Shaking Things Up: 14 Young Women Who Changed the World

In a paragraph before the table of contents, Susan Hood addresses the reader directly. The "inspiring young rebels" in this book "broke down walls to pursue their interests, talents, and rights," she states. These 14 women and girls, from around the world and whose lives spanned centuries, "fought fires, discovered prehistoric animals, circled the globe, braved Nazis, championed sports, changed the way we eat, integrated schools, improved medicine, and reached for the skies."

Each young woman who changed the world is given her own double-page spread with an original poem by Susan Hood, a brief biographical explanation of what she did or who she was, and a full-page illustration by one of 13 female illustrators. Some of the women depicted in Shaking Things Up may be known to young readers--children's author Pura Belpré, artist Frida Kahlo, architect Maya Lin--while many--such as inventor of the modern swimsuit Annette Kellerman or cancer researcher Angela Zhang--are lesser known, but still incredible, young rebels. Each poem and illustration, like each young woman featured, shines with a personality all its own, like the bold colors and thick outlines of Sara Palacios's Pura Belpré or the soft features and earth-toned palette of Sophie Blackall's Jacqueline Nearne ("Undercover Operative"). Shaking Things Up also has back matter for invested readers, including an author's note, sources, books and websites. All of the young women discussed in this picture book "dared to step out of the box" and, for that, "the world is a better place." --Siân Gaetano, children's and YA editor, Shelf Awareness

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