Synopses & Reviews
Portraits of brave women from the late 1800s through today—role models who are passionate about important issues
A source of inspiration for young women with strong social convictions, She Takes a Stand highlights 16 extraordinary women who have fought for human rights, civil rights, workers’ rights, reproductive/sexual rights, and world peace. Among these are many who have been imprisoned, threatened, or suffered financial hardships for pursuing their missions to change the world for the better. Included are historic heroes such as anti-lynching crusader Ida B. Wells and suffragist Alice Paul, along with contemporary figures such as girls-education activist Malala Yousafzai; Sampat Pal Devi, who fights violence against Indian women; and SPARK executive director Dana Edell, who works to end the sexualization of women and girls in the media. Taking a multicultural, multinational perspective, She Takes a Stand spotlights brave women around the world with an emphasis on childhood details, motivations, and life turning points—in many cases gleaned from the author’s original interviews—and includes related sidebars, a bibliography, source notes, and a list of organizations young women can explore to get involved in changing their world.
Review
“This book was compulsively readable and while the biographies found here are pretty short, they whetted my appetite to read more about these wonderful women! This would be a great book to introduce younger readers to some really amazing personalities!” —A Bookish Affair
Review
“This book showcases women explorers from several continents and across two centuries. Just as varied as the subjects of their explorations are the range of life experiences that led these women to push against traditional boundaries and set them on the path toward discovery.” —Kate Jackson, assistant professor, Department of Biology, Whitman College
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A World of Her Own brilliantly conveys stories about women pioneers in science and exploration, many of whom not only rocked the cradle and kept house but also mastered a telescope, sextant, slingshot, artist canvas, ice axe, or plant press. This volume is bound to inspire many young women.” —Meg Lowman, director, Nature Research Center at North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and research professor, North Carolina State University
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"'Women of Action' series makes perfect addition to libraries in March." —Curriculum Review
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“Girls 11 or 12 and up, especially those interested in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) fields, will find this clearly-penned book inspirational. In fact, all girls will enjoy these amazing true tales, especially if they love nature, animals, the environment and physical challenges.” —Arcamax
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“A World of Her Own dramatically describes the stories of women showing great perseverance and strength, and it is a collection that will appeal to middle and high school audiences.” —Science Scope
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“These are fascinating, well-told stories, sure to intrigue readers.” —School Library Journal
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“Preschool and primary-grade teachers will find this an upbeat, practical guide to science activities for young children.” —Booklist
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“An excellent compilation and a notable addition for all library collections to enhance women’s history.” —School Library Journal
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She Takes a Stand is a stunning and inspiring book that celebrates the extraordinary accomplishments of women around the world and will surely inspire the next generation of girls to see that their voices and actions can truly change the world.” —Dana Edell, executive director of SPARK
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“a thoroughly researched book full of inspiring stories that will appeal to young readers…” —VOYA
Synopsis
The stories of two dozen fascinating female explorers, from a wide range of eras, cultures, races, and economic backgrounds, are profiled in this entertaining and educational resource. Each of the women profiled overcame many obstacles to satisfy her curiosity and passions, including Eleanor Creesy, who was a ships navigator in the 1800s; Kate Jackson, an insatiable investigator of venomous snakes whose work has led her to remote Africa and Latin America; and Constanza Ceruti, the worlds only female high-elevation archaeologist, who carries out excavations on the Earths highest peaks in dangerously thin air and subzero temperatures. Offering not only important historical context but also original interviews with many intriguing modern explorers, this whos who of women explorers will provide inspiration to todays young women interested in nature, science, and a physical challenge.
Synopsis
An inspiration for any young person who loves the outdoors, wildlife, or science,
A World of Her Own tells the stories of 24 brave women from different cultures, epochs, and economic backgrounds who have shared similar missions: to meet the physical and mental challenges of exploring the natural world, to protect the environment and native cultures, and to leave a mark in the name of discovery. Among the many bold women profiled are Rosaly Lopes, who worked for NASA and discovered 71 volcanoes on one of Jupiters moons; Helen Thayer, the first woman to walk and ski the Magnetic North Pole accompanied by only her dog; Kay Cottee, the first woman to successfully sail nonstop around the world completely unassisted; and Anna Smith Peck, who set the record for the highest climb in the Western Hemisphere at the age of 58. These and other engaging profiles, based on both historical research and firsthand interviews, stress how childhood passions and interests, perseverance, and courage led these women to overcome challenges and break barriers to achieve great success in their adventurous pursuits and careers. A bibliography and annotated list of exploration resources and organizations make this an invaluable resource for young explorers, parents, and teachers alike.
Synopsis
Young children are natural scientists at play. While they bake mud pies and pour and measure water, they are observing, theorizing and developing science skills, as well as having fun. Children two to eight years old will thrive on the many open-ended science experiences including: ice and bubbles, compost and seeds, magnets and gears, potions and plant prints and more.
Synopsis
In an age of “slacktivism” and fleeting social media fame,
She Takes a Stand offers a realistic look at the game-changing decisions, high stakes, and bold actions of women and girls around the world working to improve their personal situations and the lives of others.
This inspiring collection of short biographies features the stories of extraordinary figures past and present who have dedicated their lives to fighting for human rights, civil rights, workers’ rights, reproductive rights, and world peace. Budding activists will be inspired by antilynching crusader and writer Ida B. Wells, birth control educator and activist Margaret Sanger, girls-education activist Malala Yousafzai, Gulabi Gang founder Sampat Pal Devi, who fights violence against Indian women, Dana Edell, who works against the sexualization of women and girls in the media, and many others.
Including related sidebars, a bibliography, source notes, and a list of activist organizations readers can explore in person or online, She Takes a Stand is an essential resource for classroom reports or for any young person passionate about making a difference.
About the Author
Michael Elsohn Ross is a naturalist educator and award-winning author of over 40 books for children and young adults, including A World of Her Own and Salvador Dalí and the Surrealists. He lives and works in Yosemite National Park.