5 stars
| Wonderful collection of inspiring women. The book is broken down into subcategories (art, history, politics, science, sports, music/film/TV, literature, and business). Great diversity in the women chosen in terms of race, fields of work, and time periods lived. Many white women are featured, but there are many women of color as well such as Madam C.J. Walker, Maya Angelou, Marta Vierira da Silva, and Lea Salonga. Sexual orientation and gender identity are not necessary salient (Laverne Cox has a short blurb and is noted as “first high-profile transgender actress” and transgender is defined in the glossary). I don’t recall sexual orientation being stated, but various women are noted as being advocates for LBGTQ works. There is also a nice balance between very well known women (J.K. Rowling, Beyonce, Oprah Winfrey) as well as lesser known women (Margaret Hardenbroek Philipse, Elena Cornaro Piscopia). I also really liked the illustrations. All of the pages are gorgeously decorated. At the end of the book is a glossary of potentially unfamiliar words for young readers (specimen, suffrage, runes, ecology, etc.). Great learning opportunity and way to better understand the lives of the women featured and the impact they had on the world. Beautiful book that is empowering and educational. Great book for inspiring women and girls to work for a better future. Goodreads |