Ming and Hilde Lead a Revolution

The Girls Who Changed the World #3

by Jackie French

The third book in the best-selling Jackie French historical series that places girls centre stage.


Ming Qong is convinced that girls have changed the world throughout history.

She's faced danger and adventure when Herstory sent her to the past to witness girls' bravery in the incredible feats left out of 'histories'. Now Ming asks Herstory for another time-travelling quest – this time, one that is less confronting.

Ming finds herself in relative luxury, heading to an unknown destination on a ship carrying royal Saxon sheep, travelling with the girls who care for them.

What do female shepherds have to do with history? And is it even possible for sheep to be royal?

As Ming knows only too well, change is never easy, so how can one girl – and a sheep – change the world?

From one of Australia's favourite authors comes an inspiring series for all the young people who will, one day, change the world.

Praise for Ming and Marie Spy for Freedom:

'... this story based on true facts is a must read. It is full of danger, apprehension, excitement, and the opportunity to learn about the roles women and girls played in major historical events and can play in the future. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.'

—ReadPlus

Genres: Historical, Historical Fiction, Audiobook, Middle Grade

Audible Audio

First published January 1, 2023

About the author

Jackie is an award-winning writer, wombat negotiator and the Australian Children’s Laureate for 2014-2015. She is regarded as one of Australia’s most popular children’s authors, and writes across all genres - from picture books, history, fantasy, ecology and sci-fi to her much loved historical fiction. In her capacity as Australian Children’s Laureate, ‘Share a Story’ will be the primary philosophy behind Jackie’s two-year term.

Reviews

[EmG ReadsDaily · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third story in the series. This time Ming finds herself travelling on a ship headed for South Australia, among a flock of royal sheep and the group of Saxon girls who care for them.

2024 CBCA Notable title for Younger Readers

[Zsofia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very lovely children's book. I hope she is very well-known and loved in Australia, I can find no fault in her writing :)

[Doughlas Ivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ming and Hilde Lead a Revolution by Jackie French is a short, easy-to-read novel filled with humor, warmth, and an engaging storyline. Although written primarily for younger readers, it is equally enjoyable for adults looking for a light and relaxing read. The book has the feel of a gentle fairy tale while still incorporating elements of Australian history, even though the story itself is fictional.
One of the strengths of the novel is the way it introduces younger readers to aspects of Australia’s colonial past without focusing on the harsher and more brutal realities of convict life. Instead, the story presents history in an approachable and entertaining manner, encouraging curiosity about the lives of early settlers and the social challenges of the time. This makes it an excellent book for parents or grandparents to read aloud as a bedtime story, as it can spark conversations and questions about Australian history in a way that is suitable for children.
The characters are likable and the writing flows smoothly, making it an effortless and enjoyable read. The humor scattered throughout the book adds charm and keeps the story engaging without becoming overly complicated or heavy. It is the kind of novel that can easily be enjoyed on a quiet Sunday afternoon in the park, sitting outdoors amongst the birds and pleasant weather, because it does not demand intense concentration to appreciate the story.
While the book is clearly aimed at a younger audience, adults who enjoy light historical fiction or wholesome family-friendly stories will still find plenty to appreciate. It successfully balances entertainment with subtle educational value, which is not always easy to achieve in children’s literature.
Overall, this was an enjoyable and charming read that delivers exactly what it sets out to do — entertain while gently introducing readers to a piece of Australian history. For its target audience and style of storytelling, I would happily give this book 4 stars

[Jennie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ming Qong returns for another adventure in this time-slip series, and Ming has requested that Herstory sends her back to a time in which she will be safe and comfortable. The lack of adventure and danger does result in a quiet and comfortable read that would benefit from more tension and excitement. owver, the story does provide an interesting glimpse into early land settlement and sheep farming in the Adelaide area which was settled without convict labour.

Starting on board ship, Ming slots into the life of recently orphaned Elizabeth White, a half-English, half-Chinese girl who is too young to inherit her father's fortune, made in the silk trade in China. Offered a position of governess at the home of her late father’s friend, John Montjoy, Ming's adventure starts on board a ship headed to South Australia, accompanied by a small flock of well-cared-for (royal) sheep and their carers, a group of Saxon girls. Led by Hilde, who Elizabeth White befriends, her skills and knowledge of sheep husbandry will help change the sheep farming practices of Australia.

As with other books in the series, Jackie French provides considerable detail on the times (early 1840s) - cultural,social, and political as well as strategies for Ming to employ to situate her self in time an and place. In Ming's return to the present, Herstory adds further information to indicate the changes brought about by arrival of these German girls.

2024 CBCA Notable title for Younger Readers

[Laura Farrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this. It was a bit hard to get into but perfect for a 9-12y/o. What a lovely way to learn about the past. I did sigh a bit at the 'Herstory' and 'History' names (not a fan but I see what the author was doing).
All up great story. Even nice people with the best intentions can be looked back upon poorly, especially as time a values change.

CBCA notables 2024 - Younger Readers

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good middle grade book, and even though this is a third in a series and I haven’t read the others, it was not difficult to follow at all! Loved the idea of going back in time to see strong girls throughout history!!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

this audiobook is a great addition to the series. I initially thought the sheep storyline would be dry and boring like the colonial history I already know but this book did a great job of breaking down the history.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for PRC

[Sean Harding · Rating 3 out of 5]

I get what the series is doing on one level - but it is still quite strange and the execution sometimes a bit well weird - anyway a decent read.

[KJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Go Hilde

[Stephanie Lyndon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great bit of female history in a fun and easy to follow storey. Love all the books from this series and I hope to see more.

[Alaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this! A great historical fiction book for younger readers where I learned something too 😋

[Meretini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book read by my 10 year old

[Lara O'Donoghue · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoroughly enjoyable historical fiction from the fabulous Jackie French.