March is Women's History Month. The Swisher Library has many items, in print and electronic formats, available to learn more about women's history and from female authors. The books linked on this guide are a small sample of what the Library has available. Search the Library's catalog for additional resources. In addition to the Kanopy Women's History Month video collection featured on this guide, you can also visit Kanopy's Women's History category, and their Notable Figures in Women's History category to stream even more great videos and documentaries.
To learn more about Women's History Month, visit the Women's History Month collection and website from the Library of Congress. See what's going on at Jacksonville University to celebrate Women's History Month.
Popular History
"Moore details the tragic stories of dozens of young women employed as dial painters during World War I. Often the daughters of immigrants, these women were lured to these prestigious and well-paying jobs unaware of the dangers of the radioactive paint present in their workplace—which caused their bodies and clothes to glow, even outside of work. With America’s entry into World War I, demand for painted dials and painters skyrocketed. Soon, many employees suffered aching teeth and jaws, sore joints, and sarcomas. As their ailments worsened, many sought answers from their employers. They were met with denials and misinformation even as evidence mounted that radium poisoned these women. After nearly 20 years, several trials, and thousands of dollars in doctor and attorney fees, the women won a small measure of justice, but for some, it was too late. Moore’s well-researched narrative is written with clarity and a sympathetic voice that brings these figures and their struggles to life." - Chad Statler in Library Journal
Scholarly History
"This enthralling work of scholarship strips away abstractions to reveal the hidden--and not always stoic--face of the 'goodwives' of colonial America. In these pages we encounter the awesome burdens--and the considerable power--of a New England housewife's domestic life and witness her occasional forays into the world of men. We see her borrowing from her neighbors, loving her husband, raising--and, all too often, mourning--her children, and even attaining fame as a heroine of frontier conflicts or notoriety as a murderess. Painstakingly researched, lively with scandal and homely detail, Good Wives is history at its best." - From the Publisher.
Graphic Novel - Popular History
"A vividly illustrated account of Black women rebels that combines elements of memoir, archival research, and informed imaginings of its subjects' lives. A former tenants rights lawyer, Hall pursued a doctorate in history to uncover America's warped justice system. 'In order to understand our experiences as Black women today," she writes, "I had to study slavery.' This collaboration with illustrator Martínez focuses on two women-led revolts in New York City and uprisings during the trans-Atlantic slave trade. [...] An urgent, brilliant work of historical excavation." - Kirkus Reviews
Young Adult Historical Fiction
"It's 1954 San Francisco, and 17-year-old Lily Hu is the epitome of a "good Chinese girl": She's modest, respectful of her parents, and her most outlandish interest is rocket science. Then she finds a magazine ad for Tommy Andrews, male impersonator at the Telegraph Club, and everything changes. [...] A pensive, rich work of queer historical fiction that will reward patient readers." - Ashleigh Williams for The School Library Journal
Historical Fiction
"Novelists Benedict, who is white, and Murray, who is Black, collaborate on an excellent book about Belle da Costa Greene, a powerful real-life figure in early 20th-century New York City. In 1905, J. P. Morgan hired Greene as the librarian to his private collection of art and rare books and manuscripts; she worked tirelessly (selling and acquiring millions of dollars of works) to turn it into the major public collection now known as the Pierpont Morgan Library. Greene became the first director of the Morgan Library when it was opened to the public. In Benedict and Murray's novel, Belle enters a society dominated by men, where she makes her mark with her incredible knowledge of books, art, and people. But she fears that someone will learn her secret: that she is a Black woman in a white social circle. When Belle's father left the family, Belle's mother had moved them from Washington, DC, to New York, where, with their light skin, the family could "pass" for white. Belle doesn't want to live a lie, but she knows that many doors would close to her if she revealed her origins." - Pamela O'Sullivan for Library Journal
