50 Fearless Women Who Made American History: An American History Book for Kids

by Jenifer Bazzit

Discover American history through the lives of 50 inspiring women—biographies for kids ages 8 to 12

Women have always been at the forefront of American history―and it’s time to hear their astounding stories! This look into American history for kids is bursting with engaging biographies that explore the lives of these influential women from different backgrounds and a wide array of fields.

From Revolutionary War soldier Deborah Sampson and abolitionist Harriet Tubman to Hawaiian Queen Lili‘uokalani and Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, this engaging guide to American history for kids takes you on a fun and fascinating journey, one fearless woman at a time. Each of these chronologically ordered biographies offers an exciting look into the life and accomplishments of these heroic figures and how they made history.

Explore this captivating side of American history for kids

Incredible stories, incredible women―With multipage biographies that focus on the accomplishments of heroic women, this is what a book about American history for kids should be. Historical timeline―Better understand how each of these women fits into history thanks to timelines that show what else was happening during their lifetimes. Dive deeper―Entries also feature an insightful sidebar that further explains a specific part of the biography, launching you into more learning about American history for kids.

Discover the amazing women who helped shape America with this exploration through American history for kids.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Middle Grade, Audiobook, Biography

174 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 24, 2019

Reviews

[Amy Adams · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book should be called The Men Who Still Overshadow Fearless Women Who Made History. The whole book looks at women in the context of a male-dominated history. Each 3 page biography goes through some of history's famous women chronologically, from Pocahontas to Mary Bonauto. Each bio has a drawing of the person; their birth and death dates; a short, one-phrase description of her major accomplishment; and a short bio with a timeline. These bios do include information about the women, but each bio is framed by what the men were doing at the time. There are sidebars with each bio to give context about what was going on in the world at the time. These are, not surprisingly, primarily about what men in society were doing. There's a timeline that runs throughout the book, which would be super cool, except women aren't featured in the timeline. It's almost all men.

Look, I get it. I know who writes the history books, but I was so disappointed in this book! I had high expectations and hopes, but the facts about women are severely limited, there's nothing really new, and the kicker is the way the whole book is based on the accomplishments of men throughout history. I recommend skipping this one.

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not influence my review.

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been a while since I have read a book and wanted to buy multiple copies to share with everyone I know. This is IT! Jenifer Bazzit does a wonderful job highlighting history with women in an easy-to-read manner. Although it is non-fiction, it reads like a novel. Nice font sizes, vivid illustrations, mini-biographies, timelines, and a glossary!

I received a free copy to read in advance of the release date of this history book so I can leave an honest review. Honestly, I loved this! I love history and I love America, so finding hidden figures who impacted the timeline is so inspiring and eye-opening. The layout is great. Each woman has a precious illustration and a three page summary of their life including childhood, adult life, and significant contributions. The book gives just enough information for the reader to be aware of who the person is and how they impacted history, but it also makes you want more! I know I paused reading a few times to go research further individuals who I wanted to know more details on. Along the bottom of the biographies is a nationwide timeline, which is nice to have running in addition with the snip-it of information gleaned from the women mentioned. I just wish there were the additions of quotes by the women or said about the women to give the book one more solidifying connection from today to the person, but that is just a personal preference. :)

The women chosen for the book come from all time periods and all walks of life: natives, leaders, wives, immigrants, blind, artistic, political, mothers, athletes, and more. There were several entries for women of color, I felt the Asian-American representation was lacking, in my opinion. However, any person reading this could identify with several of the women mentioned from either their livelihoods, characteristics, or contributions. I teach upper elementary and feel comfortable sharing this book with my students both in class and in our library -I plan to do just that! For educators, parents, or readers curious about the reading level, I would peg this at about fourth grade through sixth grade. Easily, it can (and should) be shared with other grades, too. I'm a young adult and thoroughly enjoyed it and would have read it regardless of my occupation of being and educator. :) Additionally, for those who are concerned on the content, it too matches the above-mentioned grade-levels, in my opinion. The women who experienced hardships weren't written out, but simply mention with appropriate adjectives by author Jenifer Bazzit. The 50 women in the book weren't perfect, the history that these women experienced wasn't perfect, but this book does an elementary-appropriate way of dealing with those imperfections into understandable bits of information for readers to digest and explore more as time and resources allows.

What an honor it was to receive an early (digital) copy of this book review. What a fun journey it was to READ "50 Fearless Women Who Made History: An American History Book for Kids"! I want others to read this too; not just girls, not just kids. I personally feel this book is important, inspiring, and necessary. If we are to continue to improve as both a nation and as humans, we need to know where we came from in history and who got us here. Women have always influenced textbook pages, but have not always gotten the recognition from their valuable and vital contributions. I don't want to know where American would be if these women -if any woman- remained quiet, content, and complacent when injustice was/is reigning. I'm so glad this book exists to hold a light up for 50 influential, fearless women. I'm excited, ready, and hopeful for more installments of History Books for Kids by Jenifer Bazzit!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightful book for kids exploring 50 women in American history from 1597 to today. The book begins with Pocahontas and moves chronologically through to modern civil rights laywer Mary Bonauto. Steffi Walthall offers beautiful full-color illustrations of each woman. The bios are brief but detailed, and at the bottom of each page is a historical timeline to put the woman's life in context with her time in history. Very helpful! There is also a blue box in the upper corner of the second page of each bio offering more information about a cause, issue in history, or detail about women's rights applicable to each woman's life. I appreciated that the book used the word "enslaved" rather than referring to African-American activists as "a slave"...such an important difference. The glossary is well-done, and words in the glossary are in bold throughout the book. The resources section has some good ideas, though I would have loved a few more...then again, there need to be more women's history books in general!

Women represented in the volume: Pocahontas, Anne Hutchinson, Mercy Otis Warren, Phillis Wheatley, Deborah Sampson, Abigail Adams, Sacagawea, Lucretia Mott, Sojourner Truth, Dorothea Dix, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, Harriet Tubman, Clara Barton, Elizabeth Blackwell, "Mother" Jones, Victoria Woodhull, Queen Lili'uokalani, Frances Willard, Jane Addams, Ida B. Wells, Nellie Bly, Clara Lemlich, Helen Keller, Emily Greene Balch, Georgia O'Keeffe, Eleanor Roosevelt, Amelia Earhart, Clare Boothe Luce, Grace Hopper, Rachel Carson, Virginia Apgar, Rosa Parks, Marguerite Higgins, Maria Tallchief, Coretta Scott King, Muriel Siebert, Maya Angelou, Dolores Huerta, Sandra Day O'Connor, Gloria Steinem, Barbara Jordan, Marian Wright Edelman, Billie Jean King, Sally Ride, Oprah, Sonia Sotomayor, Maya Lin, and Mary Bonauto.

Thanks, Jenifer Bazzit, for a lovely read, and thank you to Callisto publishing for the review copy.

[Kailey (Luminous Libro) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gives short 3-page biographies of famous women who changed American history. The bios range from Pocahontas all the way to modern-day women. Along with each biography there is a timeline at the bottom of each page showing major events of their era in history. There are also beautiful illustrations depicting each woman doing something that made her famous,whether it's writing, nursing, giving speeches, flying a plane, dancing, traveling, reporting, painting, or protesting.

I really loved the timeline at the bottom of the pages. It adds something special to be able to see what was going on in history at that time. There is also a separate text box along with each bio, showcasing one of their major accomplishments.

The biographies give a synopsis of the woman's childhood, the obstacles in her way, her rise to fame, and her major contributions to American history, along with a short statement about her death. It's a well-rounded and well-organized outline of the lives of these important ladies.

However, there were four biographies that I was not happy to see in this book. No doubt, these women were influential, but I think it was a bad influence that damaged the American nation. These women are praised as having fought for "equal rights" for various groups, but they trampled on the rights of others and ultimately harmed the people they were trying to help.

Maybe I'll just tear out those pages, and enjoy the rest of the book.

I really loved reading the biographies of Helen Keller, Sacagawea, Abigail Adams, Harriet Tubman, Clara Barton, Nellie Bly, Amelia Earhart, Rosa Parks, Coretta Scott King, and Frances Willard.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.

[Virginia Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so enjoyed "50 Fearless Women Who Made History: An American History Book for Kids"--after all, "Fearless Women" are AWESOME! Author Jenifer Bazzit has included 50 fascinating, fabulous women from all walks of life, races, cultural backgrounds, and fields of study. They represent different time periods in American history, spanning centuries from earliest colonial settlements through present day 21st century life in the United States. The biographies are organized chronologically by the era of the women's accomplishments, and a history of the times accompanies each feature. A glossary is included to help understand the terminology of the varying time periods. Here are some of the amazing women whom you will "meet": Pocahontas; Abigail Adams; Harriet Beecher Stowe; Nellie Bly; Eleanor Roosevelt; Rosa Parks; Sandra Day O'Connor; Sally Ride; and Oprah Winfrey. Women account for approximately half of the world's population, and their contributions to life as we know it are immeasurable. This is a very enjoyable and enlightening book, not just for children, but for female and male readers of all ages.

Book Copy Gratis Callisto Publishers

[Frances Bland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, I liked this book. Like some others who reviewed, I had trouble with the fact that there was still a big overall timeline, discussing what men were doing. Just give me the synopsis of what each woman was doing. I don’t think including the men was necessary. Kids learn about all of that already. Also, why is what Trump did the last thing in the book? 1) he was awful for women, and 2) that’s the last thing anyone reads or hears. Again, the man gets the last word.

[Christi Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved learning about all the powerful women in this book. Some I knew and some I have interest in learning more. Great book about many strong women.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this. I know it says it’s a kids book but I really loved the format and everything about it.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love the format of this book. It's clear and concise for younger readers. I also like that the women are introduced in biographical order and important U.S. historical events are listed to provide overall context.

[TammyJo Eckhart · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I see history books for kids I often wonder how they will be used. Probably not in a classroom if they are "specialized" as this one is by being focused on a group of people, in this case women who lived in the USA at some point in the nation's history. The first subject (Pocahontas) is from the early 17th century and the last subject (Mary Bonauto) is alive and fighting for equality today. Each has a portrait created by Steffi Walthall that found inviting and fun. A brief biography of 2-3 pages is provided but I often had this question as I read" How did she make history? I think especially for grade schoolers that needed to be laid out clearly.

The selection may see overly white to some people but as a historian and writer who creates a bi-weekly history article about women in America most of the information we have is focused on white women -- their skin color and ethnicity often gave them an advantage over other women to allow them to try and do more economic, social, educational, artistic, and other types of work. There are women of many backgrounds. ethnicities, religions, and skin color so your child and you may well find someone who "looks like" you.

The biographies do not lie but they also do not include all of the facts in a clearly laid out fashion. Issues about sexuality are particularly ignored I noticed but perhaps that is because the author, Jenifer Bazzit, didn't want her book banned merely for being clear about sexual violence and sexual orientations. If you or your child looks deeper into the subjects of this book, you may be surprised by some of the thing you learn. I think it is acceptable to use language and to focus on topics that some might consider age appropriate so I praise Bazzit for doing that.

There is a timeline that runs along the bottom of the pages but instead of providing context, I found it distracting. If you buy this as a parent or a homeschooler, be prepared to explain what is on that timeline because I doubt most kids this age will readily know.

I was sent a paperback copy of this book by the publisher in the hopes that I'd write a review; no form of compensation was received for my honest opinions.

[Tom Law · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most history books are really, for the most part, “his story”. In other words, they focus on the exploits of men throughout history. Jenifer Bazzit has created at pathway through American history which is really “her story”. It focuses on the activities of strong, determined, and energetic women throughout history and how they have influenced the journey of this country into the future. This is a refreshing look through history from a perspective which we seldom get to see.

Each woman’s life and journey are highlighted in a short biographical sketch which portray the actions which make her admirable. These vignettes are well researched. They are short enough to keep the young reader engaged but complete enough to help expand the reader’s understanding of events.

One key element of these stories is that they are put into historical perspective. A timeline runs at the bottom of each page allowing the reader to see where these highlighted events take place in relationship to other events. The author has also added short nuggets of corollary events to help the reader know things that are happening which affected the actions of the woman in question.

Walking through history this way helps not only engage the reader but allows the reader to know how important the role of these women was. Unfortunately, this had not often been done and we are the poorer as a result. Bazzit provides a new perspective which is invaluable to parents and teachers as they help these young minds develop into the civic minded Americans which are essential to the future of our country.

Upon request the publisher sent me a copy of the book to review.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are certain women that we learn about when learning US history, such as Harriet Tubman, Amelia Earhart and Elenor Roosevelt. And these same women are in this book, but there are also women that are just as important, and that you often don't see presented, such as Ida B. Wells, and Rachel Carson.

Good selection of women, but this book only touches briefly on each of their lives. There is the hope, that this will get kids more interested in finding more about each of these women. The basic story is presented in three short pages, and the order of the book is such that each woman is followed by another a few years later.

Interesting choices. I appreciate that we get artists, and doctors, and lawyers and sports women, all thrown in there. Many of these women would also be considered feminists, which is a nice feature as well.

Bit too short of my tastes, but a good introduction to women that might be over looked by most history books.


Thanks to Callisto Publisher's Club for making this book available for an honest review.

[Amy Navarre · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Callisto Publisher's Club and Rockridge Press for this free book. The following review contains my honest opinions.
I appreciated the organization of the information: there are 50 short biographies covering 2 to 3 pages each, there is a text box that delves slightly deeper on one aspect per biography, and there is a timeline that runs along the bottom of the pages throughout the book. Because the biographies were so concise, I was interested in digging a little deeper for a few of the women listed, however, I felt the "Resources" listed at the end of the book was lacking.
The women chosen do represent a very diverse group. Despite the diversity, there are some common threads: activism, and social reforms.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on my reading, well suited for 3rd to 6th grade. Although, my 1st grader enjoys having it read to her. Small size and short biographies is perfect for this age group plus a historical timeline to give context to what was happening at that time. This will be a well loved book for years to come!

Free copy provided by publisher, but the opinions are mine.

[christinemm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brief with facts and a timeline.
If the reading passages were longer than four Dash six paragraphs it could contain more information which would emotionally hook the reader in or help develop personal connections for the reader to the famous person. Understandable for middle school level.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please see my review under C.Wong on Amazon.com. Thank you!

[Palatine Library]

The book “50 Fearless Women Who Made American History” tells you what women in America have gotten noticed for and what they have done. There’s stories about women being the first to do something like, being the first women to go around the world on a bike. There are fifty inspiring ladies in the book. The stories in the book are very descriptive and interesting. The women in the book never gave up in what they believed in, even if a man said that they couldn’t do it.

I like this book because the stories weren’t boring, they were so fascinating. I didn’t want to put the book down. I also liked how it had women that did the same thing but in a different way than one another. Another part of the the book I liked was that there were timelines. It told you what happened in the world during the specific woman’s life. I think I liked the book so much because it was so inspirational to me and I hope it is to other girls of all ages.

-Cali C.

[Bill Rand · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great stories of powerful women.

[Manar Tomeh · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very informative, but provides brief information about each woman. Not my kind of books. I need more details to connect with those women and feel their struggle and success.

[Elaina Elrod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book with my daughter and she absolutely loved it. We homeschool so finding books she loves that are filled with learning is great

[Simara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that inspires you and makes you feel proud of being a women. So many times women are ignored in history and here are 50 women that have made history and paved the way for us. Women of different backgrounds and throughout American history are included here. The narration is also perfect! Ms. Plummer only adds to how spectacular this book is. It’s included in the Plus catalog. Highly recommended!!!