly was the Countess Elizabeth Báthory who lived in Hungary in the late 16th century, sometimes called Countess Dracula or Blood Countess. While the exact number of her victims is unknown, she is still regarded as the most prolific female murder - to this day. This atmospheric and spellbinding historical fiction-horror gives readers a front-row seat to her dark deeds through the eyes of Anna, a teenage village midwife. Horror abounds; Elizabeth's sadistic disregard for human life is enough to chill you to the bone, but the subtlety with which she manipulates and traps Anna in a toxic and domineering "friendship" is the stuff of nightmares. While more seasoned horror or crime thriller fans might find this book a bit tame, readers wary of guts and gore will likely find it enough without being too much.

MW

Wilder Girls

Wilder Girls

By Rory Power

Delacorte Press, 2019. 357 pages. Young Adult

No one at the Raxter School for Girls knows exactly what it is, or where it came from, but they call it the Tox. It took the teachers first, then spread to the girls, changing the bodies of those who survive it's excruciating sickness. Quarantined these last 18 months, confined to the school grounds except to pick up supplies dropped off at the island's edge, the remaining students wait for a cure. But the longer they wait, the more the Tox seeps in - into the girls, even into the island and its forests and animals. When Hetty's friend goes missing, she's determined to find her, no matter the danger. 

 

 If you like some simmering, eerie, atmospheric horror, look no further. This book has been compared to THE LORD OF THE FLIES, and though I see how some people could see the parallels, I think that comparison is inaccurate and a little unfair. WILDER GIRLS is its own story. Yes, it definitely has that order-into-chaos element as the girls, so cut off from the world and even their own families, and left with minimal adult supervision, redefine the social order. But WILDER GIRLS is a horror story, specifically an epidemic/quarantine survival. For me, a big draw is the tension Power manages to evoke in subtle ways, yet still you feel unnerved and perhaps even a little abandoned like the girls of Raxter School. The pace might not be everyone's cup of tea; but I loved the premise. This is Rory Power's first book, so I'm excited to see what she comes up with next!

MW

Say Her Name

Say Her Name
By Zetta Elliot
Brown Books, 2020. 96 pages. Poetry

In this collection of powerful poems, poet and educator Zetta Elliot raises her voice in honor of both victims of and activists against police brutality. Inspired by the #SayHerName campaign, Elliot relates her experiences and feelings as a black woman in this call for empathy, recognition, and action. Along with her own words, Elliot draws inspiration from and adds her voice in harmonic chorus with notable poets including Lucille Clifton, Audre Lorde, Nikki Giovanni, and Phillis Wheatley. 

It's difficult to think of how to talk about a book that made me feel so much. Even the description above seems too simple, too small, for a book that is so moving and so important. One of Elliot's many talents as a poet is the ability to make you feel, as a reader, that her words are not just ink on a page but an extension of her gaze, meeting your eyes, connecting your heart to hers. Just the memory of feeling that connection while I read this book brings tears to my eyes. The poems range from celebratory, to mournful, to angry, to hope, to empowering. SAY HER NAME is an invitation, a plea even, to listen to people of color, especially women of color. Wherever you stand on the issues of police brutality and racial bias in law enforcement, this book is a must-read. Open your heart to Elliot and you will not be disappointed. 

MW

Mythos

Mythos: The Greek Myths Retold

By Stephen Fry

Chronicle Books, 2019. 349 pages. Nonfiction

The Greek myths are among some of the most enduring stories in the history of human kind. Persisting through the ages as classic literature and theater as well as countless retellings and inspiration behind art of all kinds. The incomparable Stephen Fry takes these beloved tales into his expert hands and spins them into a novel-like narrative. Capturing all the hilarity and drama of these tales of war, violence, lovers, betrayals, cosmic beings and the creation of all, and even more laughs, MYTHOS is a masterful tribute to and expertly told collection of the classic Greek myths.

I love mythology, and I love Stephen Fry (actor, comedian, all around fantastic person). I like to think that Stephen and I would be great friends, geeking out about all sorts of topics, and this book just proved my theory. Impeccably researched, as one should expect from his enthusiastically curious personality, Stephen Fry has taken already timeless and enduring stories and made them shine even brighter. From the most hard-core mythology connoisseur to complete newbies, this witty, smart, and absolutely hilarious book will delight and satisfy readers. I highly recommend listening to the audiobook, which is read by author Stephen Fry for the full experience of his signature wit. Not many can say "asinine auditory appendages" and "gut-stuffed gastronome" and not sound at all pretentious. MYTHOS had me erupting with all kinds of laughter from start to finish - and I mean giggles, tittering, snickering, guffawing, cackling, howling, and even crying with pure joy. 

MW

Sadie

Sadie
by Courtney Summers
Wednesday Books, 2018. 311 pages. Young Adult

Sadie is used to taking care of things herself. Even before their mom left, Sadie was more a mother than a sister to Mattie. She never minded despite the sacrifice; Mattie has been her whole world since she was born. And that world is shattered when Mattie is found murdered. Months later, the case already gone cold, Sadie decides to take care of things again. Like always.

West McCray remembers hearing about Mattie's murder while traveling doing research for his radio show. To his surprise, nearly a year later he's contacted by a family friend of Sadie and Mattie, pleading for help. For Sadie. She's been missing for months, her car apparently abandoned. Reluctant at first, West soon becomes obsessed with finding Sadie, starting a new podcast to track his investigation of Sadie's journey, desperate to find her before it's too late.

Read this book. Just do it. Better yet, listen to the audiobook, which makes the podcast chapters (West's perspective) really come to life! There's theme music, and sound effects like sound quality of recorded phone calls and crickets chirping in the background of an outdoor, nighttime interview. Alternating between West's chapters/podcast and Sadie's perspective, this story is a brilliant melding of grief, hardship, mystery, and thriller. Sadie is a wonderfully developed protagonist, and really so is every other character. I've never heard/read anything quite like this before. This story feels so real; as a podcast and true crime fan myself, this book felt exactly like listening to podcasts like Serial. SADIE is masterful storytelling done in such a clever and compelling way.  I can't stop thinking or talking about this book! Fellow podcast fans, particularly my fellow true crime fans, will eat this up.

MW

The Language of Fire

The Language of Fire
by Stephanie Hemphill
Balzer + Bray, 2019. 512 pages. Young Adult

The endlessly inspiring story of Joan of Arc is retold in this novel in verse. After years and years of defeat, it's rightful king in exile, France seems lost to the British. But one ordinary girl heeds the divine call to save her country. Young, inexperienced, but full of faith and determination, Joan gains the trust of generals and royalty, leads armies, crowns a king, and changes a nation's fate.

Joan of Arc has been a hero of mine since childhood. Her courage in the face of overwhelming obstacles remains to this day one of the greatest underdog stories in history. This book re-imagines her life, starting from childhood to her tragic end. Terribly well researched, the author worked hard to stay true to fact and historical accounts while streamlining for story's sake. I loved the voice that she created for Joan; her characterization felt every bit like the Joan I've imagined all these years. Passionate and kind, determined and courageous, and at times unsure and afraid, I've never felt the joys and burdens of Joan's destiny quite like this before. For fellow admirers of The Maid or fans of poetry and historical fiction, this one's for you.

MW

Queen of the Sea

Queen of the Sea
by Dylan Meconis
Walker Books, 2019. 400 pages. Young Adult

Margaret has lived at the quiet island convent her entire life, brought there as a baby, an orphan. Hers and the nuns' life is upended one day by the arrival of a mysterious new resident, accompanied by guards. Margaret learns that she is Queen Eleanor, banished to the island by her sister who usurped the throne. The discovery leads Margaret to the truth about the island, its secrets, and the truth of her own past.

 This graphic novel is a window to the past, a dramatic adventure based on Queen Elizabeth I of England's years in exile under the rule of her sister, Queen Mary, against a backdrop of 16th century convent life. Yes, this is a graphic novel - but more like a graphic novel parading as a historical fiction, perfect for readers who are hesitant but ready to dip their toes into the world of graphic novels! Along the with the intrigue, this is a wonderful coming of age story of a girl's first realizations that the world is unfair and sometimes even cruel, and often in unexpected ways. I also loved seeing the historical inspiration come through in the plot, and felt immersed in the 16th century.  I gasped, I cheered, and I was on the edge of my seat and left wanting more! Sadly, I haven't seen any news of a sequel, but fingers crossed!

MW

A River of Royal Blood

A River of Royal Blood
by Amanda Joy
Putnam, 2019. 368 pages. Young Adult

Princesses of Myre don't inherit the throne; they earn it. The line of succession is decided by the Rival Heir tradition, where sister princesses battle to death to earn the right to be True Heir. At her birth, Eva seemed most favored by fate to be the next queen as she was born with magic of Marrow and Blood,  fearsome power last practiced by the legendary Queen Raina. But, in the 200 years since her reign, all knowledge of that magic has been lost, leaving Eva unable to access her power while her sister Isa's magic and influence at court grows ever stronger. The start of Rival Heir battle only weeks away, an assassin's attack leads Eva on a path to embrace her power and unravel the secrets of the past.

Fans of fantasy, especially the CHILDREN OF BLOOD AND BONE, THREE DARK CROWNS, and even GAME OF THRONES series will love this new series. Set in a North African-inspired world, this isn't just a sibling rivalry story; Eva's journey dives deep into the concepts of power, identity, heritage as she unravels truth vs. tradition, confronting hard realities of her family and country's history. "History is a slippery thing," as one of Eva's allies says. Eva is a character you can not just root for, but admire for facing the overwhelming odds against her with deepening wells of inner strength. For a story of self-discovery, political intrigue, fantastic worlds, and reckoning with the sins of the past, look no further!

MW

Lovely War

Lovely War
by Julie Berry
Viking Books, 2019. 480 pages. Young Adult

Confronted by her jealous husband, the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite, pleads her case before the gods with a story of her greatest triumph - the love and friendship of two couples, whose paths cross in the midst of World War I. Shy Hazel, a pianist, charms a dreamer named James while performing at a dance just days before he's shipped off to the trenches. Inspired to do her part, Hazel joins a volunteer corps she meets Colette, who suffered devastating loss in her Belgian village. Stationed at an American encampment, the women meet Aubrey Edwards, a spectacular musician in the 15th New York Infantry, whose music comes alive when Colette sings along. In the face of violence, tragedy, and danger from "friends" and foes alike, these four are living proof that even the rage of war is no match for the power of love.

Julie Berry is a master of historical fiction writing. Wonderfully researched, she weaves a compelling romance in with the devastation of World War I. Not only will you feel completely immersed in the year 1917, and intimately acquainted with the four young heroes, you'll learn about the legendary 15th New York Infantry, the all-african american regiment who bolstered allied spirits with jazz and ragtime, and faced the dangers of the battlefield as well as prejudice and violence at the hands of fellow American soldiers. I cried more than once listening to this beautiful book. Besides excellent performances by multiple readers (each of the four lovers and Greek gods has their own voice!), the audiobook includes music as well!

MW

With the Fire on High

With the Fire on High
by Elizabeth Acevedo
HarperTeen, 2019. 392 pages. Young Adult

Emoni knows that as a teen mom, odds are stacked against her. So she works hard, at school, her job, and at raising her daughter, determined to not be a burden on her Abuela or an absent parent like her own father. Anyone who knows her also knows that she has a near-magical gift for cooking. When her school offers a culinary arts class, Emoni's excitement turns to frustration; the more she learns, the more her long-buried dream of becoming a chef comes bubbling to the surface. Her teachers and friends encourage her, but Emoni knows she chose a life of responsibility and sacrifice when she had her daughter. Does she dare let herself dream now, with all that rests on her shoulders?

I really loved this author's debut novel last year, THE POET X , so I was excited to get my hands on this one. WITH THE FIRE ON HIGH is a little different, being written in prose rather than in verse, but shines equally bright. With wonderfully developed characters, especially protagonist Emoni, and relatable and immersive storytelling, Acevedo also has a talent for addressing complicated topics in an honest, realistic way that never feels too heavy. Emoni is a wonderful soul, a loving, introspective girl ready to take her place in the world, and you'll be better for knowing her.

MW

Stay Sexy & Don't Get Murdered

Stay Sexy & Don't Get Murdered: The Definitive How-To Guide

by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark

Forge, 2019. 300 pages. Nonfiction

The creators of the hit comedic true crime podcast (it works, trust me) "My Favorite Murder" came together to make this one of a kind dual-memoir. With their signature charm, humor, and honesty, the women reflect on the life experiences - mistakes, struggles with addiction, mental health journeys, family dynamics, and more - that taught them the valuable lessons of self-advocacy, self-care, and being better humans.

I'm already a devoted fan of the "My Favorite Murder" podcast and of Karen and Georgia, the marvelous hosts and authors of this book, and was hungry to get my hands on this book since it was announced.  Murderino Approved! Translation: This book blew all my expectations out of the water! Don't be afraid if you're not into true crime though - some crime stories are included of course (on-brand for true crime podcasters), but this is a book full of empowering stories for anyone trying to get through life in one piece. And being decent to oneself and others in the process.  Ever relatable, hilarious, and frank, Karen and Georgia will feel like old friends by the time you finish reading. I highly recommend the audiobook as well, read by the authors. It'll feel like an ultra-bonus podcast episode!

MW

Anne Frank's Diary: The Graphic Adaptation

Anne Frank's Diary: The Graphic Adaptation
by Ari Folman
Pantheon Books, 2018. 151 pages. Graphic Novel

Like many other children past and present, Anne Frank poured out her thoughts and feelings onto the pages of her diary. Addressing it as a friend, "Dear Kitty," soon became her most trusted confidante when Anne and her family, along with others, went into hiding from Nazi occupiers in World War II Amsterdam. "Dear Kitty's" pages hold Anne's deepest thoughts, feelings, frustrations, and detail her life in the "Secret Annex" until her capture.

The best-selling book is given the graphic novel treatment, with illustrator David Polonsky bringing Anne's spirit to life with reverent celebration. I read DIARY OF A YOUNG GIRL as a teen, and felt kinship to her spunky personality. It's not for nothing her diary has captivated generations; her diary is a window into her world, once so happy and safe, suddenly plunged into darkness and danger, and to the millions of other innocents like her who suffered in the Holocaust. This graphic novel adaptation is a master work of capturing so much in comparatively so few illustrations - Anne's tumultuous relationship with her mother, the pangs of teenagehood, the crushing anxiety clashing with her fiery spirit - Polonsky has pulled off herculean feat in portraying it all.
Whether or not you've read the original, treat yourself with this adaptation.

MW 

Death Wins a Goldfish

Death Wins a Goldfish
by Brian Rea
Chronicle Books, 2019. 168 pages. Graphic Novel

Death never takes a day off. Until he gets a letter from the HR department insisting he use up his accrued vacation time, that is. Take a peek at Death's journal entries as he documents his mandatory sabbatical in the world of the living. From skydiving to online dating, Death is determined to try it all! DEATH WINS A GOLDFISH is an important reminder to the overstressed, overworked, and overwhelmed that everyone--even Death--deserves a break once in a while.

Two words: Utterly. Delightful. This is one of my favorite books of 2019. There's beauty to be found in every day, even if it's usually lost on us living folk. Like watching a child discover the world, watching Death try his hand at living life brings on all the feels - nostalgia, wonder, pride, vicarious excitement along with a contrasting note of melancholy. You'll be both charmed and gently reminded to take time and just live.

MW

Blood Water Paint

Blood Water Paint
by Joy McCullough
Dutton Books, 2018. 298 pages. Young Adult

After her mother's death, Artemisia Gentileschi had a stark choice: a life as a nun in a convent or a life grinding pigment for her father's paint. She chose paint and became one of Rome's most talented painters-- while her father took all the credit. Five years later, in the aftermath of a rape, Artemisia faced another terrible choice: a life of silence or a life of truth, no matter the cost. Through the ensuing trial and torture, she is buoyed by memories of her mother's stories of strong women of the Bible.

Artemisia Gentileschi has long been one of my favorite artists. I remember the first time I heard her story in a high school drawing class - the smell of my pencil shavings, the feel of the paper, the sound of my teacher's voice, filled with passion and respect for the great woman and artist. Learning of the struggles she faced living in a time with less opportunities and rights afforded to women, and how she overcome and thrived by sheer force of will inspired me so much. I had high hopes for this book, and my every expectation was met. The writing is so evocative and engaging. Written in verse, it read like memories; as Artemisia is reflecting on the memory of her mother's stories, so too did I, as a reader, feel that I was reflecting on memories of Artemisia telling me her story. Or perhaps that Artemisia's voice was reaching through time to me, or a bit of both sensations. Needless to say, I was deeply moved.

MW

Batch Cocktails: Make-ahead Pitcher Drinks for Every Occasion

Batch Cocktails: Make-ahead Pitcher Drinks for Every Occasion
by Maggie Hoffman
Ten Speed Press, 2019. 160 pages. Nonfiction

A hip, accessible guide to batch cocktail-making for entertaining, with 65 recipes that can be made hours--or weeks!--ahead of time so that hosts and hostesses have one less thing to worry about as the doorbell rings. These are delicious and creative cocktails that you don't have to stir or shake to order; rather, they are designed to stay fresh when made ahead and served out of a pitcher. Recipes such as Tongue in Cheek, Friendly Fires, Birds & Bees Punch, and even alcohol-free options are organized by flavor profile--herbal, boozy, bitter, fruity and tart, and so on--to make choosing and whipping up a perfect pitcher of cocktails a total breeze.

Before anything else, flip through this gorgeously photographed book and feast your eyes! I honestly would buy this as a coffee table book because looking at it is so satisfying! But it's not just all style and no substance; this book offers a treasure trove of tasty batch drinks to tempt even the pickiest of taste buds. Don't drink alcohol? No problem! There's a section featuring alcohol-free options that are equally creative as all the other offerings (many of which can easily be made "virgin" as well).  If you're looking for culinary inspiration, look no further! Not only are the recipes drool-worthy, you'll learn a lot about flavor pairings and other skills that'll awaken your inner mixologist.

MW

The Book of Lost Recipes

The Book of Lost Recipes
by Jaya Saxena
Page Street, 2016. 240 pages. Nonfiction

Take a culinary journey to the past with this American restaurant history/cookbook highlighting signature dishes served in days gone by. Along with time-tested recipes, you'll learn about the restaurants and passionate food lovers who cooked up these memorable meals.

If you like food and history, look no further. Still very much a cookbook, recipes are grouped by the restaurant where they were served. Each section starts with a short, 1-2 page spotlight-style summary of the restaurants' history. You'll learn about the New York Exchange for Women's Work, where Civil War widows could find work to support their families, the BBQ joint that became a popular Hollywood after-party spot, and a lot of other really interesting eateries!

MW

Draw and Be Happy

Draw and Be Happy: Art Exercises to Bring You Joy
by Tim A Shaw
Chronicle Books, 2018. 160 pages. Nonfiction

Based on techniques used in art therapy, this boldly and colorfully illustrated book is full of drawing prompts, perfect for non-artists, beginners, and experienced artists alike. Activities range from meditative, confidence-boosting, stress-relieving, and more, guiding readers to express themselves in creative and fulfilling ways.

I thought I had a good idea of what this book would be like, but it surprised me! The drawing prompts are strictly text, and the artwork serves less as instruction or as examples of what to draw; more often than not it serves just as illustration to the ideas being explored in each activity. The bright colors are very uplifting, and the drawing activities act more as guided meditation than how-to-draw, which is perfect for a book like this! The goal here is not to teach you technique, it is to help you explore and express yourself creatively, and most of all to just have fun doing it!

MW

The Adventure Zone: Here There Be Gerblins

The Adventure Zone: Here There Be Gerblins
by Clint McElroy, Griffin McElroy, Justin McElroy, Travis McElroy
First Second, 2018. 256 pages. Graphic Novel

The hit McElroy brothers' podcast comes to literary-life in this graphic novel adaptation. Taako the elf wizard, Merle the dwarf cleric, and Magnus the human warrior embark on adventure for gold and glory...if they can make it out alive. With their trusty dungeon master to help them along ("trusty" and "help" being loose terms here), there's something for everyone: humor, action, and more.

Whether you're a fan of the McElroy brothers, a fan of D&D, or just love hilarious fantasy action, this book is for you. As a D&D campaign literary adaptation, a tricky feat, the execution is just sublime. Add that with the McElroy brand of hilarious antics, and you've got a winner! I laughed, I cried laughing, and laughed some more.

MW

The Poet X

The Poet X
by Elizabeth Acevedo
HarperTeen, 2018. 357 pages. Young Adult

Despite feeling unheard and dismissed, Xiomara has plenty to say, and lets all her fierceness flow onto the pages of her notebook. Who would want to listen to her anyways? Her mother just wants her to be pious, chaste, and demure. Her father won't, or can't, connect with the family. Men reduce her to her curves. But Xiomara's teacher can tell that she is holding back, and encourages Xiomara to join the slam poetry club, and X finds herself torn. After all the years of keeping quiet, can she finally let her words fly free?

I. Am. In. Love. Of all the new releases last year, this book is still easily my favorite of 2018. It's all the more impressive that this is Acevedo's first book. I'm not even sure what else to tell you, really. The writing is flawless. The tone, emotions, tension, so wonderfully executed. I related to Xiomara, our Poet X, so much; her voice was so clear and strong and her questions about life, family, belief, and societal expectations resonated with me. Check out the audio version as well; it is performed by the author, a slam poet herself!

MW