Overview
Portraits of brave women from the late 1800s through today—role models who are passionate about important issues
A source of inspiration for young women with strong social convictions, She Takes a Stand highlights 16 extraordinary women who have fought for human rights, civil rights, workers’ rights, reproductive/sexual rights, and world peace. Among these are many who have been imprisoned, threatened, or suffered financial hardships for pursuing their missions to change the world for the better. Included are historic heroes such as anti-lynching crusader Ida B. Wells and suffragist Alice Paul, along with contemporary figures such as girls-education activist Malala Yousafzai; Sampat Pal Devi, who fights violence against Indian women; and SPARK executive director Dana Edell, who works to end the sexualization of women and girls in the media. Taking a multicultural, multinational perspective, She Takes a Stand spotlights brave women around the world with an emphasis on childhood details, motivations, and life turning points—in many cases gleaned from the author’s original interviews—and includes related sidebars, a bibliography, source notes, and a list of organizations young women can explore to get involved in changing their world.
Reviews
“An excellent compilation and a notable addition for all library collections to enhance women’s history.” —School Library Journal
“a thoroughly researched book full of inspiring stories that will appeal to young readers…” —VOYA
“Ross portrays his subjects with honesty, highlighting both their missteps and accomplishments, while emphasizing how anyone can become an activist with enough passion and will.” —Publishers Weekly
“This inspiring new addition to the Women of Action series will get your Mighty Girl thinking about her own ways to change the world.” —A Mighty Girl
“Geared toward a young adult audience but useful for all of us […] These activists are rendered with complexity.” —BITCH magazine
“She Takes a Stand is a stunning and inspiring book that celebrates the extraordinary accomplishments of women around the world and will surely inspire the next generation of girls to see that their voices and actions can truly change the world.” —Dana Edell, executive director of SPARK
Author Biography
Michael Elsohn Ross is an award-winning author of more than 40 books for children, including A World of Her Own, Salvador Dali and the Surrealists, Sandbox Scientist, and Snug as a Bug. He lives and works in Yosemite National Park.