About Rise: A Feminist Book Project for Ages 0-18 

Rise: A Feminist Book Project for Ages 0-18 has been promoting quality feminist literature for young readers since 2002 as a part of the Feminist Task Force and the Social Responsibilities Round Table. Each year, the project compiles an annotated book list (or bibliography) of well-written and well-illustrated books with significant feminist content, intended for young readers (ages birth through 18). Books eligible for this honor must have been published in the United States during the 18 months prior to the selection in January of each year. 

For this committee, feminist books for young readers must move beyond merely “spunky” and “feisty” young women, beyond characters and people who fight to protect themselves without concern for the rights of others. Feminist protagonists call out and work to eliminate sexism and other systemic prejudices, actively shaping their destinies.They break bonds forced by society as they defy stereotypical expectations and show resilience in the face of societal strictures. People who are not women can also play an important part in questioning and defying gender and/or sex roles. In addition, feminist books show women solving problems, gaining personal power, and empowering others. They celebrate girls and women as a vibrant, vital force in the world.

Rise: A Feminist Book Project for Ages 0-18 was formerly known as the Amelia Bloomer Project. The name of this endeavor was changed in 2019 after the committee was made aware that, though Amelia Bloomer had a platform as a publisher, she refused to speak against the Fugitive Slave Law of 1850 (Simmons). SRRT and FTF believe librarians and libraries must work to correct social problems and inequities with particular attention to intersectionality, feminism, and deliberate anti-racism. As a result, the committee unanimously voted in favor of a name change. Rise: A Feminist Book Project for Ages 0-18, reflects the diversity and inclusion for which feminism as a whole — and this committee specifically — strives.

Simmons, L. (2016, September 23). Petition of Amelia Bloomer regarding suffrage in the West. National Archives. Retrieved from https://www.archives.gov/education/lessons/bloomer

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