Defining what a woman is may not be as simple a task as one may think. Being a woman can mean different things to different people from traditional femininity to those who buck stereotypes, and everything in between and beyond. Womanhood, in a way, is yet to be fully defined because as the world changes, so must women.
The month of March is for honoring not just the accomplishments and sacrifices, but the passion and sheer strength of women whose stories live forever in the ethos of history. “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations” is the 2025 Women’s History Month theme, and what history women have made!
For those who have come so far, yet still have lengths to go, you are honored.
Take inspiration from those who have come before you, learning the tough lessons and passing along their wisdom as each paved the way for a more meaningful world.
Non-Fiction Selections:
The Color of Time: Women in History 1850-1960 – Dan Jones
Explore a century of historical change for women around the world with this book’s vivid colorized photographs. Each chapter features a unique feminine icon and is introduced by a modern woman in the same field. History as it is rarely seen.
The Girl Explorers: The Untold Story of the Globetrotting Women Who Trekked, Flew, and Fought Their Way Around the World – Jayne Zanglein
The untold story of the 1925 founding of the Society of Woman Geographers (SWG), whose members included Amelia Earhart and Margaret Mead, amongst other notable women with wanderlust in their souls.
No Stopping Us Now: The Adventures of Older Women in American History – Gail Collins
Put the ageism aside and enjoy the wit and wisdom of Gail Collins, journalist and New York Times columnist, as she turns her investigative eye to women and aging in America, spanning the colonization of America to the 21st Century.
Invisible: The Forgotten Story of the Black Woman Lawyer Who Took Down America’s Most Powerful Mobster – Stephen L. Carter
Barrier-breaking and courageous describe the subject of this book, Eunice Hunton Carter, written by her grandson, Stephen. In it, find a story of resolve and surprising notoriety, despite the sexism and racial roadblocks of the time.
The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America’s Shining Women – Kate Moore
The haunting true story of young women who worked with radium in the 1920s, unknowingly exposing themselves to deadly radiation. Follow their fight for justice as the women courageously seek accountability for the harm done to them.
Salty: Lessons on Eating, Drinking, and Living from Revolutionary Women – Alissa Wilkinson
Gather around the table for this examination of trailblazing women and their relationships with food and how it contributed to their life’s calling.
Working 9 to 5: A Women’s Movement, A Labor Union, and the Iconic Movie – Ellen Cassedy
If you loved the movie, the book is usually better! Explore the inspiration for the hit movie and Dolly Parton song in the story of the women who were fed up, so they stood up and forever changed the American workplace.
Fiction Selections:
The Women: A Novel – Kristin Hannah
Not all heroes wear capes, but maybe this story’s protagonist should. This coming-of-age tale, set in 1960s America, is an adventure of self-discovery and testing one’s values during one of the most turbulent times in American history.
By Any Other Name: A Novel – Jodi Picoult
A woman struggling with her identity and a tumultuous relationship finds solace in an unexpected connection. The story explores themes of love, self-acceptance, and the complexities of life, as the protagonist is forced to confront painful truths about herself and those she loves.
Bright Young Women – Jessica Knoll
This story follows the 1991 disappearance of a college student and the fallout for her friends and family. Uncovers secrets, lies, and the complexities of friendship, all while exploring themes of privilege, ambition, and justice.
Lady Tan’s Circle of Women: A Novel – Lisa See
Follow the journey of Tan Yunxian, a skilled physician in 15th-century China, to become a healer as she battles the societal norms of her gender, tradition, and power.
The First Ladies – Marie Benedict
The untold story of Eleanor Roosevelt and her relationship with her cousin, the socialite and diplomat, Lorena Hickok. The novel explores their deep bond and sheds light on the powerful influence these women had on American history and politics, both individually and together.
Learning to See: A Novel of Dorothea Lange, the Woman Who Revealed the Real America – Elise Hooper
The inspiring story of Dorothea Lange, the groundbreaking photographer who captured the harsh realities of the Great Depression through her iconic images. The book follows her journey of personal and professional growth, including her struggles and triumphs in both her career and her quest to reveal the truth about America’s forgotten people.
I Shall Be Near to You: A Novel – Erin Lindsay McCabe
Follow the tale of Rosetta, a young woman who disguises herself as a man to join her husband in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Explore themes of devotion, fearlessness, and the fierce determination of a woman who defies convention to fight for her country and the man she loves.
About The Author: Sarah
Sarah is an information services assistant at the Salina Public Library. She graduated from Kansas State University with a B.A. in Journalism & Mass Communication and a Masters of Arts in Teaching. Sarah also works as a 5th grade teacher when not working at the library. In her down time, Sarah enjoys being with her dogs, doing home projects, watching sports (Go Wildcats!), and learning new things. Her favorite thing about the library is the people, the patrons and her coworkers make it a great place to be at.
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