Vicki León

Vicki León is a prolific nonfiction author known for her engaging books that explore the natural world and lesser-known historical narratives. Her works, such as "A Raft of Sea Otters," "The Secrets of Tidepools," and the "Outrageous Women" series, have garnered widespread acclaim from publications like "People" magazine, "Publishers Weekly", and the "Los Angeles Times", as well as praise from NPR stations and Voice of America. Her ability to uncover unusual facts and fresh anecdotes has made her a favorite among readers aged ten and up, as well as older audiences.

Specializing in themes of natural history and the overlooked contributions of women, León has built a reputation for combining meticulous research with accessible storytelling. Her "Uppity Women" series, including titles like "Uppity Women of Ancient Times" and "Uppity Women of the Renaissance," highlights the achievements of remarkable women often excluded from traditional historical accounts. Additionally, her travel book "Scenic Highway One" showcases her versatility in capturing the essence of places and their stories. León's works continue to educate and inspire readers with their unique blend of curiosity and insight.
Outrageous Women Books
# Title Year
1 Outrageous Women of Ancient Times 1997
2 Outrageous Women of the Middle Ages 1998
3 Outrageous Women of the Renaissance 1999
Uppity Women Books
# Title Year
1 Uppity Women of Ancient Greece 1989
2 Uppity Women of Ancient Times 1995
3 Uppity Women of Medieval Times 1997
4 Uppity Women of the Renaissance 1999
5 Uppity Women of Shakespearean Times 2000
6 Uppity Women of the New World 2001
7 Uppity Women Speak Their Minds 2015
Non-Fiction Books
# Title Year
1 The Moneywise Guide to California 1982
2 Hearst Castle Photo Tour Guide 1984
3 Monterey Peninsula 1984
4 Scenic Highway One: Monterey to Morro Bay 1985
5 San Luis Obispo: County, Coast & Castle 1986
6 Tidepools: The Bright World of the Rocky Shoreline (With: Diana Barnhart) 1989
7 A Raft of Sea Otters: An Affectionate Portrait 1993
8 The Secrets of Tidepools: The Bright World of the Rocky Shoreline 1993
9 Insects (With: Joni Phelps Hunt) 1994
10 Parrots, Macaws and Cockatoos 1995
11 Wetlands: All about Bogs, Bayous, Swamps, and a Salt Marsh or Two 1998
12 A Tangle of Octopuses: Plus Cuttlefish, Nautiluses, and a Giant Squid or Two 1998
13 A Rainbow of Songbirds 1999
14 The Amazing Octopus 2003
15 A Colony of Seals: The Captivating Life of a Deep Sea Diver 2005
16 A Rainbow of Parrots 2006
17 A Pod of Killer Whales: The Mysterious Life of the Intelligent Orca 2006
18 Working IX to V: Orgy Planners, Funeral Clowns, and Other Prized Professions of the Ancient World 2007
19 How to Mellify a Corpse: and Other Human Stories of Ancient Science and Superstition 2010
20 The Joy of Sexus: Lust, Love, and Longing in the Ancient World 2013
Children's Books
# Title Year
1 A Pack of Wolves 2006