The 2009 Amelia Bloomer List Offers Best Feminist Titles
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By SLJ Staff -- School Library Journal, 02/18/2009
If your library is in need of some great feminist titles, you’ll be interested in the 2009 Amelia Bloomer List of the best books that highlight strong female characters who overcome obstacles and defy social expectations.
This year’s compilation of close to 70 picture books, intermediate books, and fiction and nonfiction YA titles includes Kristin Cashore’s Graceling (Harcourt), Claire Mysko’s You’re Amazing (Adams Media), and Laurie Halse Anderson’s Independent Dames (S & S, all 2008).
Started in 2002 by the Feminist Task Force of the American Library Association’s Social Responsibilities Round Table, this year’s committee sifted throu
gh 400 submissions, discussed 128 titles, and finally selected some 68 books for children and youth that comprise the best feminist books published between July 2007 and December 2008.
“The books show girls and women—past and present, real and fictional—breaking stereotypes to follow their dreams and pursue their goals, challenging cultural and familial stereotypes to gain an education, taking charge, and making plans for community, regional, national, and world change,” says the Task Force. “We hope that these books inspire readers to make the world a better place for all.”
Named after the famed 19th-century women’s rights advocate, the Amelia Bloomer Project book list is divided into three categories: picture books, intermediate books, and young adult books. Each of those categories is subdivided into fiction and nonfiction.
Visit the Amelia Bloomer Blog for a complete list of winners.
