Grandes Mulheres que Fizeram História

by Kate Pankhurst, Flávia Yacubian (Translator)

Nadzwyczajnie wspaniale kobiety, ktore tworzyly historie

Genres: Nonfiction, Picture Books, History, Feminism, Childrens, Biography, Historical

32 pages, Paperback

First published November 12, 2019

About the author

Kate Pankhurst is a British writer and illustrator, known for a series of children's picture books. She won second place in the 2002 Macmillan Prize for Picture Book Illustration.

Reviews

[Greyson | Use Your Words · Rating 3 out of 5]

To make history you need to be brave, bold and believe in yourself—just like the women in this book. They lived in times when women weren't expected to have big ideas, be in charge or to have exciting ambitions—but that didn't stop them. Their extraordinary deeds and words didn't just make history, the helped to shape the way we live today.

This is a fantastic little book to introduce women's history to children. Each entry is short enough that a parent could easily include it in their children's story time routine.

This would be a great addition to any library that children has access to, especially a family library.
—
I read this book as part of my 2018 Library Love binge, where I read as many library books as possible to take advantage of my great local library network before I move interstate!
___
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[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is exactly what I imagine my future little girls reading <3

The illustrations are more than amazing and they add so much to the actual stories of the fantastically great women mentioned. Each of them unique and quirky in her own way!

Key words: Inspiration, Motivation, Girl Power

[Tamsin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book as it inspires and educates readers 'to be brave, bold and believe in yourself - just like the women in this book.' A message for us all.

Each women has their own unique, inspiring story. I especially enjoyed the detailed double-page layout, full of wonderful, colourful illustrations and useful information on each of the 14 women. While reading this, however, I realised I haven't come across most of these women before, it is interesting how women like the ones in this book, are glossed over in history...

I like that this book celebrates not only their accomplishments but also how they dealt with the losses and how it made them stronger. They fought for what they believed in.

I have come away feeling inspired and honoured to be a woman.

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A non-fiction picture book exploring the lives of some famous women from across the globe! Following from the first in the series there is again variety of women included, from different countries, with different careers through the ages. The women are different in this book than the first - showing children there are LOADS of amazing women in history.

This would be a good book for children to look at to spark an interest before doing some deeper research.

[Agnieszka · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5
Gdyby zamieszczono słowniczek niektórych pojęć byłoby idealnie - ale wciąż jest to bardzo wartościowa pozycja dla małych i dużych czytelników.

[EL · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t know this was a young kid’s book going in 🥴🤦🏼‍♀️ but learned a lot! In this book, the following women are detailed (or
in some cases, introduced)

Harriet Tubman
Boudicca
Flora Drummond
Qiu Jin
Noor Inayat Khan
Dr Elizabeth Blackwell
Pocahontas
Valentina Tereshkova
Ada Lovelace
Sayyida al-Hurra
Hatshepsut
Josephine Baker
Mary Wollstonecraft & Mary Shelley

I can say for sure I didn’t learn about the achievements of any of these women in history class at school and why on Earth not?? Far more interesting than the Kings and Queens of England... I will be ordering a copy of this for my 4 year old niece for when she’s a bit older so she has that little head start and inspiration!

[Sarah Gerard]

A fantastic book for educating young people on who these women are and what they did. Each page is bright and immediately engaging, and explains what they did simply and quickly. Lots of speech bubbles and clever images to make the book more visually appealing.

[Kyle King · Rating 4 out of 5]

This text manages to bring the imagination into non-fiction. While painting facts about the past and the people involved it uses creative imagery, page layout and writing to get the reader imagining what times where like and how people lived.

It crams a lot of information into a small amount of text which makes the reader want to know more, which helps to enhance and share knowledge. Using visuals and text to take into account children’s interests and address the audience, they create and atmosphere of reflection also. This can bring interaction to the texts through collaborations and cooperative group reading. Which to me highlights a genuine purpose and motivation to engaging with the imagery and vocabulary.

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this with my 5 year old sister and we were both transported back in time learning about all these awesome women, from Noor Inayat Khan to Valentina Tereshkova, Sayyida al-Hurra to Ada Lovelace and many others. The illustrations are wonderful and the way these women's stories are told is succinct, engaging and entertaining. And I loved the final page of the book where we are given a quick recap of them all and it finishes with How will you make history?

We are both seriously inspired. Since we finished it a few weeks ago, my little sis has mentioned this book a few times - 'Wasn't she in that book we read?', 'That's like how she did that'. This book captivated and educated both of us, a fantastically great read.

[Holly Marriott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this!! As a sucker for anything history related and particularly anything centred around strong women, i cannot recommend this book enough. Not only is it wonderfully illustrated but it is so informative. I learnt about many women i'd never heard of, it spans various time periods, cultures and countries. It is refreshing to read a book celebrating the achievements of a wide range of women. Wonderful for children to learn and understand the importance of women throughout history. And it includes an added bonus of a glossary in the back which i thought was amazing!

[Danielle Sales · Rating 4 out of 5]

Como se trata de uma tradução, não há nenhuma personagem brasileira. As ilustrações são bonitas e as personagens são bem escolhidas. Há muitas curiosidades sobre a vida de mulheres notáveis no livro. No entanto, acho que houve algum problema gráfico, pois fica difícil ler as páginas centrais do livro.

[Cas ♛]

~I received a copy from Bloomsbury and willingly reviewed it~

A really cute and inspiring book about women who have made history. I loved the detail in the illustrations, small things that were easy to miss but added to the stories being told.

[Robin Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

A completely charming and beautifully-created book that celebrates some fantastic female heroes. (5+)

*Please note: this review is meant as a recommendation only. Please do not use it in any marketing material, online or in print, without asking permission from me first. Thank you!*

[Scott Evans | The Reader Teacher · Rating 5 out of 5]

'More than that of a bedtime book, more than that of a story-time book, even more than that of just a non-fiction or information book; this is an anytime-of-the-day book... that succeeds yet again in capturing not only the imagination but also the inspiration of a generation!'

I'm absolutely delighted that this hugely-successful series - written by the supremely talented Kate Pankhurst - is back especially after the success of its first, Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World which became the number one best-selling children's non-fiction title in the UK market in 2017. Like its predecessor, this one again stands itself in high acclaim and continues to come highly recommended.

Journey through history as we are introduced to many more truly wonderful women in the form of:
Ada Lovelace, mathematical mastermind and early computer programming prodigy who created patterns known as algorithms which have recently been added as a key skill to be taught to children on the curriculum.
Boudicca, warrior queen of the Iceni tribe who ruled alone and battled hard against the might of the Romans who initially underestimated her power.
Dr Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman ever to be awarded a degree in medicine.
Flora Drummond, one of a group of prominent suffragettes whose efforts lead women towards the equality they deserved by gaining the right to vote for some women in 1918.
Harriet Tubman, a runaway slave who decided that enough was enough and searched for her freedom.
Hatshepsut, who became one of the most successful pharaohs of Ancient Egypt reigning for 20 years by being a strong leader especially in times of threat and danger.
Josephine Baker, a teenager-turned-superstar that wowed audiences in theatre performances across the world, was given a leading role in one of the first shows with an all-black cast to be shown on Broadway who settled in Paris, a city that allowed her to be herself.
Mary Wollstonecraft & Mary Shelley, the mother-and-daughter duo whose famous writing and books such as Vindications of the Rights of Women and Frankenstein initially shocked and scared people at the time but which is still read today and now regarded as classic literature, over two centuries later.
Qiu Jin, a knowledgeable and fearless lady who travelled across to Japan at a young age to gain more respect than she was receiving in China at the time, but who came back to rebel against the government and the dynasty and who revolutionised equality and rights for women within the country.
Noor Inayat Khan, the first female wireless operator to be sent into Nazi-occupied France during World War Two and awarded with the highest honour for bravery - the George Medal for her efforts.
Pocahontas, the daughter of the chief of a Native American tribe, often more known through the Disney films, who tried to embrace and bring together the two sides of colonisation by growing the understanding that all people, no matter their culture, deserve respect and kindness.
Sayyida-al-Hurra, a pirate queen who ruled the seas around Morocco, after emigrating there from the kingdom of Granada, and fought back against her enemies, the very same people that forced her from her own country.
Valentina Tereshkova, whose ambitions carried her all the way to a different dimension as she became the first woman astronaut in space.

Kate really does all of these incredible women justice in this book and frankly they all deserve a place here but my own personal favourites include Ada Lovelace, Noor Inayat Khan and Dr Elizabeth Blackwell, most recently voted as the winning woman in a National Book Tokens poll to find out the public's favourite female who changed history.

This book should not just solely be treated as an excellent introduction to the lives, the adventures and the accomplishments of these women but also, a celebration to tell of these trailblazers who were ahead of their time; to highlight the heroics of these heroines; and to champion them as catalysts of change who pushed boundaries, shifted perceptions and transformed life as we now know it in all their rightful and resplendently-drawn glory.

This range of creative geniuses, great thinkers and pivotal pioneers have certainly left their legacy on society, history and life in more ways than one. At the time, however, whilst being a leading lady eventually resulted in success; it also meant that they too had their own personal hardships that they had to overcome. Much adversity stood in their way such as daring to fight stereotypes and tradition against gender inequality, racism and sexism to suffering segregation, poverty,  persecution and rejection.  These women truly demonstrated characteristics of steely grit, drive and determination, inner strength, resilience and self-confidence in their abilities in order to have their presence even merely acknowledged, their opinions heard and to break down the barriers put before and the glass ceilings put above them. This is why it is important that not only the successes, but the backgrounds of these remarkable role models need to be shared with all.

This would be a perfect read to share and discuss in the classroom and at home to complement a whole range of subjects and topics within the curriculum. It could also be used for help with homework, for research leading to further learning opportunities but above all, for enjoyment and reading for pleasure because it is more than that of a bedtime book, more than that of a story-time book, even more than that of a non-fiction or information book; this is an anytime-of-the-day book that should be pored over by child, pupil, parent, grandparent, teacher and any reader alike. I think reading and sharing this book together would be an equally valuable learning experience for all.

To have a book with such an-all encompassing, wide scope of age and appeal is only tantamount to its superb quality in delivering its informational content in a wholly accessible, encouraging, and child and adult-friendly format. With its factually-fantastic double-page spreads featuring just the right combination of information with Kate's original and characteristically distinctive illustrations that visually complement one another, it really is a historical, social, cultural, literary, scientific, geographical, mathematical and early technological lesson all rolled in to one.

Coupled with Kate's initial offering, Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World, these books together would make incredibly worthy additions to every class, school, home and library bookshelf as they could indeed change the world and make history themselves through their potentially long-lasting impact on this generation and the next.

So as a teacher or parent, ask yourself this: how will the children in your class or home go on to make history? Well after reading this, you can be guaranteed to have a class-full or home-full of budding history-makers and visionaries aspiring to want to follow in the footsteps and discover more about these fantastically great women.

What more could you want...?

[Gullis lästips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bokserien Fantastiskt fenomenala kvinnor är fullspäckade med fenomenala kvinnor som förändrat världen. Dessa faktaböcker är fyllda med färgstarka och fantasifulla illustrationer som täcker bokuppslagen med humoristiska och häpnadsväckande bilder av varje enskild kvinna. Tillsammans med fascinerande och intressant fakta som är skrivna på ett lockade och engagerade sätt där faktan endast innehåller kort och spännande information om kvinnornas olika specialområden med hjälp av underhållande och lekfull text gör böckerna mer visuellt tilltalande.

Författaren försöker även engagera läsarna genom att få dem att följa ett spår över sidorna för att se vad som händer med just de enskilda kvinnans historia något som hjälper till att undvika så att de yngre läsaren inte tappar intresset.

Tillsammans samverkar både bilderna och texten på ett nytt och annorlunda sätt där språket är lättsamt humoristisk utan att tappa respekten för de porträtterade. Det är helt fenomenala bilderböcker som lär fånga ung och gammal då de är fyllda med enkel och lärorik fakta om det fantastiskt kvinnor som gjort skillnad och förändrat historien.

I böckerna slut ingår också en ordlista med ”fantastiskt fenomenala ord” som används i boken och förklaras med enkla termer om ett barn vill leta upp dem eller om en vuxen behövde förklara vissa ord i boken.

Jag gillar att böckerna inte endast berättar om kvinnornas prestationer men också hur de hanterade förlusterna och hur det gjorde dem starkare när de kämpade för det som de trodde på.

Jag gillar verkligen bokserien Fantastiskt fenomenala kvinnor då den inspirerar och utbildar läsarna att vara modiga, djärva och tro på dig själv - precis som kvinnorna i de här böckerna.

I blogginlägget finner ni mer information om respektive bok: https://www.gullislastips.se/2020/03/...

[Ellie Brittain · Rating 4 out of 5]

This non-fiction book is easy to follow and well organised, as each double-page spread is devoted to one of many, great women who made history. The book does have little bias, as it is a story being told about each woman making history, mentioning the moments when they achieved greatness but also the stories of how they dealt with their losses, and then how they turned. The sentences used are short and vary in text size and font, making it interesting to read, each page packed with facts and information, alongside little illustrations, making it an enjoyable experience to find out about each woman's life. I do think this would be aimed at higher key stage 2 as there are many complex themes being mentioned such as Political Unions when mentioning Flora Drummond as being a suffragette. At the back of the book has a helpful glossary to help define some new words that children might not know. Prior knowledge in history as the Egyptians are mentioned as well as knowing when in history these women were around might be a challenge for the younger year groups. But this does not lessen the importance for these women and the fact that we should be teaching these influential women throughout the school. As there are many different women in different areas of history, you can apply these to many different topics: Slavery in the 1800s in the USA, Celtic Britain in 43 AD, Women's Rights in the 1800s, life in Japan and China in the 1800s, World War 2, Medicine and doctors in 1800s, Native America, Space travel, Mechanical machines, Muslims, Egyptians, Black segregation and writers.

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book highlighting important women and their contributions through history.
Could use this with upper KS2 to create fact files/ biographies or to inspire their own research of a historical figure.

[Annie Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful book! A collection of inspiring stories that beautifully illustrate great women throughout history. It is an engaging read with vibrant, beautiful illustrations and is told clearly enough for children to understand. There were some incredible women who I had not heard about who had very interesting lives. I love how this book captures women from all countries, careers and ethnicities making them great role models. It is full of interesting facts, accomplishments and adventures. I think it would be a great book to have in a classroom and for children to explore/ make projects on as it is important that we shed light and appreciate the achievements and contributions women have made to our current world.

[Ella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting and informative book about 14 women who, throughout history, have made a big difference because of their own determination and bravery. The book is set out very well so that each page is different meaning it is engaging for children. The stories are also written so that they only include the key points which helps to avoid children from losing interest. Many of the illustrations around the page have speech bubbles which help to tell the stories in a fun way.

[Jackie O'sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sketchy details and some serious glossing over of unsavoury bits. Definitely intended for the very young and for older girls would equate to a form of "Lies to Children" according to Terry Pratchett. So simplified it only hints at the real truth. Probably a good way in toboost self esteem and allow girls to dream high

[Elise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary= The stories of of extraordinary women from around the world who have helped shape history/ life as we know it today

Themes= Feminism/ inspiration

My thoughts=
-I like the interactive nature of the book (e.g. the 'follow the X to learn about' part of each page) because I think that it mirrors the message of the book. This book is (sadly) rather novel in that it explores females who have changed history (instead of males) and I think the way the text is presented maintains this novelty. Instead of the traditional layout of non-fiction books (i.e. solid rows of text), the information in this book is presented in small chunks dotted about the page, which I think makes the information much more manageable for children to read and take in. The fact that the chunks of text are scattered about the page also makes the reader feel like they are on a journey/ adds an element of excitement, because (to me at least) it felt like I was an explorer, discovering each new bit of information.
-I also love how varied the fonts and text sizes are, alongside the illustrations and colour scheme used -I think it gives each page a friendly and inviting feel. The factfiles are also a fun introduction to each new person.
- In terms of what the actual text says, I LOVE this book. It is so refreshing to hear about females only- although particularly inspiring for girls in a class to read this book, I think it would be an important book to draw the attention of a whole class to. Given how varied the backgrounds of the women described are, I think it could be an good book to tie in to different areas of the curriculum. Having women from different cultures would also mean this book would be good at making children from different cultures feel included in the stories. I think the nature of this book would definitely lend itself to further work based on it- for example, children researching their own great women who made history, and creating a fact file about them, based on the layout in this book. The 'bookshelf of brilliance' at the end could also inspire classroom discussion-about their own ambitions/ people who they think should be included in it.
-The variety of language used also makes this book special, I think- they create a sense of drama, which I think would help to engage readers.
- I also learnt about women I didn't know about!

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a non-fiction picture book with a selection of double page spreads of a range of women who made an impact on our world.
The story is told in a very factual yet inspiring and exciting way. It gives a brief insight into the amazing things that these women have done without giving too much information so the children would be overwhelmed. The illustration is part of the story telling as you follow the story around the page and not just left to right making it more exciting for the reader.
The characters are obviously real people but I think that the children may think they are characters because of the way the story is told. The way the book is written allows the reader to get fully immersed into the story and I feel that they will be inspired when they read this.
The language is quite factual but easy to read and understand for young children.
I am glad books like this exist now to inspire young girls especially but also give boys a better appreciation of how women have impacted the world we live in now.
It beautifully illustrates the characters and showing how powerful and brave they were. The variety of women included is also a great plus as it shows all different races and backgrounds so everyone can relate to the characters.
The only dislike is that it is not longer but I am aware that there are other book sin this series.
The message of this book is one that is so important. Getting it out there that women have made a huge impact on this world and that the children reading this book can be just as influential if they wish to.
There are a lot of Disney characters that children will link to the characters which is good so they can really imagine the characters but it needs to be emphasised that they are real people and that the stories are real.
These events are all world related and you could use this book as a link to women who are doing great things in the world today.

[Diane Kurtz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastically Great Women Who Made History is an inspiring, engaging, and beautifully illustrated celebration of women whose courage, intelligence, and determination helped shape the world.

Kate Pankhurst presents history in a way that feels accessible and exciting for young readers, turning real historical figures into relatable role models rather than distant names from the past. Each profile is clear, lively, and thoughtfully written, giving readers a strong sense of who these women were, what they stood for, and why their contributions still matter today.

What truly sets this book apart is its tone of encouragement. It doesn’t just tell stories—it invites readers to imagine their own potential and reminds them that change often begins with bravery, curiosity, and the willingness to speak up. The variety of women featured, from warriors and scientists to activists and artists, ensures there’s something here for every reader to connect with.

The illustrations add warmth and personality, making the book especially appealing to primary-aged children, while still holding meaningful value for older readers. This anniversary edition feels timeless in its message and purpose.

Uplifting, empowering, and genuinely engaging, Fantastically Great Women Who Made History is a must-have for young readers and a wonderful introduction to history through stories of strength, resilience, and possibility.

[Adrian · Rating 4 out of 5]

To make history you need to be brave, bold and believe in yourself - just like the women in this book. They lived in times when women weren't expected to have big ideas, be in charge or to have exciting ambitions - but that didn't stop them. Their extraordinary deeds and words didn't just make history, they helped to shape the way we live today.

Another of today's finds and one that Tania was all over. A very informative rundown of women from throughout history that changed the world for the better, made strides for change and progress, and left a lasting impact to this very day.

Expected names, such as Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, Boudica: Queen of the Iceni, Ada Lovelace, and Harriet Tubman: The Road to Freedom, amongst others, all appear with a brief rundown of their lives and exploits. 4 stars.

[Sophie Mader · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Fantastically Great Women Who Made History' by Kate Pankhurst is a wonderful book that celebrates all the achievements of influential women over time. This book is combined with fantastic illustrations and factual knowledge of the roles these inspirational women played in society that influence our lives today. This book is an excellent way of celebrating the incredible achievements women have made throughout history and all the controversy they have had to overcome. I think it would make a great book for the children to discuss the different famous women from the past. This book is full of interesting facts about these different women and I have heard of most of them but there were a few I had never heard of before so it was a good learning experience for me too. I am pleased with the book and also enjoyed reading it myself. At the back of the book, there is a list of some words that children may find that they are not familiar with such as suffragette, radioactive, persecuted, Aztecs and others. I think it is a book that will help curious young minds learn plenty about these women. Some of the names in the book are Mary Seacole, Anne Frank, Rosa Park, Amelia Earhart, Frida Kahlo and many more.

[Catherine Cumberlidge · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughter was bought this as a gift for her 6th birthday by a friend. I loved the concept of the book, which is jam-packed full of inspiring females throughout the course of history, in all sorts of different roles, from dancers to ancient Egyptians. Often, as a parent, what you think is a really valuable book for a child to read, is not what your child *actually* wants to read. However, in this case, I was thrilled to see that she was absolutely captivated and inspired by it, and we made our way through the book, story-by-story. When we reached the end, she wanted to read it again! This, to me, is the marker of a great book. So what is Kate Pankhurst's secret? The illustrations are fantastic, which really helps. And I liked that each great woman has exactly one double-page spread, full of interesting facts, stories, dates and people. Rather than solid text, the pages are broken up into sections, making it easy to move around the page however suits you. And if reading from front to back doesn't work for you and your child, then keeping it as a "coffee table" book to pick up when you have a moment here and there works perfectly well too.

[Joey Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so creatively made, the way the facts were shared and the way you could follow a certain path to get the stories of each woman told in the correct order. I had so much fun to read this, it was so creative and exciting.

I loved learning about so many incredible and inspiring women of history, it’s unbelievable some of the things that they did, from fighting the injustice of the world, to being strong rulers or inventing something that would help the future and so so many more things. These woman were all absolutely incredible people who know they they had the power and the voice, the drive and determination and did it no matter the cost or the risk. They didn’t let the no’s and the differences stop them, they went for it and thats powerful and incredibly inspiring.

The illustrations were adorable and I loved seeing them all, seeing the way they were drawn all the little speech bubbles dotted around them. All the different paths to follow for each woman, seeing the era they were from depicted within the art. So much to look at on each page I loved it so very much.

This is honestly such a wonderful way to get children to learn facts, it’s really fun and incredibly engaging but still so jam packed full of information so they are able to learn and absorb it all without being bored or overwhelmed by it all. I’m so happy a book like this exists it was so incredible.

[Andy Hickman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fantastically Great Women Who Made History by Kate Pankhurst

Cleverly illustrated book of 14 significant women including Mary Wollstonecraft and Mary Shelley.

“To make history you need to be brave, bold and believe in yourself—just like the women in this book. They lived in times when women weren't expected to have big ideas, be in charge or to have exciting ambitions—but that didn't stop them. Their extraordinary deeds and words didn't just make history, the helped to shape the way we live today.”

“Later in life Josephine Baker adopted twelve children from around the world and used her fame to make a stand against racism. When visiting the USA she refused to perform in theatres that didn’t allow black people to attend, and campaigned for an end to segregation.”

[Lauren Long · Rating 3 out of 5]

A celebration of extraordinary women from around the world & how their remarkable lives marched them into our history books.
...
Or rather, didn't. There was quite a lot of women in this picture book that I'd never heard of! So if this book not only boisters the current feminist movement within children's literature, but also teaches old & young alike, than that is a fantastically great achievement in itself.
Some of the women here I had heard of or researched, but if there'd been books like this when I was a child, perhaps I'd have learnt more sooner or have fostered an early passion, or interest for say, history, or science.

[Gabrielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book and think it would be great for years 2-4 (depending on reading ability). It’s a great way to introduce children to prominent female figures throughout history such as Harriet Tubman. It provides an overview of factual information about these women’s lives and their work. The book itself is full or colour and beautiful illustrations. The Lay-out had an almost newspaper feel to it with a lot of different text boxes full of information. My only qualm about this book is that it sometimes feels overcrowded on the page which could potentially be overwhelming or even distraction for some children.