The Iowa Center for the Book has selected Amazing Iowa Women by Dr. Katy Swalwell as the 2020 title for the Great Reads from Great Places program.
Illustrated by dozens of Iowa women and gender non-conforming artists, Amazing Iowa Women highlights the stories of nearly 100 Iowa women from different historical eras, diverse backgrounds, and a range of professions.
"Every page in Amazing Iowa Women feels like a chance to learn something new about Iowa. The wonderful illustrations and engaging, kid-friendly text is perfect for exploring more about some of the women who have made this state great,” said Angie Manfredi, Iowa Center for the Book librarian. “As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment this year, communities coming together for change is more relevant than ever. This book is the perfect choice to show every kid - in Iowa or elsewhere - all they can accomplish."
Great Reads from Great Places is a program from the Library of Congress Center for the Book to showcase the literary heritage of the nation's states and territories. Each book is selected annually by the Center for the Book affiliates and highlighted during the National Book Festival. The books may be written by authors from the state, take place in the state, or celebrate the state’s culture and heritage.
Find out more about Great Reads from Great Places
About the Author
Author Katy Swalwell, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor in the School of Education at Iowa State University. Born and raised in Iowa, she graduated from the University of Northern Iowa's teacher education program in 2002 before teaching at a rural public high school in Minnesota and a New England boarding school. In 2011, she graduated with a Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She joined the faculty at Iowa State in 2014 after working at George Mason University and the University of Maryland, College Park. Find out more at KatySwalwell.com.
The Iowa Center for the Book is a program of the State Library of Iowa and an affiliate of the Library of Congress Center for the Book. Its mission is to stimulate public interest in books, reading, literacy and libraries.