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We the Women: The Hidden Heroes Who Shaped America
Not yet published
Expected 24 Feb 26A vivid portrait of the unsung American women from 1776 to today who changed the course of history in their fight for freedom and helped shape a more perfect union
“This terrific book reveals the central, though often hidden role that women have played at every stage of our country’s history.”—Doris Kearns Goodwin
Over a decades-long, distinguished career, award-winning journalist Norah O’Donnell has made it her mission to shed light on untold women’s stories. Now, in honor of America’s 250th birthday, O’Donnell focuses that passion on the American heroines who helped change the course of history.
We the Women presents a fresh look at American history through the eyes of women, introducing us to inspiring patriots who demanded that the country live up to the promises made 250 years ago in the Declaration of “that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Since the signing of that document, the pressing question from women has Why don’t those unalienable rights apply to us?
Through extensive research and interviews, as well as historical documents and old photos, O’Donnell curates a compelling portrait of these fierce fighters for freedom. From Mary Katherine Goddard, who printed the first signed Declaration of Independence, to the Forten family women, who were active in the abolition and suffrage movements and were considered the “Black Founders” of Philadelphia, to the first women who served in the armed forces even before they had the right to vote, O’Donnell brings these extraordinary women together for the first time, and in doing so writes the American story anew.
“This terrific book reveals the central, though often hidden role that women have played at every stage of our country’s history.”—Doris Kearns Goodwin
Over a decades-long, distinguished career, award-winning journalist Norah O’Donnell has made it her mission to shed light on untold women’s stories. Now, in honor of America’s 250th birthday, O’Donnell focuses that passion on the American heroines who helped change the course of history.
We the Women presents a fresh look at American history through the eyes of women, introducing us to inspiring patriots who demanded that the country live up to the promises made 250 years ago in the Declaration of “that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Since the signing of that document, the pressing question from women has Why don’t those unalienable rights apply to us?
Through extensive research and interviews, as well as historical documents and old photos, O’Donnell curates a compelling portrait of these fierce fighters for freedom. From Mary Katherine Goddard, who printed the first signed Declaration of Independence, to the Forten family women, who were active in the abolition and suffrage movements and were considered the “Black Founders” of Philadelphia, to the first women who served in the armed forces even before they had the right to vote, O’Donnell brings these extraordinary women together for the first time, and in doing so writes the American story anew.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 24, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the digital copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I absolutely loved the late ABC News/NPR journalist Cokie Roberts’ books on women in American History. Picking up the torch, CBS News’ Norah O’Donnell, along with best-selling author Kate Anderson Brower have presented their own list of admirable women in United States history.
Unless you have already read Roberts’ books, you may not have read a lot about women’s history. I happened to be watching Ken Burns’ American Revolution while reading this book, and one of the names that everyone on my social media was heralding was Phyllis Wheatley, the black poet, as well as Mercy Otis Warren. I had read about Wheatley and Warren previously, so she wasn’t a surprise. I learned a bit more about them, and I think many people will be picking up this book as a continuation on the American History they learned on PBS
These and many more lost stories are coming to light at the perfect time. More needs to be done to amplify the sacrifices and contributions women made in our nation’s history. There are only a few women statues in the U.S. Capitol, yet many of the women featured in this book SHOULD have statues made to honor them.
Just as an aside, I requested this book from NetGalley before Norah O’Donnell’s exclusive interview with 🍊🤡 and was appalled by the capitulation and lack of pushback from her. It seems she is not quite the heroic woman like the ones she and Anderson Brower write about. I applaud this book, but at the same time, I’m very disappointed.
I absolutely loved the late ABC News/NPR journalist Cokie Roberts’ books on women in American History. Picking up the torch, CBS News’ Norah O’Donnell, along with best-selling author Kate Anderson Brower have presented their own list of admirable women in United States history.
Unless you have already read Roberts’ books, you may not have read a lot about women’s history. I happened to be watching Ken Burns’ American Revolution while reading this book, and one of the names that everyone on my social media was heralding was Phyllis Wheatley, the black poet, as well as Mercy Otis Warren. I had read about Wheatley and Warren previously, so she wasn’t a surprise. I learned a bit more about them, and I think many people will be picking up this book as a continuation on the American History they learned on PBS
These and many more lost stories are coming to light at the perfect time. More needs to be done to amplify the sacrifices and contributions women made in our nation’s history. There are only a few women statues in the U.S. Capitol, yet many of the women featured in this book SHOULD have statues made to honor them.
Just as an aside, I requested this book from NetGalley before Norah O’Donnell’s exclusive interview with 🍊🤡 and was appalled by the capitulation and lack of pushback from her. It seems she is not quite the heroic woman like the ones she and Anderson Brower write about. I applaud this book, but at the same time, I’m very disappointed.
November 11, 2025
What an incredible look at a few of America's unsung women who shaped and paved our country into the land of the tree and home of the brave. They finally get the recognition they deserve in this book and I wish their stories are shared in schools today so their legacies will never die. As a mom who will be homeschooling, I'll be adding to this in my chapter of the American Revolution once my daughter is old enough to understand and be in school. As someone who is a huge history buff (my username has the word history in it for a reason), this book is a great reference and very well researched and sourced and I'm so very grateful I had to the chance to read this book for myself!
I would absolutely LOVE to buy a physical copy once it's fully released to add to my home library! This would be perfect and I can't wait!!
I would love to take this opportunity to thank the author, publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC book in exchange for an honest review.
I would absolutely LOVE to buy a physical copy once it's fully released to add to my home library! This would be perfect and I can't wait!!
I would love to take this opportunity to thank the author, publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Ballentine Books and Net Galley for the chance to read and review this book. All opinions are my own.
This book was excellent! I learned so much about the women that shaped our country. I had heard of some of these women, but some were brand new to me. All I can say is it was a fantastic read, and everyone should read it!
This book was excellent! I learned so much about the women that shaped our country. I had heard of some of these women, but some were brand new to me. All I can say is it was a fantastic read, and everyone should read it!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews