The King County Library System (KCLS) and the South Seattle Emerald are teaming up to bring you the "South End Scoop." Dig into this community-centered column each month for great book, music, movie, and event recommendations from your local librarians.
Celebrate Women's History Month with the notable reading and viewing recommendations below. For more stories by and about women, check out the full reading list on our website.
Jovita Wore Pants by Aida Salazar
Author Aida Salazar brings her great-aunt Jovita into readers' hearts with this vibrant and historical picture book. Jovita wants to wear pants, climb trees, ride horses, and fight for freedom. Going against her family and societal expectations, Jovita disguises herself as a boy and leads a revolution, changing Mexican history forever. Jovita Wore Pants casts a light on a lesser-known Mexican heroine and will inspire the next generation of young heroines to come.
Lotus Bloom and the Afro Revolution by Sherri Winston
Lotus is a talented violin player. When she joins a new arts school, she is the unfortunate target of racist bullying. Lotus learns to find peace by using her voice to stand up for what's right. Author Sherri Winston has artfully crafted a powerful and inspiring story about young Black girls, inequality, and class with a main character every reader will root for.
Radium Girls, directed by Lydia Dean Pilcher and Ginny Mohler
A film based on true events, Radium Girls is an intense coming-of-age story set during a time of workers' rights activism. When a group of women working in the American Radium Factory start experiencing mysterious disfigurements and becoming gravely ill, they discover a corporate cover-up and decide to take legal action. The film does an excellent job reminding viewers that the girls in this historical moment were not just a spectacle or a symbol of worker's rights — they were also young women with hopes and dreams for their futures. Learn more from the book of the same name by author Kate Moore.
Tomorrow Will Be Different by Sarah McBride
Sarah McBride's memoir is a powerful ode to the work she's done as a transgender activist and the loving life she's lived. From coming out, to walking the halls of the White House, to losing her first love, Tomorrow Will Be Different is informative and insightful. McBride interweaves political analysis with her personal story as the first transgender person to speak at a national political convention. Readers will be inspired to take on their own fights for equality and moved by the emotional and informative prose.
Recommendations courtesy of KCLS Librarian Shel Grinstead. Shel is a teen services librarian at the Tukwila Library. When not at the library, Shel enjoys going to concerts, playing cozy games, and trying out new handicrafts. Drop by "Game On" on Wednesdays after school or check out one of their art programs throughout the school year.
KCLS offers a variety of in-person and online events and activities for all ages! All events are free. Find one that interests you at KCLS.org/Events.
American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Foundation
United Way
Multiple Dates and Locations
Get free tax help at KCLS through April from trained AARP and IRS-certified volunteers.
Friday, March 22, 4:30—5:30 p.m.
Renton Library
Hear from young adult author Kyle Lukoff at this engaging event. He'll discuss his award-winning debut middle-grade novel, Too Bright to See, and his picture books, When Aidan Became a Brother and Call Me Max.
Tuesday, March 26, 4:00—5:00 p.m.
Federal Way Library
Share your love of creative writing with your peers. Learn how to build an exciting plot, create interesting characters, and craft purposeful dialogue with writing prompts, round robins, and other fun games. Snacks will be provided!
Friday, March 29, 10:00—11:00 a.m.
Renton Library
Enjoy a freshly brewed cup of coffee, a light snack, and engaging conversations with your neighbors. Whether you want to catch up on the latest news or simply unwind in good company, the library is the perfect gathering place. Sponsored by REACH Renton.
Saturday, March 30, 11:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m.
Family First Community Center
Compete in an official chess tournament at the Family First Community Center in Renton. The event is coordinated by Jacob Mayer, senior tournament director. Snacks will be provided for participants.
Tuesday, April 2, 6:00—7:00 p.m.
Online event
Learn about the dangers of opioids and how everyone can take part in the effort to reduce opioid abuse and overdoses to keep our community safe and healthy. Presented by Dr. Tom Miller, M.D., medical director, Quality and Safety, Overlake Medical Center.
Wednesday, April 3, 6:30—7:45 p.m.
White Center Library or Online
Join the fifth of a six-part series of talks on urban wildlife featuring speakers from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). Emelie Kohler will lead the discussion at this event about the fascinating species of owls that live in our area. Learn how owls thrive and what we can do to live alongside them.
Saturday, April 6, 2:00—4:00 p.m.
Mercer Island Library
Learn about wild mushrooms in Washington while practicing wet and dry felting techniques. You will leave with a felted mushroom of your own making! Presented by Alison Webb, Ph.D., from Pacific Northwest Biology.
Residents in the KCLS service area (in King County, outside the City of Seattle) can sign up instantly for a physical card to access our full collection, or a digital eCard to access our digital collection. Visit KCLS.org/Library-Cards to get started. Contact Ask KCLS at KCLS.org/Ask if you need assistance with your account, or call (425) 462-9600 or (800) 462-9600.
📸 Featured Image: South Seattle Emerald and the King County Library System (KCLS) are teaming up to give you book, media, and event recommendations each month via the South End Scoop.
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