HERSTORY: 50 Women and Girls Who Shook the World

History can be viewed as “his-story”: the tales of men who have, in the past, had greater access to successful and powerful roles, and who have thereby shaped history to reflect their point of view. But at the same time, womens’ versions of events – and their individual stories and achievements within this male-dominated narrative – have often been lost.

Celebrated in this lavish hardback, the stories of 50 great women redefine their “herstory”, from disability activist Helen Keller to Indian poet, singer and saint Mira Bai and Aboriginal Australian Olympic athlete Cathy Freeman.

Each woman’s feature is a large double-page spread with a detailed biography, photos, quotes and illustrations. Though there have been many women’s history and Great Women titles published recently, there is a continuing need to engage all children in learning and talking about women as achievers, doers and people of power, and this marvellous title is a very welcome addition.