The Book of Heroines: Tales of History's Gutsiest Gals

by Stephanie Warren Drimmer

Overview

Everybody needs a role model! Discover true stories of superstars, war heroes, world leaders, gusty gals, and everyday women who changed the world. From Sacagawea to Mother Teresa, Annie Oakley to Malala Yousafzai, these famous women hiked up their pants and petticoats and charged full-speed ahead to prove girls are just as tough as boys...maybe even tougher. Complete with amazing images and a fun design, this is the book that every kid with a goal, hope, or dream will want to own.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781426325571
Publisher:	Disney Publishing Group
Publication date:	11/08/2016
Pages:	176
Sales rank:	678,479
Product dimensions:	7.90(w) x 10.40(h) x 0.70(d)
Lexile:	IG1080L (what's this?)
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

About the Author

STEPHANIE WARREN DRIMMER writes for children as well as adults. Her favorite kid book topics include a planet where it rains rocks, the chemistry of the perfect cookie, and scientists who use light to control mouse brains.

Editorial Reviews

"...Introduces readers to more than 75 notable female figures, real and imaginary, representing a diverse group ranging from ancient times to present day. ...this graphic-rich book will attract browsers, hold their interest, and inspire further research. " — Booklist

"...a bold, bright collection, packed with photos and illustrations of impressive women who have changed the world. Athletes, world leaders, freedom fighters, space pioneers... even everyday people (and animals!) are portrayed in splashy two-page spreads, along with occasional "Daring Dudes" sidebars featuring male heroes." — Shelf Awareness

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From the Publisher

2016-09-19
Women, girls, animals, and a few “Daring Dudes” from the dawn of history to the present are feted with short biographies and colorful art. A dizzying array of people (and animals) designated female by birth—historical, mythological, and fictional—are classified as heroines, with no discussion of why that term is used rather than “hero.” (The concurrent publication of The Book of Heroes may explain that.) The introduction lists seven qualities common to most heroines, including selflessness, bravery, and perseverance, noting that each female in the book began as an ordinary girl until “the choice that changed them from ordinary to extraordinary.” From Antigone to Malala Yousafzai to Ruth Wakefield (inventor of the chocolate-chip cookie), glib language conveys information that often speaks more to sensationalism, hype, and commercialism than to the text’s own definition of heroism. Space is given, appropriately, both to women who managed to succeed in spite of male dominance and to those whose achievements were co-opted by men. However, it subverts its purpose by including patronizing examples besides Ruth Wakefield—such as Henrietta Lacks, a woman who never knew her cancerous tumor had been used for scientific research. As is typical of a National Geographic book, the layout, art, and photography are generally exceptional even if the accessible text is shallow. Heroes offers a great centerfold: “How to Change the World.” Sadly, Heroines has a centerfold of Wonder Woman. This may be a springboard for discussing values if nothing else. (introduction, afterword, index) (Nonfiction. 8-12)

Kirkus Reviews