What’s New at the AK Smiley Public Library: Check out books about women’s achievements – Redlands Daily Facts

In honor of Womens History Month this March, we are highlighting books featuring the numerous contributions and achievements of women, past and present.

The A.K. Smiley Public Library has a great selection of books to choose from portraying women from many countries and distinct backgrounds who have each made a mark on history, through talent, hard work and determination to make life better. Here are just a few suggestions to consider.

Born in 1865, growing up on the Omaha Indian reservation, Susan La Flesche, at age 24, became the first Native American woman doctor in U.S. history. A Warrior of the People: How Susan La Flesche Overcame Racial and Gender Inequality to Become Americas First Indian Doctor by Joe Starita tells the story of this remarkable woman.

Although experiencing countless obstacles, like government oppression, prejudice and balancing white and Native cultures, La Flesche chose to pursue a medical career. She was accepted at the Womens Medical College of Pennsylvania, graduated at the top of her class in 1889 and returned to the reservation as a physician, providing a much-needed service to her community.

La Flesche spent her life dedicated to treating more than 1,200 patients with a range of health issues, such as tuberculosis and smallpox. She also worked on educating her community about hygiene, food contamination and alcoholism, improving quality of life for her people. In 1913, two years before her death, she fulfilled her dream of opening a hospital on the reservation.

La Flesche was a trailblazer and a role model and her contributions to the Native American people were immeasurable.

A memoir that puts you in direct range of air battle, Danger Close: My Epic Journey as a Combat Helicopter Pilot in Iraq and Afghanistan by Amber Smith, is a gripping read. Coming from a family in which both parents and sisters were pilots and where the family farm had a grass airstrip in the backyard, Smith knew that aviation was in her future.

After the 9/11 terrorist attacks and with various family members having served their country, Smith was compelled to sign up with the military. To become a pilot, all of the branches required a college degree, which she was still working on, with one exception the Army. They would allow her to continue working on her degree while training.

But there was one caveat shed be joining as a helicopter pilot and the only experience she had so far had been flying fixed-winged aircraft.

This is the story of her time as a U.S. Army Kiowa helicopter pilot, her training, deployments and combats. She describes her service in the 101st Airborne Division, the Screaming Eagles, as a reconnaissance pilot, assisting and supporting ground forces and flying close to the enemy while under fire. Enjoy this inspiring book of a patriotic and courageous woman.

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Growing up in Pakistan in the 90s, in a village where girls were expected to stay indoors and not participate in sports, Maria, at a young age was determined to pursue her love of the outdoors. So, at age 4, she cut her hair, wore shorts and eventually starting living as a boy.

A Different Kind of Daughter: The Girl Who Hid from the Taliban in Plain Sight by Maria Toorpakai tells the story a girl who, despite the threats and danger involved, disguised herself as a boy to be able to follow her passion of playing sports. She initially trained and competed in weightlifting, later becoming enthralled with the sport of squash.

Ultimately, the truth of her gender became known, causing trouble and considerable harassment, even death threats.

Read the story of a woman who, despite adversity, became a professional athlete, rising to No. 1 as a female squash player from Pakistan.

Jill Martinson is a library specialist at the A.K. Smiley Public Library in Redlands.

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What's New at the AK Smiley Public Library: Check out books about women's achievements - Redlands Daily Facts