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Anthology of Amazing Women: Trailblazers Who Dared to Be Different
This beautifully illustrated collection tells the awe-inspiring stories of 50 women who have pushed the boundaries of human excellence and endeavor.
Featuring familiar icons like Elizabeth I and Malala Yousafzai, and introducing hidden figures like Chien-Shiung Wu and Aud the Deep-Minded, kids will be fascinated reading about these women's achievements in science, sports, the arts, politics, and history, and it is sure to inspire a new generation of extraordinary girls!
Featuring familiar icons like Elizabeth I and Malala Yousafzai, and introducing hidden figures like Chien-Shiung Wu and Aud the Deep-Minded, kids will be fascinated reading about these women's achievements in science, sports, the arts, politics, and history, and it is sure to inspire a new generation of extraordinary girls!
128 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2018
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405 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
March 28, 2022
Loved the art and layout! And I think this book did a good job of keeping the sections short (since this is geared towards younger readers) while not feeling TOO short. I also really appreciate that the book takes care to point out where society still falls short of gender equality, and that while it's amazing what women have achieved, we shouldn't HAVE to overcome all these obstacles.
Loved the balance of well-known and lesser-known women, and the diversity of women covered here (though I think it could have included a few more queer women). I also really liked the choice to have a short introductory section for each category that covered a few women who didn't get their own entry.
Just a few of the women I learned about, whom I've already started reading more about: Elena Cornaro Piscopia!! the first woman to be awarded a PhD!!
Fanny Mendelssohn!! in a depressingly familiar story *cough* Mozart *cough*, a brilliantly talented composer and musician who was (at times deliberately) outshone by her brother!!
Viola Desmond!! a Black Canadian woman who refused to give up her place in a movie theatre but who is less well-known than Rosa Parks in the U.S.!!
And bonus points for including a few of my personal favorites to read about (Frida Kahlo, Artemisia Gentileschi (briefly), Malala Yousafzai) including a couple I don't think of as being so well-known (Lea Salonga and Gurinder Chadha!)
I do at times wish the book had been a little clearer about some of the less-than-great things some of these women did (Elizabeth I comes to mind), but that wasn't often an issue and I liked that this book was heavily weighted towards women who were role models AND of course really interesting.
A note: since this was published in 2018, J.K. Rowling and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie are included here because this was before they made their anti-trans sentiments public. So I don't think this is a fault of the book, I just wanted to mention that for people.
CW: Discussions / mentions of: Grief, racism, misogyny, WWII and Holocaust, suicide, abuse, sexual assault
Loved the balance of well-known and lesser-known women, and the diversity of women covered here (though I think it could have included a few more queer women). I also really liked the choice to have a short introductory section for each category that covered a few women who didn't get their own entry.
Just a few of the women I learned about, whom I've already started reading more about: Elena Cornaro Piscopia!! the first woman to be awarded a PhD!!
Fanny Mendelssohn!! in a depressingly familiar story *cough* Mozart *cough*, a brilliantly talented composer and musician who was (at times deliberately) outshone by her brother!!
Viola Desmond!! a Black Canadian woman who refused to give up her place in a movie theatre but who is less well-known than Rosa Parks in the U.S.!!
And bonus points for including a few of my personal favorites to read about (Frida Kahlo, Artemisia Gentileschi (briefly), Malala Yousafzai) including a couple I don't think of as being so well-known (Lea Salonga and Gurinder Chadha!)
I do at times wish the book had been a little clearer about some of the less-than-great things some of these women did (Elizabeth I comes to mind), but that wasn't often an issue and I liked that this book was heavily weighted towards women who were role models AND of course really interesting.
A note: since this was published in 2018, J.K. Rowling and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie are included here because this was before they made their anti-trans sentiments public. So I don't think this is a fault of the book, I just wanted to mention that for people.
CW: Discussions / mentions of: Grief, racism, misogyny, WWII and Holocaust, suicide, abuse, sexual assault
February 1, 2021
Сподобалося, що в книжці багато не дуже широковідомих імен і авторка приділяє їм багацько сторінок. Шкода, що з моєю пам'яттю на імена я навряд чи впізнаю хоч половину тих, яких я не знала до цього.
Але головне не це, взяла книжулю через ілюстрації й вони божественні!
Але головне не це, взяла книжулю через ілюстрації й вони божественні!
September 20, 2018
This was such an inspiring read. Those women are truly extraordinary and amazing and I can't believe I had never heard of most of them before. Also, the illustrations in the book are so beautiful!
October 14, 2022
#AnthologyofAmazingWomen is such a gorgeous coffee-table book featuring 50 amazing women from history to modern day..
the illustrator has bottle a little bit of these amazing women's magic and added it in this book through his gorgeous illustrations!
the illustrator has bottle a little bit of these amazing women's magic and added it in this book through his gorgeous illustrations!
October 30, 2025
ერთი დიდი ნაკლი აქვს. არ არის თმარ მეფე.
July 23, 2019
The illustrations in the book are so cool and funky! There’s lots of little hidden meanings, it’ll be fun to point them out with Ella when I can read this with her later. And I really like how this book tried to feature more current “Amazing Women,” i.e. more women who are still alive right now. I think it makes it easier for little girls to be interested if they can recognize current celebrities.
December 13, 2018
Bra, intressant, lättläst. Negativ aspekt: majoriteten av kvinnorna var ganska tippade iom att jag läst två liknande böcker tidigare.
April 13, 2018
I was very disappointed with this book. It seems "amazing" is understood primarily as "successful" - and "successful" is only really considered so in terms of capitalistic endeavors. There are so many amazing women out there who warrant recognition for more reasons than just because they've made a lot of money and/or are famous - athletes, actors, comedians, singers, scientists, diplomats, artists, even business women. To see "amazing" defined so narrowly and superficially is depressing and even disturbing. Very disappointing.
May 24, 2018
Do you know who Jeanne Baret was? How about Harriet Chalmers Adams? What about Stamata Revithi? To be honest, I really had no knowledge of these women, all amazing, all gifted and all mostly unrecognized for their achievements. In Sandra Lawrence’s wonderful ANTHOLOGY OF AMAZING WOMEN, these and many other feminine heroines receive their stars of recognition. Lawrence covers women in sports, science, history, medicine, politics, art and so much more as she sweeps through their stories. So again, who was Stamata Revithi? In 1896, although she had been banned from entering a marathon, she ran it in a long skirt and it took her 5.5 hours. Never heard of her? Now you have. Oh, and did you know that Felix Mendelssohn had a very talented sister named Fanny? Here’s another story you will love!
This totally delightful book has pages of these “trailblazing” women. Some you will know like Maya Angelou, Serena Williams, Oprah Winfrey and J.K. Rowling. But if you don’t recognize those names either…they are contemporary heroines who have persisted and achieved remarkable fame --- you can read about them in ANTHOLOGY OF AMAZING WOMEN. None of these women have been fame seekers. However, they have all fought for the right to achieve in fields almost exclusive to men.
Chapters are divided by areas of achievement along with descriptions the women's lives. The author explains that most of these women have faced incredible adversity and heartache to attain their remarkable feats. For example, the great 16th century warrior Ana Nzinga who fought against slave traders and eventually became the king of her tribe (she refused to be addressed as “queen”). Oh, you didn’t know about this Amazonian woman and her army of soldiers? You’ve got to read her story!
Lawrence provides both an informative glossary and a wonderful epilogue at the end of her book. In the epilogue she explains that her book is for young women today and all that they can and will achieve. She urges that they “take advantage of opportunities they are given and create opportunities that don’t yet exist” (page 125). She herself is the author of several other history-oriented books such as the Grisley History and Twisted History book series. A journalist and a woman of great curiosity, Lawrence embraces and charges into her life like the remarkable women she writes about. Hopefully she will pursue more “Amazing Women” stories and another book will be in the future. Along with Chelsea Clinton’s SHE PERSISTED or RAD WOMEN WORLDWIDE by Kate Schatz, Lawrence’s book belongs in school and public libraries --- not to mention every young girl's collection.
Artist Nathan Collins fantastic illustrations add another great dimension to this book.
Get ready for a stimulating and informative time discovering these daring trailblazers.
Reviewed by Sally Tibbetts
This totally delightful book has pages of these “trailblazing” women. Some you will know like Maya Angelou, Serena Williams, Oprah Winfrey and J.K. Rowling. But if you don’t recognize those names either…they are contemporary heroines who have persisted and achieved remarkable fame --- you can read about them in ANTHOLOGY OF AMAZING WOMEN. None of these women have been fame seekers. However, they have all fought for the right to achieve in fields almost exclusive to men.
Chapters are divided by areas of achievement along with descriptions the women's lives. The author explains that most of these women have faced incredible adversity and heartache to attain their remarkable feats. For example, the great 16th century warrior Ana Nzinga who fought against slave traders and eventually became the king of her tribe (she refused to be addressed as “queen”). Oh, you didn’t know about this Amazonian woman and her army of soldiers? You’ve got to read her story!
Lawrence provides both an informative glossary and a wonderful epilogue at the end of her book. In the epilogue she explains that her book is for young women today and all that they can and will achieve. She urges that they “take advantage of opportunities they are given and create opportunities that don’t yet exist” (page 125). She herself is the author of several other history-oriented books such as the Grisley History and Twisted History book series. A journalist and a woman of great curiosity, Lawrence embraces and charges into her life like the remarkable women she writes about. Hopefully she will pursue more “Amazing Women” stories and another book will be in the future. Along with Chelsea Clinton’s SHE PERSISTED or RAD WOMEN WORLDWIDE by Kate Schatz, Lawrence’s book belongs in school and public libraries --- not to mention every young girl's collection.
Artist Nathan Collins fantastic illustrations add another great dimension to this book.
Get ready for a stimulating and informative time discovering these daring trailblazers.
Reviewed by Sally Tibbetts
December 15, 2018
For more reviews, check out my blog: Craft-Cycle
Wonderful collection of inspiring women. The book is broken down into subcategories (art, history, politics, science, sports, music/film/TV, literature, and business). Great diversity in the women chosen in terms of race, fields of work, and time periods lived. Many white women are featured, but there are many women of color as well such as Madam C.J. Walker, Maya Angelou, Marta Vierira da Silva, and Lea Salonga. Sexual orientation and gender identity are not necessary salient (Laverne Cox has a short blurb and is noted as "first high-profile transgender actress" and transgender is defined in the glossary). I don't recall sexual orientation being stated, but various women are noted as being advocates for LBGTQ works. There is also a nice balance between very well known women (J.K. Rowling, Beyonce, Oprah Winfrey) as well as lesser known women (Margaret Hardenbroek Philipse, Elena Cornaro Piscopia).
I also really liked the illustrations. All of the pages are gorgeously decorated.
At the end of the book is a glossary of potentially unfamiliar words for young readers (specimen, suffrage, runes, ecology, etc.). Great learning opportunity and way to better understand the lives of the women featured and the impact they had on the world.
Beautiful book that is empowering and educational. Great book for inspiring women and girls to work for a better future.
Wonderful collection of inspiring women. The book is broken down into subcategories (art, history, politics, science, sports, music/film/TV, literature, and business). Great diversity in the women chosen in terms of race, fields of work, and time periods lived. Many white women are featured, but there are many women of color as well such as Madam C.J. Walker, Maya Angelou, Marta Vierira da Silva, and Lea Salonga. Sexual orientation and gender identity are not necessary salient (Laverne Cox has a short blurb and is noted as "first high-profile transgender actress" and transgender is defined in the glossary). I don't recall sexual orientation being stated, but various women are noted as being advocates for LBGTQ works. There is also a nice balance between very well known women (J.K. Rowling, Beyonce, Oprah Winfrey) as well as lesser known women (Margaret Hardenbroek Philipse, Elena Cornaro Piscopia).
I also really liked the illustrations. All of the pages are gorgeously decorated.
At the end of the book is a glossary of potentially unfamiliar words for young readers (specimen, suffrage, runes, ecology, etc.). Great learning opportunity and way to better understand the lives of the women featured and the impact they had on the world.
Beautiful book that is empowering and educational. Great book for inspiring women and girls to work for a better future.
April 24, 2019
Genre: Biography- Collective Biography
Grades: 3rd-6th
Awards: None
A. This anthology provides partial biographies of various women in diverse sectors highlighting their greatest achievements. Some of the biographies are more in-depth than others; however, most of them just hit the most important parts of each woman's life and encourage deeper research.
B. This is an authentic biography because it does not have the narrative format that a fictionalized biography would include. It maintains the traditional nonfiction text structure and format and delivers chronological facts about each woman.
C How has Malala Yousafzai inspired real change in her community and internationally?
Malala has inspired change by being a constant advocate for education across the globe. She founded her own nonprofit and speaks at various events to promote education equality. Most importantly, however, she inspires others by continuing her own education despite her fame.
What motivates JK Rolling to keep writing?
JK Rolling is passionate about storytelling and engaging readers in the art of imagination. She continues to write and encourage readers to explore a world beyond reality.
Grades: 3rd-6th
Awards: None
A. This anthology provides partial biographies of various women in diverse sectors highlighting their greatest achievements. Some of the biographies are more in-depth than others; however, most of them just hit the most important parts of each woman's life and encourage deeper research.
B. This is an authentic biography because it does not have the narrative format that a fictionalized biography would include. It maintains the traditional nonfiction text structure and format and delivers chronological facts about each woman.
C How has Malala Yousafzai inspired real change in her community and internationally?
Malala has inspired change by being a constant advocate for education across the globe. She founded her own nonprofit and speaks at various events to promote education equality. Most importantly, however, she inspires others by continuing her own education despite her fame.
What motivates JK Rolling to keep writing?
JK Rolling is passionate about storytelling and engaging readers in the art of imagination. She continues to write and encourage readers to explore a world beyond reality.
April 10, 2018
Every night before bed, my 10 year old daughter chooses two stories from the book to read. It's my hope that she will be inspired by the stories of trailblazing women! We are both enjoying the book, and so far we've read about a third of it.
I gave this book 3 stars because it is an awesome premise and it's educational. Unfortunately, I find the writing to be sub-par, particularly choppy and inconsistent. In some cases, I felt like it might have been easier to read a Wikipedia page about the subject rather than the story in the book. It's fun to read about these amazing women, but it would have been more enjoyable if the writing was better.
I gave this book 3 stars because it is an awesome premise and it's educational. Unfortunately, I find the writing to be sub-par, particularly choppy and inconsistent. In some cases, I felt like it might have been easier to read a Wikipedia page about the subject rather than the story in the book. It's fun to read about these amazing women, but it would have been more enjoyable if the writing was better.
July 22, 2018
3.5 stars.
I bought this book specifically to read with my nine-year-old sister because I really really wanted her to be proud of being a woman and to know that she can do anything she sets her mind to even if she’s a girl. I have seen her become much more confident ever since we started reading this book! Not only has this been a huge help and bonding experience for the both of us, but I also learned about women that I’m angry I never learned about before. I would hiiiiiiighly recommend this book for adults and children alike! The illustrations were gorgeous and each biography was told in a way that wasn’t too dense or too long. What a freakin delight.
I bought this book specifically to read with my nine-year-old sister because I really really wanted her to be proud of being a woman and to know that she can do anything she sets her mind to even if she’s a girl. I have seen her become much more confident ever since we started reading this book! Not only has this been a huge help and bonding experience for the both of us, but I also learned about women that I’m angry I never learned about before. I would hiiiiiiighly recommend this book for adults and children alike! The illustrations were gorgeous and each biography was told in a way that wasn’t too dense or too long. What a freakin delight.
November 18, 2024
Rating: 1.5 stars
There are so many amazing women to choose from and you include Hilary Clinton, a Google/Facebook exec and a billionaire (Oprah)? I'll give them a bit of a pass for including J.K. Rowling since this was published in 2018 and she didn't come out with her transphobic views until 2019. But I'm still disappointed at the lack of effort in curating the choices of "amazing women" for this book. Being financially successful does not make someone a feminist icon; being a woman while becoming successful in your field is not equivalent to contributing toward gender equity.
There are so many amazing women to choose from and you include Hilary Clinton, a Google/Facebook exec and a billionaire (Oprah)? I'll give them a bit of a pass for including J.K. Rowling since this was published in 2018 and she didn't come out with her transphobic views until 2019. But I'm still disappointed at the lack of effort in curating the choices of "amazing women" for this book. Being financially successful does not make someone a feminist icon; being a woman while becoming successful in your field is not equivalent to contributing toward gender equity.
May 10, 2018
Inspiring & lovely book. Nice to read about women I already admire & also add to that list by learning about women & achievements I didn’t know about before. Good mixture of women from different fields & situations so there’s an inspiring story for everyone really.
The only tiny downside was the execution being a little clunky at times; just a few confusing sentences here and there where I ended up googling the person to find out what was meant. But that’s a tiny tiny downside!
The only tiny downside was the execution being a little clunky at times; just a few confusing sentences here and there where I ended up googling the person to find out what was meant. But that’s a tiny tiny downside!
March 14, 2018
This amazing book contains the inspirational stories of 50 women who set out to do something better. Divided into eight sections: Art, History, Politics, Science, Sports, Music Film, TV, Literature and Business, there is something to capture everyone’s interests. Their histories, stories, and achievements will capture the hearts of readers ages ten to adult.
February 6, 2019
I loved all of the women in this book! Also super excited there was a page on Hedy Lammar and I currently have The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict at home so that was a nice prelude into that. As well there was a page on Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and I have her Hear Ijeawele, or a Feminist Manifest in Fifteen Suggestions at home too! All my strong women reading is connecting!
April 18, 2018
A good book that teaches girls that they can be anything! SO great to see women (both ancient and modern) from all over the world who are truly awesome in their fields! I would LOVE to see more books like this!
October 26, 2018
I did not want this book to finish (hence me taking my time!). Like the title suggest it is amazing, I've learned so much. The illustrations are gorgeous and make this work feel more special. I truly recommend this book to anyone, if you're going to read a book please make it this one
May 19, 2020
The book is an amazing book all about Amazing Womens I love the book that I don’t want to finish the book, the author had made an amazing job writing this book and thanks for the most amazing book.
Sandra Lawrence you are an amazing women you should be in this book.
Sandra Lawrence you are an amazing women you should be in this book.
June 28, 2025
buku ini berisi tokoh wanita terkenal yang menjadi pelopor atau berjuang dalam bidang masing2 antara lain olah raga, sains, sastra, penjelajah, bisnis, musik, politik dan lain-lain. diceritakan kalau mereka umumnya sering mengalami perlakuan yang tidak adil atau buruk dalam hidup hanya karena menjadi wanita atau karena warna kulit dan alasan lain.
lewat bakat, ketekunan, tekad dan mental baja, para wanita ini berhasil melewati rintangan dan penderitaan yang mereka alami, mencapai prestasi, diakui dan hasil usaha mereka dipakai banyak orang atau menjadi inspirasi bagi orang lain.
pada bagian akhir disertai daftar istilah kata-kata dengan penjelasan singkat tapi cukup jelas yang sengaja ditulis terpisah dari isi utama buku ini. pembaca bisa mencari arti dari istilah yang belum dipahami tanpa harus mencari lewat kamus.
walaupun informatif tapi jumlah tokoh yang dibahas cukup terbatas mengingat ada ribuan wanita yang pantas dibahas. tapi karena buku ini ditulis untuk pembaca muda dan tidak menjadi terlalu tebal, penulis memilih 98 tokoh untuk dimasukkan ke dalam buku ini. akan lebih baik dan lebih banyak tokoh yang bisa dibahas kalau penulis tidak membuatnya dalam bentuk 1 halaman dan 1 gambar untuk tiap tokoh.
sebagai buku pengetahuan tentang wanita dalam bentuk ringan, buku ini cukup informatif dan berguna untuk pembaca semua umur. penjelasan dalam kalimat sederhana, mudah dipahami dan cepat dibaca, pembaca usia muda bisa belajar kalimat sambil memahami istilah yang dipakai.
lewat bakat, ketekunan, tekad dan mental baja, para wanita ini berhasil melewati rintangan dan penderitaan yang mereka alami, mencapai prestasi, diakui dan hasil usaha mereka dipakai banyak orang atau menjadi inspirasi bagi orang lain.
pada bagian akhir disertai daftar istilah kata-kata dengan penjelasan singkat tapi cukup jelas yang sengaja ditulis terpisah dari isi utama buku ini. pembaca bisa mencari arti dari istilah yang belum dipahami tanpa harus mencari lewat kamus.
walaupun informatif tapi jumlah tokoh yang dibahas cukup terbatas mengingat ada ribuan wanita yang pantas dibahas. tapi karena buku ini ditulis untuk pembaca muda dan tidak menjadi terlalu tebal, penulis memilih 98 tokoh untuk dimasukkan ke dalam buku ini. akan lebih baik dan lebih banyak tokoh yang bisa dibahas kalau penulis tidak membuatnya dalam bentuk 1 halaman dan 1 gambar untuk tiap tokoh.
sebagai buku pengetahuan tentang wanita dalam bentuk ringan, buku ini cukup informatif dan berguna untuk pembaca semua umur. penjelasan dalam kalimat sederhana, mudah dipahami dan cepat dibaca, pembaca usia muda bisa belajar kalimat sambil memahami istilah yang dipakai.
March 14, 2018
Excellent for all ages, much less Western Hemisphere ethnocentric than too many are.
August 12, 2018
Absolutely love it
July 22, 2020
Varied women and ones I had certainly not heard of before.
December 22, 2020
Great book. Have read over and over.
February 18, 2024
✨ women ✨
March 29, 2020
Although it's actually aimed at 8-12 year old children, at 68 I'm reading it and learning things I didn't know. The book contains information about women like Oprah, Maya Angelou, and more. It also contains information about women I'm not familiar with. When finished, I'll pass the book on to someone who has children in the age range specified.
March 9, 2021
Anthology of Amazing Women: Trailblazers Who Dared to Be Different is written by Sandra Lawrence and illustrated by Nathan Collins, which pays homage to a collection of fifty biographical profiles of amazing women, past and present, from all over the world that shaped history irrevocably. As today is International Women’s Day (8 March), I thought it would be apropos to read this book.
Lawrence has written powerful, riveting, and concise biographies of each of the fifty entries. She writes in a straightforward manner that seems fresh and engaging. Each entry is well researched and written extremely well. At the end of the book is a glossary of potentially unfamiliar words for young readers. Collins' illustrations were wonderfully rendered the mini-biographies with portraits and interesting trinkets that is apropos to each entry. Each mini-biography are two-page spread with a portrait on one side and the biography on the other.
The anthology is broken down into subcategories: art, history, politics, science, sports, music, film, television, literature, and business. Great diversity in the women chosen in terms of race, fields of work, and time periods lived are represented. There is also a nice balance between very well known and lesser known women.
All in all, Anthology of Amazing Women: Trailblazers Who Dared to Be Different is a wonderfully written book and a magnificent collection of mini-biographies of diverse women from all around the world and from different time periods. It is a good read and reference book for anyone who wants to learn more about women in history.
Lawrence has written powerful, riveting, and concise biographies of each of the fifty entries. She writes in a straightforward manner that seems fresh and engaging. Each entry is well researched and written extremely well. At the end of the book is a glossary of potentially unfamiliar words for young readers. Collins' illustrations were wonderfully rendered the mini-biographies with portraits and interesting trinkets that is apropos to each entry. Each mini-biography are two-page spread with a portrait on one side and the biography on the other.
The anthology is broken down into subcategories: art, history, politics, science, sports, music, film, television, literature, and business. Great diversity in the women chosen in terms of race, fields of work, and time periods lived are represented. There is also a nice balance between very well known and lesser known women.
All in all, Anthology of Amazing Women: Trailblazers Who Dared to Be Different is a wonderfully written book and a magnificent collection of mini-biographies of diverse women from all around the world and from different time periods. It is a good read and reference book for anyone who wants to learn more about women in history.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews