What YA' Reading: Discovering HERstory

It's important for young women to feel empowered to push the boundaries of what they think they can accomplish. The following stories feature women from the past and present who embraced their talents and achieved strength and greatness when the world told them "no."

Women Discoverers by Marie Moinard & Christelle Pecout

Author Marie Moinard and illustrator Christelle Pecout chronicle the lives of five women scientists in this graphic nonfiction book. Focusing primarily on Ada Lovelace, Marie Curie, Mae Jamison, Hedy Lamarr and Rosalind Franklin, this collection of short biographies is a good introduction to some significant women in science. 

Women is STEM aren't often featured together and this graphic novel offers an alternative way of looking at the history of women scientists. While this isn't a deep dive into the lives of these women, it gives you a small taste of their lives and entices you to find additional resources if your interest is piqued.

Courage To Soar by Simone Biles

Simone Biles is the GOAT of women's gymnastics. She became known worldwide for earning her spot on the 2016 Olympic team and has been taking the world by storm ever since, winning gold after gold. But you might not know Simone's life didn't start gilded. 

This book written by the gold medalist herself, leads us through her early years in fostercare through her time competing on Dancing With The Stars in 2017. Simone worked hard to overcome numerous obstacles and continues to rely on her faith and family to achieve her dreams. Her personal account in this book is inspiring and uplifiting.

#NotYourPrincess edited by Lisa Charleyboy & Mary Beth Leatherdale

​Historically, the treatment of Indigenous people in North America can be described as nothing less than horrible. Recently, human rights supporters have shown a spotlight on the disapearances of and attrocities inflicted on Indigenous women across the continent. #NotYourPrincess is a collection of poems, essays, interviews and art presenting the experience of being a Native woman.

You will find stories of abuse, humiliation and sterotyping these women stand against. The voices of these authors portray a passionate world activists who are demanding change. You will encounter strong women who are ready to lift the veil of their previously invisible struggles in favor of a brighter future.