Summary of the Theme
In these fascinating memoirs and biographies, women create worlds, both real and fictional. Each book is a detailed portrait of a strong, influential woman, a woman capable of changing the course of history, art, culture, or politics.

Book List

• Isabella of Castille: The First Renaissance Queen by Nancy Rubin
• Lakota Woman by Mary Crow Dog
• Jazz Cleopatra: Josephine Baker in Her Time by Phyllis Rose
• Lost in Translation by Eva Hoffman
• Frida: A Biography of Frida Kahlo by Hayden Herrera

Program Brochure
The humanities scholar's essay was written by Elizabeth R. Baer and Hester D. Baer. Elizabeth Baer is Provost and Professor of English at Washington College in Maryland. Hester Baer was awarded the Bachelor of Arts degree in feminism and cultural studies from Bard College in 1992. Elizabeth and Hester are mother and daughter.

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   Scholar's essay, annotated book list, and supplementary texts (pdf)*

"How To" Discussion Programming Guide
Developed to aid participants in “The Millennium Project for Public Libraries,” this programming guide provides basic information about developing and promoting book discussion programs.

* The American Library Association is the copyright owner of this essay and annotations. The credit lines embedded in the program materials and/or sponsor and funder logos must remain on all published (print and web) materials derived from these materials.