Rise: A Feminist Book Project for Ages 0-18

Rise: A Feminist Book Project, formerly known as the Amelia Bloomer Project, selects the best feminist literature for young readers every year. As a committee member, I am proud to be a part of an organization that serves as a resource for librarians and young readers about a topic I'm passionate about.

I am pictured top right!

How Do We Decide?  

There are several factors that we must consider before adding a title to the list. First, and most important, is that we must evaluate whether or not the book has significant feminist content. There are hundreds of books published each year featuring stories with strong female characters as well as biographies depicting remarkable women in history, however these books do not always convey a feminist message. There are many key questions we must take into account - for example: Does the book challenge gender stereotypes? Do girls and women empower others? Does the book highlight underrepresented voices? It is also important that the book be well-written, accurate and well-illustrated (if a picture book).

The List and Top Ten Titles 

Books on which the committee unanimously agrees should be on the list are then put in the running for our top ten. These selections represent the strongest works of literature that contain clear and significant feminist content for young readers. The 2020 Rise Top Ten are:

Shout by Laurie Halse Anderson

What Do You Do With a Voice Like That? The Story of Extraordinary Congresswoman Barbara Jordan by Chris Barton, Illustrated by Ekua Holmes

Rise! From Caged Bird to Poet of the People, Maya Angelou by Bethany Hegedus, Illustrated by Tonya Engel

We Set the Dark on Fire by Tehlor Kay Mjia

The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family by Ibtihaj Muhammad with S.K. Ali, Illustrated by Hatem Aly

A Boy Like You by Frank Murphy, Illustrated by Kayla Harren

Forward Me Back to You by Mitali Perkins

Thirteen Doorways, Wolves Behind Them All by Laura Ruby

At the Mountain’s Base by Traci Sorell, Illustrated by Weshoyot Alvitre

Surviving the City, Vol. 1 by Tasha Spillett and Natasha Donovan









The entire list can be found at: https://ameliabloomer.wordpress.com/

- By Melissa Nemitz, West Windsor Branch