Finalist, 2023 Sheila A. Egoff Children's Literature Prize – BC and Yukon Book Prizes
A beautifully illustrated collection of inspiring life stories of fifty extraordinary historical women from BC and Yukon.
This fascinating, informative, and charming book introduces young readers to a diverse group of women who changed the face of history in unexpected ways and defied the expectations and gender norms of their times. Through charming illustrations and concise biographies, Her Courage Rises features social activists and politicians, artists and writers, scientists and healers, pioneers and prospectors, athletes and entrepreneurs, teachers and cultural tradition keepers.
These women represented all ages, walks of life, and backgrounds. Some, like Cougar Annie and shipwreck heroine Minnie Paterson, became legendary in popular culture, long after their deaths. Others, like politician Rosemary Brown, artist Emily Carr, and Olympic sprinter Barbara Howard, achieved fame during their lives. Still others, including photographer and cultural teacher Elizabeth Quocksister, artist and cultural consultant Florence Edenshaw, land claims activist and translator Jane Constance Cook (Ga’axsta’las), and language champion Barbara Touchie, made great strides in preserving and promoting Indigenous rights and cultures. And many, like environmentalist Ruth Masters, water diviner Evelyn Penrose, and Doukhobor pioneer Anna Markova, are less well-known but still made important contributions to their communities and our wider collective history.
Her Courage Rises is full of inspirational female role models and insights into the trailblazing women who made history in BC and Yukon.
Haley Healey’s Her Courage Rises is a beautifully curated and inspiring collection that brings the stories of fifty remarkable women to life with clarity and purpose. Designed for younger readers, the book successfully introduces important historical figures in a way that feels engaging, accessible, and meaningful.
One of the most compelling aspects of the book is its diversity of representation. By highlighting women from different backgrounds, professions, and time periods, it paints a broad and inclusive picture of what courage and impact can look like. From well-known figures to lesser-known contributors, each story adds depth to the overall narrative and reinforces the importance of recognizing voices that have shaped history.
The combination of concise storytelling and illustration also strengthens the reading experience. The visual elements complement the biographies, making the book not only informative but also visually engaging for its intended audience. This balance ensures that readers can both learn and connect with the stories being shared.
Overall, Her Courage Rises is a thoughtful and empowering work that encourages curiosity, learning, and inspiration. It stands as a valuable resource for young readers discovering the many ways women have influenced history and continue to shape the world.