Women's History Month provides an opportunity for everyone—regardless of age, background or gender—to reflect on the accomplishments of women throughout history. From scientists whose discoveries created the internet as we know it, to activists who have led their nations in through unprecedented change, women have made groundbreaking contributions across every field. This month reminds us of the importance of preserving these stories and ensuring that future generations learn about the powerful impact of women.
At Denver Public Library, we’re proud to feature a wide range of materials celebrating women's history. Whether you’re interested in technology or sports, we’ve got something for everyone. Our collection highlights both well-known figures and those who may not be as widely recognized, but whose stories are just as important. Here are some to get started:
Althea : the Life of Tennis Champion Althea Gibson By Sally H. Jacobs - Now, I'm sure you’ve heard of Serena and Venus Williams, perhaps you’ve even heard of Billie Jean King and the famous Battle of the Sexes tennis match, but have you ever heard about their idol Althea Gibson? Three years after Jackie Robinson made history by stepping onto the diamond at Ebbets Field, the exclusive, all-white US Lawn Tennis Association reluctantly cracked open its doors to welcome a young powerhouse who would forever change the game of tennis. That player was Althea Gibson, a street-smart, Harlem-raised Black woman who seemed completely out of place in the world of tennis. With her tattered jeans and short-cropped hair, she drew plenty of stares from the more traditional crowds, but her incredible skills on the court quickly silenced any negativity. Over time, Althea would go on to become one of the greatest tennis champions America has ever seen. Through sheer talent, perseverance, and grace under pressure, Althea Gibson left a legacy that reshaped sports and inspired generations to come.
Broad Band: the Untold Story of the Women Who Made the Internet by Claire Lisa Evans - When we think of tech history, we often picture men, machines, and big success stories. But the truth is, women have always been at the forefront of technology—they’ve just been left out of the story. From Ada Lovelace, who created the first computer program in 1842, to Grace Hopper, who helped make computers more accessible after WWII, women have played key roles in shaping the tech we use every day. Evans’ work sheds light on the women who’ve been forgotten and shows how their innovations continue to shape our future. It's time we recognize their contributions—because the tech world wouldn't be what it is today without them. Welcome to Broad Band—the women who made the internet, and you, possible.
Full-court Quest: the Girls from Fort Shaw Indian School, Basketball Champions of the World by Linda S. Peavy - Most fans of women’s basketball would be surprised to learn that girls’ teams were making waves over a century ago—and none were more impressive than the team from a remote Indian boarding school in Montana. The girls from Fort Shaw played with incredible skill, lighting up dance halls, armories, and gyms across the state to become Montana’s first basketball champions. They even took their talents to the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair, introducing the game to an international audience and returning home with a championship trophy. Yet, despite their amazing achievements, their story was largely forgotten—until Linda Peavy and Ursula Smith stumbled upon a team photo and set off on a ten-year journey to uncover the truth. Through in-depth research and conversations with the players' descendants, they brought this incredible story to light.
Empress: the Astonishing Reign of Nur Jahan By Ruby Lal - Four centuries ago, a Muslim woman ruled an empire. Nur Jahan, the daughter of a Persian noble and widow of a rebellious official, became the twentieth and most beloved wife of Emperor Jahangir. Together, they ruled the vast Mughal Empire, with Nur by his side as a trusted partner, leading troops into battle, signing imperial orders, and managing matters of state with remarkable skill. Not only was she an astute politician, but she was also a talented dress designer and innovative architect, with her work inspiring the Taj Mahal, built later by her stepson. When Jahangir was imprisoned by a rebellious nobleman, it was Nur who led the charge, rescuing him and restoring order. The only woman to hold such power in her male-dominated world, Nur Jahan’s influence far surpassed that of her female contemporaries in Renaissance Europe, including Elizabeth I. This deeply researched and evocative biography finally gives her the recognition she deserves, shedding light on a fascinating chapter of history that many have overlooked.
Mankiller: a Chief and Her People by Wilma Mankiller - In this powerful and heartfelt memoir, Wilma Mankiller, the first woman to serve as Chief of the Cherokee Nation and a Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, shares her personal story while also celebrating the history of the Cherokee people. Her journey takes place during the rise of the American Indian civil rights movement, and the book is all about reclaiming and holding onto the Native American values that have shaped this country.
If you would like to like to learn more, check out these other captivating reads:
- The Black Angels by Maria Smilios
- The Cleopatras: The Forgotten Queens of Egypt by Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones
- Empress Dowager Cixi: the Concubine Who Launched Modern China by Jung Chang
- Femina: a New History of the Middle Ages, Through the Women Written Out of It by Janina Ramirez
- Flora Macdonald: "Pretty young rebel": Her Life and Story by Flora Fraser
- The Glass Universe: How the Ladies of the Harvard Observatory Took the Measure of the Stars by Dava Sobel
- Hypatia of Alexandria: Mathematician and Martyr by Michael Deakin
- The Light of Days: the Untold Story of Women Resistance Fighters in Hitler's Ghettos by Judith Batalion
- The Dark Queens: the Bloody Rivalry That Forged the Medieval World by Shelley Puhak
- Medicine Women: the Story of the First Native American Nursing School by Jim Kristofic
- My Remarkable Journey: a Memoir by Katherine G. Johnson
- Taste Makers: Seven Immigrant Women Who Revolutionized Food in America by Mayukh Sen
