You Go, Girls!

The celebration of Women's History Month each March has roots that stretch back to the early 1900s, to the days before women could even vote in the United States. Women's History Month was partly inspired by what was known as International Women's Day, a special day in March recognized in many European nations beginning in 1911. In those days women had to fight for many things that we take for granted today. Women everywhere worked hard to earn the right to vote, own property and function in society with all the same advantages as men.

In the 1970s there was a great movement in this country to begin teaching students about the notable contributions of women throughout history, the same way lessons were taught about famous men. By 1978, California was celebrating Women's History Week in early March. The trend was catching on all over the country, and in 1981, our U.S. Congress was moved to officially designate a national Women's History Week. The response to it was so great that in 1987 Congress stretched the week-long celebration into a month-long one: Women's History Month. This month is a time to look at the women

Women today still face situations where they are not treated as equal to men, but in most ways, the opportunities for women have vastly improved over the past century. We invite you to check out these books about some of the amazing women --- both famous and not --- who have helped shape the nation and people that we are today. Through their example, you may just find a great role model to help you follow your dreams.

----- Shannon Maughan

Such noted authors as Virginia Euwer Wolff and Jacqueline Woodson contribute to this anthology of stories and poems that tell what it's really like to be a girl playing sports today. These selections take you onto the field, into the pool, on horseback --- wherever the action is --- to learn more about what makes female athletes special.

In her latest exploration of history, Harness looks back at 100 women who helped build and shape our nation. She spotlights the achievements of women of all races and backgrounds, from the early 1600s to the present day. Detailed illustrations, a timeline, bibliography, and glossary help make this a terrific reference book for home or school. .

Though some textbooks may not seem to support the idea --- women have had just as big an influence on our history has men. We just don't hear about the women as often. This is one book that can help set things right. It doesn't just look at history, but at herstory --- the accomplishments of women through the years. In this book you'll find brief biographies of 120 great women.

This book captures the stories of eight real-life women who bravely carved out new lives in the American West during the 1800s. Among others, you'll meet Biddy Mason, who was once a slave and later became one of the first African-American women to own land in California. You'll also read about Bethenia Owens-Adair, who was the first woman doctor in the West, and Katherine Ryan who became known as "Klondike Kate." Ketchum found information for this volume in diaries and letters, which makes the stories all the more powerful, and old photos help bring the women to life.

Krull and Hewitt continue their excellent Lives Of... series with this look at notable women whose spirit help change the world. You'll find fun facts about, and accurate but humorous illustrations of Marie Antoinette, Indira Gandhi, Catherine the Great, Harriet Tubman and Cleopatra, among others.

This nifty anthology contains poems about true girl power --- the expression of an independent spirit and strength, even when facing difficult situations and circumstances. There are inspiring works here by such famous poets as Emily Dickinson, Eve Merriam and Nikki Giovanni. We're sure you'll find something here that will move you.

Author Betsy Hearne reaches into her own book of life and draws out seven brave women to inspire and enlighten her readers. She reminds us that although men are very often remembered for fighting bloody battles, women should be remembered for carrying life forward. Hearne pays tribute to farmers and artists, missionaries and storytellers --- women who made a difference, even if the contributions too often went unnoticed.

Caldecott Medalist McCully introduces a legendary female Kung Fu master from 17th-century China in this vibrant picture book. Young Wu Mei is a tomboy not happy with the "idle pastimes" expected of girls. She studies traditional lessons with tutors and Kung Fu with the boys, and later enters a monastery where she becomes a Buddhist nun. Wu Mei is soon revered for both her spiritual guidance as well as her martial arts skills. In fact, her style of Kung Fu is still practiced today. Girls will especially cotton to Wu Mei's spunk, and budding martial artists will find much inspiration here.

The Chinese legend of Mulan will soon be the latest full-length animated motion picture from Disney Studios. But this lovely picture book offers an advance look at the story of Fa Mulan, the selfless young girl who goes to battle disguised as a man to save her family dishonor.

This powerful story shines the spotlight on Esther, one of the Bible's most intriguing figures. Esther never imagined she'd one day be the Queen of the ancient Persian Empire. But when King Abasuerus banished his wife for disobeying him, he was free to select a new bride. The beautiful, kind Esther was his choice. But even a queen has enemies. When the King's evil prime minister decides to eliminate all Jews in the kingdom, Esther must be brave and resourceful in order to save her people, and herself. An engaging picture book, not only for women's history month, but for the holiday of Purim as well.

Meet Tamika Whitmore, the 22-year-old rookie who plays for the New York Liberty. See how she came from a small town in Mississippi to be a superstar professional athlete. An inspiring story for girls, sports fans and anyone who loves a great story.

When she was just 17-years-old, Gertrude "Trudy" Ederle won three medals in the 1924 Olympics. She went on to set U.S. and world records and to do something no woman had ever done before: swim across the 21-mile wide English Channel between England and France. Read about her love of swimming and her amazing accomplishments in this picture-book biography.

On one exciting night in 1933, pilot Amelia Earhart and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt slipped away from a White House dinner to take a high-flying airplane adventure. Based on a true story, this picture book takes a fun look at a little-known moment in history.

Olympic medalist and world figure skating champion Michelle Kwan shares her tips for winning at sports and at life, covering everything from eating right to practicing everyday.

THE MOUSE OF AMHERST
by Elizabeth Spires
illustrated by Claire A. Nivola
Farrar, Straus & Giroux
ISBN: 0374350833
Ages 8-up
64 pages

The great poet Emily Dickinson lived much of her life as a recluse, someone who never goes out and doesn't want to be seen. Now we can imagine what her days might have been like, through the eyes of Emmaline the mouse---a delicate creature who sneaks a peak at Emily's work and begins writing her own mouse poetry.

SUPERSTARS OF USA WOMEN'S BASKETBALL (Women Athletes of the 2000 Olympics)
by Joe Layden
Aladdin
ISBN: 0689835701
Ages 8-12
32 pages

Meet Sheryl Swoopes, Chamique Holdsclaw and other top players in the WNBA who plan to bring home Olympic gold in women's basketball.

BRANDY: AN INTIMATE LOOK
By Karu F. Daniels
(Andrews McMeel Publishing, $10.95)
ISBN: 0740700243

Maybe you've heard of Brandy Rayanna Norwood? She's the 20-year-old recording artist with over nine million albums sold, her own TV show and soon-to-be-released Barbie doll, Cover Girl spokeswoman and Grammy and American Music Award winning (did I mention?) movie star who also was the first black woman to grace the cover of Seventeen Magazine alone in 1995. Can't believe it? The new biography, BRANDY: AN INTIMATE LOOK, penned by close friend Karu F. Daniels, gives up the goods on Brandy in chapters that focus on all the accomplishments in her life complete with tons of glossy pictures.

Daniels first covers Brandy's roots in Mississippi and her family's support of her early dreams of a singing career. After she was signed at age 15 to Atlantic Records, her debut album "Brandy" sold over four million copies. In 1995, Brandy took the starring role in the UPN sitcom "Moesha," which continues to be a success for the network today. However, because of her commitment to the show, she took a long break from the recording studio. When it was time to get back to singing, there was a lot of hesitation on her part. Brandy wasn't confident that she could pull off another hit record. However, upon the release of "Never S-A-Y Never" in 1998 and its hit single "The Boy Is Mine" with Monica, she solidified her status as a star. Since then, Brandy has co-starred with Whitney Houston and Diana Ross in two top rated TV movies and with Jennifer Love Hewitt in the movie I Still Know What You Did Last Summer.

BRANDY: AN INTIMATE LOOK also gives the skinny on Brandy's past relationship with first-love Wanya Morris of Boyz II Men, her prom date with Kobe Bryant of the LA Lakers, and her backstage "catfight" on the set of her show with now ex-"Moesha" sidekick Countess Vaughn. Daniels succeeds at both dishing the dirt and giving us the scoop on Brandy's successes from an insider's perspective.

Throughout her life, Brandy has been very open in the press about both her insecurities and her successes. Daniels successfully balances her tendency for frankness with a portrait of a young woman who is just trying to enjoy life and challenge herself in whatever arena she sets her sights on. Brandy isn't trying to be any better than anyone else, she's just trying to do herself and her family proud. BRANDY: AN INTIMATE LOOK paints a picture of a down-to-earth, funny, sensitive and strong black woman who isn't afraid to stand up and be a role model for all women. As Brandy herself says, "I'm not the perfect angel. I have pain just like everyone else. I have people that I like. I have people that I don't like. I'm a regular human being."

--- Reviewed by Alesa Blanchard-Nelson

CLEOPATRA VII: Daughter of the Nile
"The Royal Diaries" series
By Kristiana Gregory
(Scholastic, $10.95)
ISBN: 0590819755
Ages: 9-12

Talk about nasty sibling rivalry: twelve-year-old Cleopatra VII rightly fears that her oldest sister wants to assassinate her and rule Egypt. Cleopatra has to be wary at the royal palace --- her father, King Ptolemy XII, is in hiding, a deadly snake has killed a slave, and the food-tasters (the front line of defense against poisoned dinners) often drop dead in the line of duty. Luckily, the princess has bravery and intellect to spare. This is a girl who keeps a pet leopard and who disguises herself to explore the streets of coastal Alexandria --- a city whose namesake and conqueror, Alexander the Great, lies mummified in an outdoor tomb. When she gets worried, she calls on the strength of the goddess Isis and of her heroine, Queen Nefertiti.

In down-to-earth diary entries that span three years (57-55 BC), the future queen of Egypt tells of life under the Roman Empire. When Alexandria gets too dangerous, Cleopatra escapes with her bodyguard Puzo and her servant Neva to Rome, which she describes as a hot, smelly city of fabulous architecture and terrible filth. There she meets her future lover, Marc Antony; works to keep her hard-drinking dad out of trouble; and wonders whether she'll survive long enough to return to her native land.

Even though the entries are fictional (from the pen of historian Kristiana Gregory), the vivid prose will make readers wish they could travel through time to see what life was really like for an exiled royal teenager. The young Cleopatra, who in fact did speak several languages including Latin, Greek, and Hebrew, communicates with Roman politicians, Jewish scholars, and people of various African tribes. Following Cleo's "firsthand" story, the volume provides real family trees and illustrations of such sites as the Lighthouse of Alexandria (which the daring diarist climbs in order to look out to sea). Cleopatra's breathless narrative, along with the more official textbook-style afterward, will stimulate imaginations and show that Egypt is more than sand, pyramids, and sphinxes.

--- Reviewed by Nathalie op de Beeck