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She Spoke: 14 Women Who Raised Their Voices and Changed the World
When the world tells you to stay quiet, do you listen, or do you speak up? In She Spoke: 14 Women Who Raised Their Voices and Changed the World, with the touch of a button readers can hear Dr. Mary Mcleod Bethune, Dolores Huerta, Dr. Maya Angelou, Dr. Jane Goodall, Shirley Chisholm, Susan Shown Harjo, Hilary Rodham Clinton, Leymah Gbowee, Dr. Temple Grandin, Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Tammy Duckworth, Dr. Joanne Liu, Abby Wambach, and Malala Yousafzai.
Through succinct profiles, stunning portraits by illustrator Kathrin Honesta, and the original voices of these women, She Spoke: 14 Women Who Raised Their Voices and Changed the World will inspire readers of all ages to share their own truths and change the world.
Through succinct profiles, stunning portraits by illustrator Kathrin Honesta, and the original voices of these women, She Spoke: 14 Women Who Raised Their Voices and Changed the World will inspire readers of all ages to share their own truths and change the world.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published March 1, 2019
1 person is currently reading
2946 people want to read
About the author
Kathy MacMillan
36 books438 followersKathy MacMillan is a writer, American Sign Language interpreter, librarian, and signing storyteller. She writes picture books (the Little Hands Signing series and The Runaway Shirt, Familius Press), children’s nonfiction (She Spoke: 14 Women Who Raised Their Voices and Changed the World, Familius Press), and young adult fantasy. Her debut young adult novel, Sword and Verse (2016) was a finalist for the Compton Crook Award, and its companion novel, Dagger and Coin (2018) has been called a “complex feminist fantasy” by author Heidi Heilig. She has also published 8 resource books for educators, librarians, and parents, including Little Hands and Big Hands: Children and Adults Signing Together (Huron Street Press). Kathy serves as the Mentorship Program Coordinator for the Maryland/Delaware/West Virginia Region of the Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. She lives in Baltimore, MD. Find her online at www.kathymacmillan.com or on Twitter at @kathys_quill.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 30, 2019
There are 14 Women in this book:
Dr. Mary Mcleod Bethune
Dolores Huerta
Dr. Maya Angelou
Dr. Jane Goodall
Shirley Chisholm
Susan Shown Harjo
Hilary Rodham Clinton
Leymah Gbowee
Dr. Temple Grandin
Justice Sonia Sotomayor
Tammy Duckworth
Dr. Joanne Liu
Abby Wambach
Malala Yousafzai
While I was familiar with some of them, what makes this book a must read is not just the knowledge you glean about their lives; it is the two questions at the end of each vignette that inspires reflection and, hopefully, action.
This book is a must-read for children of all ages, regardless of their gender.
Dr. Mary Mcleod Bethune
Dolores Huerta
Dr. Maya Angelou
Dr. Jane Goodall
Shirley Chisholm
Susan Shown Harjo
Hilary Rodham Clinton
Leymah Gbowee
Dr. Temple Grandin
Justice Sonia Sotomayor
Tammy Duckworth
Dr. Joanne Liu
Abby Wambach
Malala Yousafzai
While I was familiar with some of them, what makes this book a must read is not just the knowledge you glean about their lives; it is the two questions at the end of each vignette that inspires reflection and, hopefully, action.
This book is a must-read for children of all ages, regardless of their gender.
Want to read
December 17, 2018I'm looking forward to this one!
January 8, 2019
I received an ARC copy of this book from Edelweiss
As with "She Changed the World" - published last year by TIME - I feel like the use of the word 'world' in the title is a bit misleading for a book that focuses almost exclusively on American women, but if you take it as a representation of a very small slice of women then it's an enjoyable read. It's definitely a bit short, but I liked the women they included and that they added a list of some other women that the reader could look up on their website at the end of the book. There are definitely more comprehensive books out there, but I feel like this is a nice starter book for children ...or at least children in America.
As with "She Changed the World" - published last year by TIME - I feel like the use of the word 'world' in the title is a bit misleading for a book that focuses almost exclusively on American women, but if you take it as a representation of a very small slice of women then it's an enjoyable read. It's definitely a bit short, but I liked the women they included and that they added a list of some other women that the reader could look up on their website at the end of the book. There are definitely more comprehensive books out there, but I feel like this is a nice starter book for children ...or at least children in America.
January 28, 2020
I got this book for my birthday recently. It is a beautiful children's book full of diverse women from all walks of life, careers, and all across the world. There are women of different nationalities and races, women who are disabled, women who have autism.... They're amazing and diverse. The authors did a wonderful job not only writing this book but also finding quotes and leaving questions for people to think about as they read related to each woman.
January 22, 2019
I received this book through Edelweiss Plus in exchange for an honest review
This one is a super quick read with vibrant illustrations on 14 women that raised their voice and make changes for their environment and the world. The length of each features and the language used really fits their target audience and the women featured here are pretty diverse as some of them are disabled, non-white, lesbian, and autistic.
However, I do feel like it's pretty US-centered, maybe because it is the target audience, as most of the women featured here do something related to the US and US politics. Still, I really enjoyed it and wished it was longer!
This one is a super quick read with vibrant illustrations on 14 women that raised their voice and make changes for their environment and the world. The length of each features and the language used really fits their target audience and the women featured here are pretty diverse as some of them are disabled, non-white, lesbian, and autistic.
However, I do feel like it's pretty US-centered, maybe because it is the target audience, as most of the women featured here do something related to the US and US politics. Still, I really enjoyed it and wished it was longer!
March 16, 2019
“No matter who you are, you have the right to speak up. The world needs your voice,” the introduction states in Kathy Macmillan and Manuela’s children’s book, She Spoke: 14 Women Who Raised Their Voices and Changed the World.
~ What ~
This thirty-two-page hardbound with a built-in battery-operated recorded speaker targets children ages six to eight years old who are interested in women who made a difference in history by speaking out. With no scary scenes, the colorful portraits and illustrations show women who are noted for taking a stand. Due to complicated wording, the book would be best read out loud to beginner readers.
This oversized-book covers fourteen mostly-American women who have made a difference. With their portraits on the left side of the pages with quick facts, the right sides include biographical paragraphs, readable quotes, and sidebars promoting how the reader can speak up. The far right side has thumbnail pictures of each woman that, when pressed, vocalize their quotes. Women included are Mary Mcleod Bethune, Dolores Huerta, Maya Angelou, Jane Goodall, Shirley Chisholm, Suzan Shown Harjo, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Leyman Gbowee, Temple Grandin, Sonia Sotomayor, Tammy Duckworth, Joanne Liu, Amy Wambach, and Malala Yousafzai.
~ Why ~
Showing young girls can be empowered by learning how other women spoke out or made a statement is important in raising our children. I appreciated the eclectic group of women covered from doctors, lawyers, and politicians to educators, activists, writers, and athletes.
~ Why Not ~
Those who do not like books about history and women may not like this read. Some may not be aware of some of the women or feel the selection does not have other more-popular females who are listed at the back of the book such as Susan B. Anthony, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Helen Keller, Eleanor Roosevelt, or Serena Williams.
~ Wish ~
The biggest issue I had with the book is the voice recording bar as it cannot be turned on or off or changed in volume. Due to the raised plastic section, its placement makes it easy to accidentally engage the speaker’s loud voice.
~ Want ~
If you are looking for a children’s book that promotes speaking up to be heard, this one that contains not-so-well-known individuals with their audible quotes may be helpful for a book report.
Thanks to Familius and the author for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.
~ What ~
This thirty-two-page hardbound with a built-in battery-operated recorded speaker targets children ages six to eight years old who are interested in women who made a difference in history by speaking out. With no scary scenes, the colorful portraits and illustrations show women who are noted for taking a stand. Due to complicated wording, the book would be best read out loud to beginner readers.
This oversized-book covers fourteen mostly-American women who have made a difference. With their portraits on the left side of the pages with quick facts, the right sides include biographical paragraphs, readable quotes, and sidebars promoting how the reader can speak up. The far right side has thumbnail pictures of each woman that, when pressed, vocalize their quotes. Women included are Mary Mcleod Bethune, Dolores Huerta, Maya Angelou, Jane Goodall, Shirley Chisholm, Suzan Shown Harjo, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Leyman Gbowee, Temple Grandin, Sonia Sotomayor, Tammy Duckworth, Joanne Liu, Amy Wambach, and Malala Yousafzai.
~ Why ~
Showing young girls can be empowered by learning how other women spoke out or made a statement is important in raising our children. I appreciated the eclectic group of women covered from doctors, lawyers, and politicians to educators, activists, writers, and athletes.
~ Why Not ~
Those who do not like books about history and women may not like this read. Some may not be aware of some of the women or feel the selection does not have other more-popular females who are listed at the back of the book such as Susan B. Anthony, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Helen Keller, Eleanor Roosevelt, or Serena Williams.
~ Wish ~
The biggest issue I had with the book is the voice recording bar as it cannot be turned on or off or changed in volume. Due to the raised plastic section, its placement makes it easy to accidentally engage the speaker’s loud voice.
~ Want ~
If you are looking for a children’s book that promotes speaking up to be heard, this one that contains not-so-well-known individuals with their audible quotes may be helpful for a book report.
Thanks to Familius and the author for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.
March 8, 2019
I sincerely believe we need more books that teach us about people who inspire us, so we can be motivated to better ourselves each and every day, in each and every way. She Spoke is one such book. Here are my thoughts on this book.
Pros:
This book introduces us to women who are famous, like Hillary Clinton, Dr.Jane Goodall, and Maya Angelou, it also brings to light other lesser-famous women who deserve the spotlight as well, like Dolores Huerta, Leymah Gbowee, and Dr. Temple Grandin.
I loved the inclusion of a diverse set of women (in spite of the focus being the US); the women included are from different races and cultures, and include differently-abled women as well.
Love that the physical book includes snippets of speeches by the featured women.
It is just wordy enough so it can be understood by the intended younger audience, and help increase their vocabulary in the process.
The illustrations! They are bright, colorful, and perfect for the younger audiences.
The book includes further reading references for the featured women, and a list of more women to learn about (again US heavy). The authors do note in the afterword that narrowing it down to fourteen women was the hardest thing to do.
Cons:
While this is labeled as ‘women around the world’ it is US-heavy (10/14).
It could have been just a bit longer.
Additional thought (based on the cons above): it could have easily included a few more women from around the world (in addition or instead of), making it more realistically ‘world’, and longer (if in addition) in the process!
In Summary:
With the caveat of my additional thought above, I enjoyed reading about the women featured in the book – words and illustrations. A book that will be a good and inspiring addition to home and school libraries, especially in the US.
Rating: 3.5/5
Reading Level: 7 – 10
Reread Level: 4/5
Disclaimer: Thanks to Edelweiss and the publishers for the eARC of this book. The opinions expressed are my honest thoughts as I read the book.
Pros:
This book introduces us to women who are famous, like Hillary Clinton, Dr.Jane Goodall, and Maya Angelou, it also brings to light other lesser-famous women who deserve the spotlight as well, like Dolores Huerta, Leymah Gbowee, and Dr. Temple Grandin.
I loved the inclusion of a diverse set of women (in spite of the focus being the US); the women included are from different races and cultures, and include differently-abled women as well.
Love that the physical book includes snippets of speeches by the featured women.
It is just wordy enough so it can be understood by the intended younger audience, and help increase their vocabulary in the process.
The illustrations! They are bright, colorful, and perfect for the younger audiences.
The book includes further reading references for the featured women, and a list of more women to learn about (again US heavy). The authors do note in the afterword that narrowing it down to fourteen women was the hardest thing to do.
Cons:
While this is labeled as ‘women around the world’ it is US-heavy (10/14).
It could have been just a bit longer.
Additional thought (based on the cons above): it could have easily included a few more women from around the world (in addition or instead of), making it more realistically ‘world’, and longer (if in addition) in the process!
In Summary:
With the caveat of my additional thought above, I enjoyed reading about the women featured in the book – words and illustrations. A book that will be a good and inspiring addition to home and school libraries, especially in the US.
Rating: 3.5/5
Reading Level: 7 – 10
Reread Level: 4/5
Disclaimer: Thanks to Edelweiss and the publishers for the eARC of this book. The opinions expressed are my honest thoughts as I read the book.
April 16, 2021
Book Title: She Spoke: 14 Women Who Raised Their Voices and Changed the World
Authors: Kathy MacMillan and Manuela Bernardi
Illustrator: Kathryn Honesta
Reading Level: 3.3
Book Level: Grades 1-5
Book Summary: 14 women are featured with illustration, informational text, a quote, and a recording of part of a speech. All the women featured used their voice to make significant improvements for people in the world.
Bookshelf Genre: Informational
Bookshelf Mentor Writing Text: Voice
In addition to reading about these great women, readers can also hear their voices with a simple push of a button; what a privilege! The book literally shares their strong voices, all which hold meaning and passion in their words. In a classroom, I would encourage students to add a recording of their voice to their personal writing, either by reading a part of their writing out loud or by recording a beginning or ending to their writing. Words alone can invoke a tone on the page, while voicing their convictions out loud offers a supplemental bonus to their writing.
Authors: Kathy MacMillan and Manuela Bernardi
Illustrator: Kathryn Honesta
Reading Level: 3.3
Book Level: Grades 1-5
Book Summary: 14 women are featured with illustration, informational text, a quote, and a recording of part of a speech. All the women featured used their voice to make significant improvements for people in the world.
Bookshelf Genre: Informational
Bookshelf Mentor Writing Text: Voice
In addition to reading about these great women, readers can also hear their voices with a simple push of a button; what a privilege! The book literally shares their strong voices, all which hold meaning and passion in their words. In a classroom, I would encourage students to add a recording of their voice to their personal writing, either by reading a part of their writing out loud or by recording a beginning or ending to their writing. Words alone can invoke a tone on the page, while voicing their convictions out loud offers a supplemental bonus to their writing.
May 23, 2019
This is such a cool book. It is a collection of 14 women and their empowering stories. Each page tells a brief bio, some quick facts, and offers an inspiring "your turn" box. None of that is what makes it so unique though. Each of the 14 women also have a recorded portion of a speech included. There is a brief description about their speech on each page and when you push the button on the side with their face you get to hear the real deal. I love this creative use of sound. I love how this brings to life these moments in history. I love that you can hear the woman's voice. On top of all that, the book is interesting, the illustrations are lovely drawn portraits, and the whole things feels inspiring. This is such a cool book.
August 29, 2019
* I received a copy of this book from the publisher to facilitate this review. All opinions, as always, are my own.
Move over books with buttons that sing nursery rhymes and make animal sounds.
Make room for button books with inspiring speeches (in their actual voices) by incredible, inspiring, bad ass sheroes.
Listening to my 2 year old hear @Malala, @abbywambach @janegoodallinst, Shirley Chisholm, @hillaryclinton, Maya Angelou and all 14 of these amazing women has my allergies flaring up.
Celebrate women’s history month all year long with SHE SPOKE: 14 Women Who Raised their Voices and Changed the World. .
Move over books with buttons that sing nursery rhymes and make animal sounds.
Make room for button books with inspiring speeches (in their actual voices) by incredible, inspiring, bad ass sheroes.
Listening to my 2 year old hear @Malala, @abbywambach @janegoodallinst, Shirley Chisholm, @hillaryclinton, Maya Angelou and all 14 of these amazing women has my allergies flaring up.
Celebrate women’s history month all year long with SHE SPOKE: 14 Women Who Raised their Voices and Changed the World. .
July 14, 2019
This book is perfect for the older elementary or young adult, as well as their parents. It looks like a young child's "talk to me" book, but it is far more than that. In the words of strong and amazing women - you hear their wise words come alive. The stories of Mala, Temple Grandin and many more are heard through the interactive book technology. Praises to Kathy MacMillan who came up with this idea and followed through.
I received a complimentary copy via Familius Publishing. However, would have written the same review regardless of gifting.
I received a complimentary copy via Familius Publishing. However, would have written the same review regardless of gifting.
April 17, 2019
I have been reading this book to my 3yo daughter almost every night. Hearing this diverse group of women in their own voices is incredible. My daughter loves to press the buttons that match the pictures on each page and I don't mind listening to "women's rights are human rights and human rights are women's rights" multiple times a day.
October 22, 2019
This book had the most beautiful illistrations and definitely would eb empowering to many young girls. My only complaint is that the pages are quite long and there is a lot of text on some. This is not always a bad thing but I think some students would not want to read it based on that. Beautiful book!
March 18, 2019
I love this picture book that features 14 female changemakers and includes soundbites for each one. Includes a short biography and details about the words they spoke. My favorite part is probably the section where they ask the readers questions relating to that person and their life.
November 16, 2021
I borrowed a digital copy of this book from Hoopla, and real voice quotes from each of the included women auto-play as you read. I understand that the physical copy allows for this too. I think it's the most important part of the work.
November 12, 2025
This book highlights 14 different women. All 14 of the women used their voices and advocated for changes. This is an inspirational book about how strong women are and how we can use our voices for the better.
March 26, 2019
Delightful - this is a lovely book to hold and read, which stunning illustrations. The option to hear voices is a wonderful feature.
August 5, 2020
Nice short biographies with unique portraits.
Want to read
April 1, 2021Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.
October 11, 2022
This book is so cool! There are different women who tell their stories by the panel buttons and speaker on the book.
January 6, 2023
Read this review and others at https://www.readingforsanity.com/2022...
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March 31, 2019Magpies review
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