Kendra Winchester is a Contributing Editor for Book Riot where she writes about audiobooks and disability literature. She is also the Founder of Read Appalachia, which celebrates Appalachian literature and writing. Previously, Kendra co-founded and served as Executive Director for Reading Women, a podcast that gained an international following over its six-season run. In her off hours, you can find her writing on her Substack, Winchester Ave, and posting photos of her Corgis on Instagram and Twitter @kdwinchester.
Kendra Winchester is a Contributing Editor for Book Riot where she writes about audiobooks and disability literature. She is also the Founder of Read Appalachia, which celebrates Appalachian literature and writing. Previously, Kendra co-founded and served as Executive Director for Reading Women, a podcast that gained an international following over its six-season run. In her off hours, you can find her writing on her Substack, Winchester Ave, and posting photos of her Corgis on Instagram and Twitter @kdwinchester.
My love language is gifts, more specifically, books as gifts. Some people keep greeting cards and gift bags on hand in case of last-minute gifting. Me? I keep stacks of gift books ready, just in case. Sure, we’ve passed the holiday season, but I have 10 nieces and nephews, friends, and my friends’ kids who all have birthdays coming up. I liked to be prepared! So here are some of the gift books I like to keep on hand.
Bad Girls Throughout History: 100 Remarkable Women Who Changed the World by Ann Shen
I love Ann Shen’s illustrations. Cards, print, and books—I just can’t get enough. I first found her on Instagram, and then I got my hands on her stunning book, Bad Girls Throughout History. It’s a beautiful book featuring dozens of women who changed the world. Women who have bucked the system and fought for change have long been described as “bad girls.” Shen turns this label on its head, featuring women who used their talents to change the world for the better.
All access members continue below for more great gift books.
Women in Sports: 50 Fearless Athletes Who Played to Win by Rachel Ignotofsky
I’m always looking to learn more about prominent women in history, especially key figures in traditionally male-dominated fields. You may know Ignotofsky from her book Women in Science, and this time she’s featuring women in sports. Each woman is featured on a beautiful two-page spread filled with her biography, fun facts, and incredible illustrations. Over the years, I’ve revisited this book so many times. It’s just the perfect gift for any sports-loving kid. And if you love this one, there’s also Women in Art.
Wonder Women: 25 Innovators, Inventors, and Trailblazers Who Changed History by Samm Maggs
I adore Samm Maggs’s quirky sense of style in her illustrations. The book itself is adorable and the perfect size for child-sized hands. Wonder Women features scientists, adventurers, engineers, athletes, and so many more. And the illustrations are absolutely delightful. If I had had this book as a little girl, it would have sparked my imagination, giving me a chance to see myself in so many different professions, so many possible futures.
A is for Affrilachia by Frank X Walker, Illustrations by upfromsumdirt
A is for Affrilachia is a beautiful children’s alphabet book that highlights the accomplishments of Affrilachian people across the region. In the back of the book, there is more detail on each of the people, places, or things mentioned, giving adults more information to share with the kids in their lives. It’s a great way to start conversations about the importance of Affrilachian people to the region.
You can find me over on my substack Winchester Ave, over on Instagram @kdwinchester, or on my podcast Read Appalachia. As always, feel free to drop me a line at kendra.d.winchester@gmail.com. For even MORE bookish content, you can find my articles over on Book Riot.
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