Women Nonfiction

Njinga of Ndongo and Matamba is the true story of a girl who had a difficult birth, but went on to become the Queen of two ancient African kingdoms. Revered for her wisdom, courage, and strength, Njinga became a dominant political figure in Angola in the 1600s. This children’s book tells her story and the challenges she faced from the day she was born. Njinga must overcome the jealousy of her brother, the loss of her father, and the encroachment of the Portuguese at the dawn of a time of great trial for the African continent.

From the New York Times best-selling author of Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History comes the highly anticipated follow-up, a beautifully illustrated collectible detailing the lives of women creators around the world.

This powerful collection of short stories gives readers an intimate glimpse inside the massage room. Hunter holds nothing back while taking readers on an emotional rollercoaster that is humorous, thought-provoking, poignant, and keeps you wanting to turn the page. She sheds light on an occurrence of wrongful termination, dangerous encounters and her truth of being a black massage therapist in a predominantly white industry.

Bethany Hamilton learned to surf when she was three years old, and she joined—and won—many surfing competitions as a child. When she was thirteen, while she was surfing one morning, a shark suddenly attacked her and bit off her left arm. Through hard work, courage, and faith, Bethany persisted and went on to reach her dream of becoming a professional surfer. Along the way, she used her experience to provide inspiration and comfort to surfers and non-surfers alike.

Frieda "Fritizie" Mann had several identities during her brief life, and the mysterious circumstances of her death raise as many questions as they do answers. She was born in 1903 near the present border between Poland and Ukraine. And in the last year of her life, Mann became locally famous. She had reinvented herself as a flapper and "Oriental" dancer. She claimed to have friends in Hollywood and a movie contract. On the night of her murder, she said she was going to a party to meet her Hollywood friends; instead she traveled to an isolated roadside hotel where she met her death.

Malala Yousafzai won the Nobel Peace Prize at the age of 17 for speaking out against injustice even when it was terrifying to do so. She was an ordinary Muslim girl who wanted to attend school, and she refused to stop protesting for her rights even after being attacked by a powerful group in Pakistan who wanted women to remain in the shadows. She continues to fight for women’s rights and free education for children all over the world.

When she was in her mid-thirties, Marian Evans transformed herself into George Eliot - an author celebrated for her genius as soon as she published her debut novel. During those years she also found her life partner, George Lewes - writer, philosopher and married father of three. After 'eloping' to Berlin in 1854 they lived together for twenty-four years: Eliot asked people to call her 'Mrs Lewes' and dedicated each novel to her 'Husband'. Though they could not legally marry, she felt herself initiated into the 'great experience' of marriage.

Nellie Bly was a journalist and one of the first investigative reporters ever. She went undercover to expose wrongdoing and famously raced around the world so she could write about the experience for her newspaper. Reaching for her dreams wasn't easy. But Nellie never gave up, no matter how many obstacles she faced - and she helped others along the way.

Prepare to be inspired with this fantastically great new series for young listeners from best-selling author Kate Pankhurst, descendent of suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst. In this first book, hear the true stories of amazing scientists and discover things that are out of this world...

During the hardships of obtaining emancipation, two couples shared one home in Illinois. Residing with them was a young Black girl named Polly Crocket. But after five years, Polly, along with the two couples, were abducted, placed into a canoe, and taken down South where they became slaves. Polly was then bought by a prior who, after a year, faced setbacks that required him to sell all he owned, including Polly.

The journey down memory road is a coming-of-age excursion into the past taking armchair explorers on an odyssey of life, love, and loneliness. Fate throws two people together, and tragedy compels them to stay as one even though they both know they'd be better apart. MEMORY ROAD TRIP is a diary of growth composed of brutally honest musings and retrospective tales. Youth and naivety are unabashedly displayed as the author explores certain parts of the globe while simultaneously discovering her contemplative self. Alcoholism is an unspoken companion that goes along for the ride in a pre-Covid ...

Mike Flynt was swapping stories with some old football buddies when he brought up the biggest regret of his life: getting kicked off the college team before his senior year. So, one of his pals said, "Why not do something about it?" Most 59-year-olds would have laughed. Flynt's only concern was his eligibility. He not only returned to college football, but actually made the team at his alma mater—Sul Ross State, an NCAA division III school.

The New York Times bestselling story of the golden age of luxury department stores, and the trailblazing women who ran them. The twentieth century department store: a wonderland of consumption where every wish could be met under one roof. Dropping off the baby at nursery; an afternoon tea; a stroll through the latest fashions. A wedding (or funeral) could be planned. A Bengal Tiger cub could be purchased. Inside these towering price-tag palaces, anything was possible. They were beacons of modernity, and within this atmosphere of glamour and luxury, women dominated.

What does it take to be a STEM genius? Check out these exciting, highly listenable profiles of a dozen contemporary women who are on the cutting edge of scientific research.

When Oprah Winfrey was growing up, her family expected her to become a maid like her grandmother. But she had different dreams. She went after them and turned her dreams into reality, becoming a media superstar and inspiring countless other people along the way. Complete with an introduction from Chelsea Clinton!

Opal Lee grew up as a Black girl in Texas at a time when Black and white people were kept separate and Black people had fewer opportunities than white people did. She knew that this wasn’t right, and she grew up to be a teacher and a community leader, determined to help create a better future for all people. A big part of her work and life was making Juneteenth a national holiday to mark the end of enslavement for Black Americans. She loved this day as both a celebration and as a way of teaching about the past.

A perfect tool for young listeners as they grow into the leaders of tomorrow, Veronica Chambers’s inspiring collection of profiles—along with Senator Cory Booker’s stirring foreword—will inspire listeners of all ages to stand up for what’s right.

In this chapter-book biography by award-winning author Christine Day, listeners learn about the amazing life of Maria Tallchief - and how she persisted. Maria Tallchief loved to dance but was told that she might need to change her Osage name to one that sounded more Russian to make it as a professional ballerina. She refused and worked hard at dancing her best, becoming America's first prima ballerina. Many famous American ballets were created for Maria!

An acclaimed biographer for children, Tanya Lee Stone has received many accolades for her over 80 published books. This Junior Library Guild Premier Selection introduces young listeners to women's rights pioneer Elizabeth Cady Stanton. In the 19th century, American women weren't allowed to own property, go to college, or even vote. Unwilling to suffer this injustice, Stanton gathered like-minded people to change these rules.

Throughout history, women have been told that science isn’t for them. They’ve been told that they’re not smart enough, or that their brains just aren’t able to handle it. In this book, Chelsea Clinton introduces listeners to women scientists who didn’t listen to those who told them “no” and who used their smarts, their skills, and their persistence to discover, invent, create, and explain.