The Woman Who Heard the Sun and Other True Stories Overlooked by History

by Amisha Padnani, New York Times

Based on the acclaimed New York Times project, this engaging and dynamic book shares the true stories of remarkable people too often overlooked by history—an inspiring, eye-opening collection that empowers kids to see themselves as changemakers.

This is a celebration of extraordinary individuals whose contributions have been left out of traditional accounts of history. While textbooks and obituaries have too often highlighted powerful, wealthy white men, this collection brings forward the women, people of color, LGBTQ+ pioneers, and people with disabilities whose courage, creativity, and curiosity transformed the world.

Through 18 riveting narratives, readers will meet hidden heroes like Miki Gorman, the marathon champion who defied expectations; Sarah E. Ray, who challenged segregation years before Rosa Parks; Ralph Lazo, who voluntarily joined Japanese Americans at Manzanar to protest internment; and Regina Jonas, the world’s first woman rabbi—among many others. Written in vivid yet accessible prose, these powerful accounts invite young readers to rethink whose voices belong in history and to imagine their own potential to make change.

Beautifully designed and illustrated with full-color photographs, this is a history book that resonates long after the final page is turned.

Kindle Edition

Expected publication October 6, 2026

Reviews

[Louisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for my advanced copy. X

The title of this book immediately caught my eye - the first half sounded mysterious and welcoming, almost like a fiction book and then felt more drawn in by "and Other True Stories Overlooked by History".
I love books that one can pick up and return to at any point yet this book was easily read in one sitting and the real life photographs make this a perfect coffee table book too.

As I have alot of similar books to this (having a child I was obsessed with the "great women..." / forgotten hero books that have been popular) I was drawn to what stood out here and the mixture of descriptive, almost poetic opening to each 'character' which morphed quickly into a factual biography. Chapters were not drawn out so this feels like a shot of information but written stylistically. I particularly enjoyed the rounds ups and the visible quotes, presented like grafitti throughout.

Huge praise to the archive throughout from intimate pictures and to publicity materials to newspaper article.

If you're interested in a shot of knowledge without a deep dive on the amazing but almost unknown this is the book for you.

[Lisa Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

These are such interesting stories I've been walking around telling them to people. Even my dentist! They're very different but each individual shows courage in their area and it's amazing thinking about these likeable people who changed the world. The best thing was that it felt like anyone could make a change if they saw a problem and they were brave.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this