Women of the 6888th, Amelia Nominated

All Hail Amelia Bloomer!

Oh, yeah, that Amelia Bloomer. The one you did that report on in the fourth grade. Come on, you remember. She was responsible for bloomers, which were the means by which ladies of leisure in the 19th century were at long last set free to ride bicycles and enjoy the wind in their hair, on their own. Unencumbered by dragging dresses, they could ride the split-saddled French invention, and throw off the chains of the corset and the men who wanted them to wear them!

Why are we going back to the fourth grade? Because MARE’S WAR has been nominated as an Amelia Bloomer book.

From the website: “Exemplary books for girls and young women that celebrate their strengths and nourish their potential are needed now more than ever. The Amelia Bloomer Project produces an annual list of books for young readers, ages birth through 18, that contain significant feminist content-not just cardboard “feisty” or “spunky” girls and women, but tales of those who have broken barriers and have fought to change their situations and their environment. Members of the 2008-09 Amelia Bloomer Project committee evaluated over 400 submissions, discussed 128 titles, and finally, selected some 68 books for children and youth that comprise the best feminist books published in the last year and a half. These books show girls and women-past and present, real and fictional-breaking stereotypes to follow their dreams and pursue their goals, challenging cultural and familial stereotypes to gain an education, taking charge and making plans for community, regional, national, and world change. We celebrate the history of feminism and highlight strides made in U.S. history in particular, and hope that these books inspire readers to make the world a better place for all.”

The Amelia Bloomer Project creates an annual booklist of the best feminist books for young readers, ages birth through 18. They are part of the Feminist Task Force of the Social Responsibilities Round Table of the American Library Association. Most readers probably haven’t ever heard of them before. I hadn’t, but I’m pleased to know that they exist, and I’m thoroughly honored to have the story of the women of the 6888th be a part of feminist history, as they deserve.

YOU GO GIRLS!