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Teen Trailblazers: 30 Fearless Girls Who Changed the World Before They Were 20
True stories of young women who made a big difference! From authors to activists, painters to politicians, inventors to icons, these inspiring teenagers are proof that girls can change the world.
Joan of Arc. Anne Frank. Cleopatra. Pocahontas. Mary Shelley. Many of these heroines are well-known. But have you heard of Sybil Ludington, a 16-year-old daughter of an American colonel who rode twice as far as the far better-remembered Paul Revere to warn the militia that the British army was invading?
This fascinating book features 30 young women who accomplished remarkable things before their twentieth birthdays. Visually compelling with original illustrations, this book will inspire the next generation of strong, fearless women.
Joan of Arc. Anne Frank. Cleopatra. Pocahontas. Mary Shelley. Many of these heroines are well-known. But have you heard of Sybil Ludington, a 16-year-old daughter of an American colonel who rode twice as far as the far better-remembered Paul Revere to warn the militia that the British army was invading?
This fascinating book features 30 young women who accomplished remarkable things before their twentieth birthdays. Visually compelling with original illustrations, this book will inspire the next generation of strong, fearless women.
122 pages, Hardcover
First published October 2, 2018
17 people are currently reading
346 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Calvert
1 book2 followersJennifer Calvert is a writer, editor, and all-around book-loving nerd. When she’s not highlighting the accomplishments of incredible young women, you’ll find her curled up with a soft cat and a hardcover. She is the author of Teen Trailblazers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
July 5, 2018
I got the digital ARC from Netgalley and I was happy to read it, until I saw it was incomplete and I thought it was only me, but upon viewing various reviews on here, I know it's not me alone and I guess this is was intentional, I don't feel like I have read this book, so how to write a satisfactory review? I'm going to focus on the bit I read.
So this book features "30 fearless girls who changed the world before they were 2o." From the short chapters I was given, I can say that this book is as beautiful as any illustrated book can be—it's aesthetically pleasing to the eyes and it only adds to the beauty and stories of this inspiring book.
This book features astounding and empowering quotes from (powerful people) famous people all through which is good food for the mind and soul.
Giving us straight to the point facts about these young ladies who changed the world and inspire so many people today. The way the facts have been stated makes it information that will never be forgotten by it's reader.
For example after 22 years on this earth, I am just finding out that Pocahontas is a real person, and her real name is Amonute, and her English name is Rebecca, which prompted me to dig up more about her and I was astounded by what I uncovered, so really I think this book is good for anyone of any age who knows how to read.
So this book features "30 fearless girls who changed the world before they were 2o." From the short chapters I was given, I can say that this book is as beautiful as any illustrated book can be—it's aesthetically pleasing to the eyes and it only adds to the beauty and stories of this inspiring book.
This book features astounding and empowering quotes from (powerful people) famous people all through which is good food for the mind and soul.
Giving us straight to the point facts about these young ladies who changed the world and inspire so many people today. The way the facts have been stated makes it information that will never be forgotten by it's reader.
For example after 22 years on this earth, I am just finding out that Pocahontas is a real person, and her real name is Amonute, and her English name is Rebecca, which prompted me to dig up more about her and I was astounded by what I uncovered, so really I think this book is good for anyone of any age who knows how to read.
May 17, 2018
***Thanks to NetGalley for providing me a complimentary copy of TEEN TRAILBLAZERS: 30 FEARLESS GIRLS WHO CHANGED THE WORLD BEFORE THEY WERE 20 by Jennifer Calvert***
The digital galley of TEEN TRAILBLAZERS was incomplete, poorly formatted and without illustrations which prevented me from being able to give the book five stars, though I think the hardcover version will be 5 stars.
Jennifer Calvert does a great job describing teens from Cleopatra to Emma Gonzalez to trans girl Jazz Jennings. Calvert distinguishes fact from fiction with people like the Disney Pocahontas vs the real story.
I recommend TEEN TRAILBLAZERS for middle grade readers as well as younger kids who read at an advanced level.
The digital galley of TEEN TRAILBLAZERS was incomplete, poorly formatted and without illustrations which prevented me from being able to give the book five stars, though I think the hardcover version will be 5 stars.
Jennifer Calvert does a great job describing teens from Cleopatra to Emma Gonzalez to trans girl Jazz Jennings. Calvert distinguishes fact from fiction with people like the Disney Pocahontas vs the real story.
I recommend TEEN TRAILBLAZERS for middle grade readers as well as younger kids who read at an advanced level.
May 29, 2018
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a digital arc in exchange for an honest Review!
The description said 30 girls and the downloaded file was only 40 pages long and there weren't 30 girls. Beside it was beautifully designed and inspirational book.I enjoyed it and wanted to read more...It was a good mixture of girls from the different time period.
The description said 30 girls and the downloaded file was only 40 pages long and there weren't 30 girls. Beside it was beautifully designed and inspirational book.I enjoyed it and wanted to read more...It was a good mixture of girls from the different time period.
July 25, 2019
So. Teen Trailblazers. I was so excited about this when I saw the cover and the title, because this is the exact kind of book I like. Collected biographies, especially of women throughout history, are something I dearly love, and I have read many of them. This is perhaps among my least favourite of any I have read.
I will start off by saying that some of the young women selected for this collection absolutely belong in collections like this, and the author has even featured a few who often don't get the credit they deserve. There are a number of them that are well-described and should definitely be introduced to the target audience.
But.
This book has some incredibly deep-rooted White Feminist bullshit going on that is incredibly toxic. There are only two Indigenous women featured (and of course they are Sacagawea and Pocahontas). There is only one Asian woman featured and one Muslim woman featured and they're the same woman (Malala). The stories are featured chronologically, and the only Black woman featured prior to the 20th century is Phillis Wheatley, an enslaved woman whose poetry changed the world--but her narrative is featured in a sort of "Happy Slave" way that is beyond toxic and harmful. The only abolitionist featured is white. A slave owner is depicted as a good businesswoman. Frida Kahlo, the only disabled woman featured in the book, is shown with an "overcoming disability" narrative that I hated deeply. Segregation is depicted with examples of discriminating by hair colour, because of course it is. A revolutionary woman married to a revolutionary man gives birth to a son who is a revolutionary "just like his father." The book fails to feature many women in STEM at all or many queer women.
Reading this book was a chore, and it was a rage-inducing experience. The book is very clearly targeted towards white Christian American girls, with no other demographic in mind. I think some of the stories are worth reading, but I absolutely cannot recommend this book in any good conscience. I would be happy to recommend a dozen other books that don't present these narratives in such a toxic way. But not this one.
I will start off by saying that some of the young women selected for this collection absolutely belong in collections like this, and the author has even featured a few who often don't get the credit they deserve. There are a number of them that are well-described and should definitely be introduced to the target audience.
But.
This book has some incredibly deep-rooted White Feminist bullshit going on that is incredibly toxic. There are only two Indigenous women featured (and of course they are Sacagawea and Pocahontas). There is only one Asian woman featured and one Muslim woman featured and they're the same woman (Malala). The stories are featured chronologically, and the only Black woman featured prior to the 20th century is Phillis Wheatley, an enslaved woman whose poetry changed the world--but her narrative is featured in a sort of "Happy Slave" way that is beyond toxic and harmful. The only abolitionist featured is white. A slave owner is depicted as a good businesswoman. Frida Kahlo, the only disabled woman featured in the book, is shown with an "overcoming disability" narrative that I hated deeply. Segregation is depicted with examples of discriminating by hair colour, because of course it is. A revolutionary woman married to a revolutionary man gives birth to a son who is a revolutionary "just like his father." The book fails to feature many women in STEM at all or many queer women.
Reading this book was a chore, and it was a rage-inducing experience. The book is very clearly targeted towards white Christian American girls, with no other demographic in mind. I think some of the stories are worth reading, but I absolutely cannot recommend this book in any good conscience. I would be happy to recommend a dozen other books that don't present these narratives in such a toxic way. But not this one.
June 3, 2018
I can't wait to see the final copy, since my printed ARC is in black and white because this is a fantastic addition to the group of nonfiction short story collection/biographies profiling female accomplishment. This book focuses on historical and contemporary women (Emma Gonzalez who attended Parkland High School where a school shooting was just months ago), but then famous actresses like Emma Watson and civil rights leaders like Barbara Johns. Then names like Pocahontas and Anne Frank.
The four-page biography features a one-page illustrated photo then about three pages of biography that include at least one text box with a side note about the past or how to apply the woman's work in the future along with another few small illustrations.
The writing is straightforward but lyrical, empowering, and matter-of-fact. And so freakin' fantastic!
The four-page biography features a one-page illustrated photo then about three pages of biography that include at least one text box with a side note about the past or how to apply the woman's work in the future along with another few small illustrations.
The writing is straightforward but lyrical, empowering, and matter-of-fact. And so freakin' fantastic!
Read
November 23, 2019NOTE: I received an advance reader copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinions or the way I talk about the book.
Although I wish it had been advertised that the ARC NetGalley provides is only an excerpt, I have to give it five stars because books like these are so important.
Like I said, the version I read was only an excerpt, so I was only able to read about Cleopatra, Joan of Arc, Pocahontas, Emma González, Maya Penn, and Jazz Jennings. That's only a fifth of what the completed book set to publish in October will hold, but I could still feel the buzz of inspiration from these six entries.
The book is organized with four pages summarizing the most important parts of each woman's life in a way that is comprehensible and captivating to readers from the pre-teen years to the young adults years. Best of all, it doesn't leave out the nitty-gritty details to dilute the struggles these women have overcome to be trailblazers. Additionally, there are text bubbles on the sides of most pages to give information that offers more insight into the background of what their fighting for. These include an explanation of what made Cleopatra's rule different than of those before her, a definition of gender dysphoria, and a summary of the battle for gun control in the United States.
I love that the women featured are so diverse, hailing from different nations and cultures, and representing various points in history. Not only will it (hopefully) spark an interest in history in young readers, but it will give a chance for young girls of all background to see themselves represented in this beautiful book. Plus, having entries from so many different time periods ensures that readers will see several familiar faces but still have so many to learn about.
One last comment I'd like to make is on the design. Each entry begins with a cartoon portrait of the woman done in Vesna Asanovic's cute style. The color scheme throughout the book is vibrant and beautiful. The art certainly adds to the positive mood of the text, and I thought it was certainly worth mentioning.
Final thought: Even though I was unfortunately not able to read the entire book for this review, I loved the sampler enough to encourage everyone to buy this for a sister, daughter, niece, friend or any other young girl in your life. She'll appreciate it.
Support Me Elsewhere!
Although I wish it had been advertised that the ARC NetGalley provides is only an excerpt, I have to give it five stars because books like these are so important.
Like I said, the version I read was only an excerpt, so I was only able to read about Cleopatra, Joan of Arc, Pocahontas, Emma González, Maya Penn, and Jazz Jennings. That's only a fifth of what the completed book set to publish in October will hold, but I could still feel the buzz of inspiration from these six entries.
The book is organized with four pages summarizing the most important parts of each woman's life in a way that is comprehensible and captivating to readers from the pre-teen years to the young adults years. Best of all, it doesn't leave out the nitty-gritty details to dilute the struggles these women have overcome to be trailblazers. Additionally, there are text bubbles on the sides of most pages to give information that offers more insight into the background of what their fighting for. These include an explanation of what made Cleopatra's rule different than of those before her, a definition of gender dysphoria, and a summary of the battle for gun control in the United States.
I love that the women featured are so diverse, hailing from different nations and cultures, and representing various points in history. Not only will it (hopefully) spark an interest in history in young readers, but it will give a chance for young girls of all background to see themselves represented in this beautiful book. Plus, having entries from so many different time periods ensures that readers will see several familiar faces but still have so many to learn about.
One last comment I'd like to make is on the design. Each entry begins with a cartoon portrait of the woman done in Vesna Asanovic's cute style. The color scheme throughout the book is vibrant and beautiful. The art certainly adds to the positive mood of the text, and I thought it was certainly worth mentioning.
Final thought: Even though I was unfortunately not able to read the entire book for this review, I loved the sampler enough to encourage everyone to buy this for a sister, daughter, niece, friend or any other young girl in your life. She'll appreciate it.
Support Me Elsewhere!
May 20, 2018
For what it is worth, what women are included in this preview, were good. And I did like how contemporary women and girls were mixed in with famous women of the ages.
But, it is hard to say if all the women are presented this well, because the galley preview only included a limited number of stories.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
But, it is hard to say if all the women are presented this well, because the galley preview only included a limited number of stories.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
August 31, 2022
IF YOU DIDNT KNOW I FIGHT LIKE A GIRL
Now I want to celebrate all these special days that were named after these women and go to the museums that honor them! Field trip, anyone??
Now I want to celebrate all these special days that were named after these women and go to the museums that honor them! Field trip, anyone??
July 2, 2018
I received a partial digital ARC through NetGalley.
This book is just what the bright, cheerful cover lead me to believe it would be. It is less something a young person might actually sit and read than it is a sort of youth coffee-table book, meant to be flipped through and referenced.
While the use of "teen" in the title might suggest YA, I think that even most 13-year-olds would find this book a bit young for them. I'd recommend it as a nice gift for a bright young person in middle school.
This ARC only included six chapters, so I can't speak to the entire work, but the sampling did give me an idea of the tone and aims of the book. The chapters, even the one on Emma Gonzales that discussed school shootings, all carry a bright, bouncy tone that sometimes veers into condescension.
The Gonzales chapter would be essentially impossible to write in a book on "teen trailblazers" without a tacit (and sometimes explicit) endorsement of her particular stance on gun control, and a parent concerned about their child reading a one-sided account would probably not pick this book up for that reason. While that chapter, as well as the one on Jazz Jennings, might give one reason to accuse the book of being "left-leaning," the chapter on Pocahontas is shockingly uncritical of English colonialism and relations with Native Americans. I was particularly struck by the author's statement that the true story was "much simpler" than the Disney cartoon, and that, after her kidnap, "almost always content, Pocahontas eventually grew to like being with the settlers." This rosy tone is perhaps not the best for a young person learning to form comfort with darkness or moral grayness in history.
The book seems to be just what it set out to be: a Pollyannaish coffee table book full of quotes ready to be slapped on a mug but devoid of anything for a young mind to chew on. While the inclusion of recent figures like Gonzales and Jennings are refreshing, I wonder if they are enough to justify a book like this in 2018.
This book is just what the bright, cheerful cover lead me to believe it would be. It is less something a young person might actually sit and read than it is a sort of youth coffee-table book, meant to be flipped through and referenced.
While the use of "teen" in the title might suggest YA, I think that even most 13-year-olds would find this book a bit young for them. I'd recommend it as a nice gift for a bright young person in middle school.
This ARC only included six chapters, so I can't speak to the entire work, but the sampling did give me an idea of the tone and aims of the book. The chapters, even the one on Emma Gonzales that discussed school shootings, all carry a bright, bouncy tone that sometimes veers into condescension.
The Gonzales chapter would be essentially impossible to write in a book on "teen trailblazers" without a tacit (and sometimes explicit) endorsement of her particular stance on gun control, and a parent concerned about their child reading a one-sided account would probably not pick this book up for that reason. While that chapter, as well as the one on Jazz Jennings, might give one reason to accuse the book of being "left-leaning," the chapter on Pocahontas is shockingly uncritical of English colonialism and relations with Native Americans. I was particularly struck by the author's statement that the true story was "much simpler" than the Disney cartoon, and that, after her kidnap, "almost always content, Pocahontas eventually grew to like being with the settlers." This rosy tone is perhaps not the best for a young person learning to form comfort with darkness or moral grayness in history.
The book seems to be just what it set out to be: a Pollyannaish coffee table book full of quotes ready to be slapped on a mug but devoid of anything for a young mind to chew on. While the inclusion of recent figures like Gonzales and Jennings are refreshing, I wonder if they are enough to justify a book like this in 2018.
October 22, 2018
I received an ARC copy of this book from NetGalley, but when I got it I discovered that it was only a sample [this was not mentioned on the website] and I neither read nor review samples. I do really enjoy books like this though, so I decided to wait until it was published and see if I could get a hold of a copy. I'm glad I did because it was a very fun and informative book.
This book features 30 girls who did something amazing before they were 20 years old. Each girl gets a portrait and then several pages describing why she is memorable and also some anecdotes from her life or information about her time period. Although there were women from all over the world, I felt like this book focused pretty heavily on American and other western countries [and used a lot of pretty popular girls who are featured in many other versions of this kind of book].
My main problem with the middle grade versions of 'famous ladies who did X' is that they often dumb down the stories quite a bit, but I actually thought this one did a pretty good job of walking that line between getting girls interested in the subject and being overwhelming to them and I actually ended up liking it better than Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls [although that book did feature a lot more girls].
This book features 30 girls who did something amazing before they were 20 years old. Each girl gets a portrait and then several pages describing why she is memorable and also some anecdotes from her life or information about her time period. Although there were women from all over the world, I felt like this book focused pretty heavily on American and other western countries [and used a lot of pretty popular girls who are featured in many other versions of this kind of book].
My main problem with the middle grade versions of 'famous ladies who did X' is that they often dumb down the stories quite a bit, but I actually thought this one did a pretty good job of walking that line between getting girls interested in the subject and being overwhelming to them and I actually ended up liking it better than Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls [although that book did feature a lot more girls].
December 25, 2018
I mean, I love this message the book pursues, but I feel like a lot of the stories are either whitewashed, ignore essential struggles of the women (portrayed Pocahontas as being content with colonialism) or just hold ideals that corroborate with white feminism.
Like great, some women ventured out of their home space to pursue business—obviously that’s amazing! But at the same time while explaining that situation, the author displays a slightly condescending tone towards women who prefer to assume the role of a “stay at home mom” . All Women’s opinions and voices should be respected, and I feel like this book just doesn’t do the greatest job of portraying that. :(
Still giving this book 3 stars because there was more to like than to dislike.
Like great, some women ventured out of their home space to pursue business—obviously that’s amazing! But at the same time while explaining that situation, the author displays a slightly condescending tone towards women who prefer to assume the role of a “stay at home mom” . All Women’s opinions and voices should be respected, and I feel like this book just doesn’t do the greatest job of portraying that. :(
Still giving this book 3 stars because there was more to like than to dislike.
Read
October 12, 2018The following review first appeared on MediaDiversified.org June 18, 2018.
This sampler of biographic synopses for thirty inspiring young people starts with a brief introduction that includes this jarring line, “We’re lucky today: most women have the freedom and confidence to move in any direction we like.” It seems to require qualifiers related to socioeconomic status, ethnicity, and nationality. Fortunately, the contexts of sociopolitical and geographic circumstances are vaguely acknowledged toward the end of the introduction, which eased some of my concerns about the present-day relevancy of the content.
https://www.hrw.org/topic/womens-rights
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/wo...
Arranged in chronological order by date of birth from the first century B.C. to the year 2000 with quotes from other (older female and male) trailblazers scattered throughout the text, Teen Trailblazers documents the bumpy evolution of ideas about feminine power. It also debunks every ignorant statement ever used to limit access to education, resources, and opportunities for girls and women. Scientists, inventors, political activists, journalists, entrepreneurs, artists, authors, philanthropists, environmentalists, humanitarians, athletes… Every category of human industry and concern is represented by girls and young women who have in the past and are currently expanding the boundaries of what’s possible.
Recent news-worthy influencers Emma Gonzalez, Maya Penn, and Jazz Jennings conclude this biographical teaser before Teen Trailblazers ends with interesting tidbits about the author and the illustrator.
The full-color illustrations pop with a vibrant opacity and the blunt forms of paper-doll construction as inspired by Matisse. They catch the eye and enhance enjoyment of text that is conversational in tone and accessible (with age-appropriate redactions) for young listeners and independent readers from elementary school to adult.
This sampler of biographic synopses for thirty inspiring young people starts with a brief introduction that includes this jarring line, “We’re lucky today: most women have the freedom and confidence to move in any direction we like.” It seems to require qualifiers related to socioeconomic status, ethnicity, and nationality. Fortunately, the contexts of sociopolitical and geographic circumstances are vaguely acknowledged toward the end of the introduction, which eased some of my concerns about the present-day relevancy of the content.
https://www.hrw.org/topic/womens-rights
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/wo...
Arranged in chronological order by date of birth from the first century B.C. to the year 2000 with quotes from other (older female and male) trailblazers scattered throughout the text, Teen Trailblazers documents the bumpy evolution of ideas about feminine power. It also debunks every ignorant statement ever used to limit access to education, resources, and opportunities for girls and women. Scientists, inventors, political activists, journalists, entrepreneurs, artists, authors, philanthropists, environmentalists, humanitarians, athletes… Every category of human industry and concern is represented by girls and young women who have in the past and are currently expanding the boundaries of what’s possible.
Recent news-worthy influencers Emma Gonzalez, Maya Penn, and Jazz Jennings conclude this biographical teaser before Teen Trailblazers ends with interesting tidbits about the author and the illustrator.
The full-color illustrations pop with a vibrant opacity and the blunt forms of paper-doll construction as inspired by Matisse. They catch the eye and enhance enjoyment of text that is conversational in tone and accessible (with age-appropriate redactions) for young listeners and independent readers from elementary school to adult.
December 16, 2018
* I received a copy of this through Netgalley in exchange for a honest review. This does not affect my opinions.*
*I also checked this out from the library and read the library copy. *
I am loving all of these books that are full of important women and young girls who did remarkable things. I love even more that all three of my kids love them too. Yep, even my 8 year old son.
I want to make sure I mention that the art in this is beautiful. The illustrations, coloring, and font all make this book gorgeous.
This has a great collection of kick-butt young women. It features:
Cleopatra
Joan of Arc
Pocahontas
Mary Shelley
Anne Frank
Jazz Jennings
Eliza Lucas
Phillis Wheatley
Elisabeth Vigee Lebrun
Scagawea
Sybil Ludington
Jane Austen
Anita Garibaldi
Margaret Knight
Anna Elizabeth Dickson
Elizabeth Cochran
Mary Pickford
Frida Kahlo
Jackie Mitchell
Barbara Johns
Claudette Colvin
Elizabeth Eckford
Susan Eloise Hinton
Samantha Reed Smith
Emma Watson
Tavi Gevinson
Malala Yousafzai
Katie Stagliano
Emma Gonzalez
Maya Penn
Not only is it teaching my kids to follow their dreams, it's teaching them who these amazing women are. I am not afraid to admit that my 29 year old self did not know who almost half of these people were. I love that this includes not only brilliant girls from the past but also some from the present. There are girls who are currently fighting for change and making the world better.
As a mother this book is everything I want my girls to read. To know that they can do anything. That they matter and can be the voice/face of change.
If you were a fan of Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls by Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo you will love this.
*I also checked this out from the library and read the library copy. *
I am loving all of these books that are full of important women and young girls who did remarkable things. I love even more that all three of my kids love them too. Yep, even my 8 year old son.
I want to make sure I mention that the art in this is beautiful. The illustrations, coloring, and font all make this book gorgeous.
This has a great collection of kick-butt young women. It features:
Cleopatra
Joan of Arc
Pocahontas
Mary Shelley
Anne Frank
Jazz Jennings
Eliza Lucas
Phillis Wheatley
Elisabeth Vigee Lebrun
Scagawea
Sybil Ludington
Jane Austen
Anita Garibaldi
Margaret Knight
Anna Elizabeth Dickson
Elizabeth Cochran
Mary Pickford
Frida Kahlo
Jackie Mitchell
Barbara Johns
Claudette Colvin
Elizabeth Eckford
Susan Eloise Hinton
Samantha Reed Smith
Emma Watson
Tavi Gevinson
Malala Yousafzai
Katie Stagliano
Emma Gonzalez
Maya Penn
Not only is it teaching my kids to follow their dreams, it's teaching them who these amazing women are. I am not afraid to admit that my 29 year old self did not know who almost half of these people were. I love that this includes not only brilliant girls from the past but also some from the present. There are girls who are currently fighting for change and making the world better.
As a mother this book is everything I want my girls to read. To know that they can do anything. That they matter and can be the voice/face of change.
If you were a fan of Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls by Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo you will love this.
July 18, 2018
I received this book as an eARC and I adore it!
Teen Trailblazers is a book that outlines the work that many various women have accomplished both throughout history and modern society. The fact that there are powerful women from both the past and present such as Emma Gonzalez and Cleopatra, really makes the book seem like less of history and more of just admiration for these amazing people and what they've done.
I admit there were times where it read like a history book but I love that a huge effort was made towards the writing so that females of all ages could easily enjoy it!
I heard the book in it's physical form is gorgeous and filled with illustrations and I am so excited to pick it up myself!
Teen Trailblazers is a book that outlines the work that many various women have accomplished both throughout history and modern society. The fact that there are powerful women from both the past and present such as Emma Gonzalez and Cleopatra, really makes the book seem like less of history and more of just admiration for these amazing people and what they've done.
I admit there were times where it read like a history book but I love that a huge effort was made towards the writing so that females of all ages could easily enjoy it!
I heard the book in it's physical form is gorgeous and filled with illustrations and I am so excited to pick it up myself!
June 6, 2019
Teen Trailblazers was an interesting and enjoyable read. It shows how you don't have to be an adult to make a difference as a woman in the world. I think teenage girls will be very happy to see that. Nice formatting and cute, colorful illustrations go along with each young lady's biography. The author's writing style is quirky and fun. I'm glad I picked this one up.☺
July 3, 2019
This is a great idea for a book, and I love the “girl power” message... but a lot of facts were either changed or omitted in the storytelling. Very basic and sometimes not accurate. The illustrations, however, are fun.
March 26, 2019
This book was just fine. It was enjoyable and fun, but I would recommend Brazen and Bygone Badass Broads before this one.
April 5, 2019
I think the theme of this book is to believe in yourself. I think the theme is to believe in yourself because this book has a bunch of stories with strong and empowering women but they would have never accomplished what they did if they didn't believe in themselves.
April 7, 2024
Honestly conflicted. On one hand it had many women you did important things. But also it was overwhelming white women. The author also attempted to subtly justify slavery for the sake of a business woman. Most of Pocahontas’s information is about her marriage. In one of the few people of color mentioned, Phillis, the author portrayed her as a slave with a happy life on a plantation before being freed by her awesome owners. But that completely invalidates the horrors of slavery and makes slave owners look like good people. The author also brought up problematic women like JKR but later had a woman who fought for trans rights? From my perspective as a white feminist, the author and the book has underlying racism obvious white savior feminism that changed the tone of the book.
August 15, 2025
Explicitly inspirational. No index & a table of contents that is just a list of names means there's no way to search for girls by field, i.e. science or art or whatever. Bios are so short I do hope that young readers look for more about the girls that interest them.
I'm trying to skim, and to focus mainly on the girls that I never heard of, but every tidbit is interesting.
"These teenage trailblazers are proof that anyone and everyone can change the world. ... do what these brilliant girls did, and set out to learn more. Then take one small step in the direction you want the snowball to move. Start today. Start before you're ready. Just start."
Tavi Gevinson, online as Rookie (Style Rookie), " Wants her site to be real and relatable, showing girls that it's OK to be their complicated cells. Tabby wants girls to discover themselves along the way, rather than rush into being the person they think they should be.... [Many of her articles are] written by teenagers [and] talk as much about flaws and awkwardness as they do about strengths and feminism."
And Tavi is just one of the several trailblazers who is still young, still likely to do even more.
Although some are wrong - "half of the population felt that owning slaves was a right, and the other half felt that slavery was immoral." Not likely! No hard data exists, of course, because attitudes weren't dependent on geography, but a quick look at what estimates for different data exist makes this "half" business, well, oversimplified to the point of silly. At the start of the Civil War in 1861, there were approximately 4 million enslaved people in the United States. This figure represents about 13% of the total U.S. population at the time.... Point is, don't rely on easy access books like this for more than inspiration for further research!
One thing about this is that so many of the girls died young. My inner tween has three reactions to that. First, a bright candle burns out faster, and do I want to be the kind of person who blazes & is gone? Second, is that the choice, or could I make a difference *and* live long enough to accomplish more? Third, what could some of those young women have done if they had lived longer, how much is lost because they died young?
I do appreciate the sidebar that points out that women like Coretta Scott King and Eleanor Roosevelt deserve as much fame & credit as their husbands. Both did a lot of work besides 'just' being supportive spouses. I wonder if there's a biography or Mrs. King for kids....
I wonder how the companion book about boys will go. I mean, I imagine feminism and sexism won't be mentioned so often.
I'm trying to skim, and to focus mainly on the girls that I never heard of, but every tidbit is interesting.
"These teenage trailblazers are proof that anyone and everyone can change the world. ... do what these brilliant girls did, and set out to learn more. Then take one small step in the direction you want the snowball to move. Start today. Start before you're ready. Just start."
Tavi Gevinson, online as Rookie (Style Rookie), " Wants her site to be real and relatable, showing girls that it's OK to be their complicated cells. Tabby wants girls to discover themselves along the way, rather than rush into being the person they think they should be.... [Many of her articles are] written by teenagers [and] talk as much about flaws and awkwardness as they do about strengths and feminism."
And Tavi is just one of the several trailblazers who is still young, still likely to do even more.
Although some are wrong - "half of the population felt that owning slaves was a right, and the other half felt that slavery was immoral." Not likely! No hard data exists, of course, because attitudes weren't dependent on geography, but a quick look at what estimates for different data exist makes this "half" business, well, oversimplified to the point of silly. At the start of the Civil War in 1861, there were approximately 4 million enslaved people in the United States. This figure represents about 13% of the total U.S. population at the time.... Point is, don't rely on easy access books like this for more than inspiration for further research!
One thing about this is that so many of the girls died young. My inner tween has three reactions to that. First, a bright candle burns out faster, and do I want to be the kind of person who blazes & is gone? Second, is that the choice, or could I make a difference *and* live long enough to accomplish more? Third, what could some of those young women have done if they had lived longer, how much is lost because they died young?
I do appreciate the sidebar that points out that women like Coretta Scott King and Eleanor Roosevelt deserve as much fame & credit as their husbands. Both did a lot of work besides 'just' being supportive spouses. I wonder if there's a biography or Mrs. King for kids....
I wonder how the companion book about boys will go. I mean, I imagine feminism and sexism won't be mentioned so often.
November 11, 2019
A nice anthology of mini-biographies (3 pages per subject) of inspirational girls, from Cleopatra to Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School shooting survivor/activist Emma Gonzalez. Includes a nice variety of women: Nellie Bly, Anne Frank, Frida Kahlo, Emma Watson, Malala Yousafzai, Jane Austen, Pocahontas, Jazz Jennings, etc. New to me were: Eliza Lucas (1722-1793), the first person in the United States to cultivate the indigo plant (used to dye cloth, especially blue denim), who founded an export business in South Carolina--as a teenager! Elisabeth Vigée-Lebrun (1755-1842), a portrait artist at age 15, who painted Marie Antoinette and fled France during the Revolution but came back to great success for years. Sybil Ludington I should have remembered--she rode 40 miles to alert the colonial militia that the British were burning towns. She did a similar but more daunting job than Paul Revere, alerting hundreds of people, not just a few, in the rain, wearing a DRESS, at age 16! Margaret Knight (1838-1914) invented the flat-bottomed paper bag that we still use today, and defended her patent in court (age a mere age 12, she invented a cotton mill safety device). Abolitionist Anna Elizabeth Dickinson started public speaking at age 17 when she spoke up about women's rights at an 1859 debate. Jackie Mitchell at age 17 struck out Babe Ruth AND Lou Gehrig! The book is a treasure trove of interesting stuff, illustrated with terrific color illustrations--flat, bright, digital graphic designs. Full page portraits of each woman and several spot illustrations and sidebar boxes with information. Includes up to the minute biographies of current teens Katie Stragliano (founder of Katie's Krops, gardens that provide food for the hungry) and Maya Penn (fashion entrepeneur, artist, philanthropist).
June 9, 2019
Some great overviews of amazing women here, but I had a couple of issues.
1) There seemed to be some glossing over of the darkest periods covered, such as slavery in the American South. I understand this book is geared towards kids but there is a way to balance honesty with appropriate content and I don't think this book always hit that balance.
2) I don't feel like the author was always clear about what was historical fact and what was speculation when it came to personal details and relationships. Ex: Pocahontas is described as falling in love with John Rolfe, and to my knowledge we don't have any reason for believing that? We have letters from Rolfe that seem to pretty definitively say he was in love with her, but it doesn't follow that she loved him back or that their marriage was consensual.
Many kids are mature enough to understand that uncertainty, so I don't see a reason to keep it from them. If you really don't think they're ready for that discussion, maybe don't include that part of the material until they *are* ready for it. (Again, balancing honesty with appropriate content.)
Bottom line: some great material here (I love the variety of time periods covered--quite a few incredible modern girls in addition to ones from other centuries), but be aware of the editing/perspective, especially if you plan to give it to children or use it in a class.
**I realize this sounds like a VERY negative review, but I actually think the book has a lot of great information to offer! many aspects were well-done, I just wanted to point out some areas that could have been better and that could provide important talking points when sharing it with young kids (the target audience).
1) There seemed to be some glossing over of the darkest periods covered, such as slavery in the American South. I understand this book is geared towards kids but there is a way to balance honesty with appropriate content and I don't think this book always hit that balance.
2) I don't feel like the author was always clear about what was historical fact and what was speculation when it came to personal details and relationships. Ex: Pocahontas is described as falling in love with John Rolfe, and to my knowledge we don't have any reason for believing that? We have letters from Rolfe that seem to pretty definitively say he was in love with her, but it doesn't follow that she loved him back or that their marriage was consensual.
Many kids are mature enough to understand that uncertainty, so I don't see a reason to keep it from them. If you really don't think they're ready for that discussion, maybe don't include that part of the material until they *are* ready for it. (Again, balancing honesty with appropriate content.)
Bottom line: some great material here (I love the variety of time periods covered--quite a few incredible modern girls in addition to ones from other centuries), but be aware of the editing/perspective, especially if you plan to give it to children or use it in a class.
**I realize this sounds like a VERY negative review, but I actually think the book has a lot of great information to offer! many aspects were well-done, I just wanted to point out some areas that could have been better and that could provide important talking points when sharing it with young kids (the target audience).
December 29, 2018
Anne Frank. Frida Kahlo. Cleopatra. Pocahontas. Joan of Arc. Many of these heroines are well known. But have you heard of Eliza Lucas Pickney, who revolutionized agriculture in colonial South Carolina by introducing the indigo plant which then became one of South Carolina's most important cash crops? Or Phillis Wheatley, born as an African slave and yet the first published African-American female poet? This book contains the stories of 30 young women who accomplished amazing things before they turned 20.
This book features astounding and empowering quotes from inspiring women. Each girl gets an original portrait illustration and then several pages describing why she is memorable and also some anecdotes from her life or information about the time period. However, each chapter is only about 2 pages long. I would have preferred a little more in-depth stories, but it did do a pretty good job of walking the line between getting girls interested and being overwhelming to them. My main problem with the book is that the stories were often dumbed down a lot and there were a few chapters with misinformation that may have just been poorly researched. While I think this book included a diverse group of girls from many different time periods, I feel like this book mainly focused on American and other western countries (and used quite a few pretty and popular girls who are featured in books like this). However, I really loved the representation of activists like Emma Gonzalez and transgender girls like Jazz Jennings.
I don't feel this book was aimed at teenagers, I think middle schoolers, however, would really appreciate reading this.
This book features astounding and empowering quotes from inspiring women. Each girl gets an original portrait illustration and then several pages describing why she is memorable and also some anecdotes from her life or information about the time period. However, each chapter is only about 2 pages long. I would have preferred a little more in-depth stories, but it did do a pretty good job of walking the line between getting girls interested and being overwhelming to them. My main problem with the book is that the stories were often dumbed down a lot and there were a few chapters with misinformation that may have just been poorly researched. While I think this book included a diverse group of girls from many different time periods, I feel like this book mainly focused on American and other western countries (and used quite a few pretty and popular girls who are featured in books like this). However, I really loved the representation of activists like Emma Gonzalez and transgender girls like Jazz Jennings.
I don't feel this book was aimed at teenagers, I think middle schoolers, however, would really appreciate reading this.
September 6, 2020
Terrific book about young women who made a difference in the world.
The information in the book is poignant and encouraging for young women. Well, at least most of it. A couple of issues must be noted.
One reference included the idea of slavery as a noble business. Even though at the time the young gal lived, slavery was abundant, it is hurtful to read in a contemporary book. I think the author did try to explain her inclusion of the young woman and that slavery was abhorrent but it seemed to have fallen flat. That was a huge negative no doubt.
Also, some women were seen as content with their position in life. Even though they were eventually considered "trailblazers" they were still seen as servants of men. That was certainly the case when Pocahontas was mentioned. At least the author noted that her real name was not that at all. That was some nice information.
The young women chosen included women in the 21st century as well and that was nice to see. There are many more women who have contributed to the overall causes for women but they do not fit the age requirement for this book. The book chose to portray women who made a difference at a young age. I am noting that because the book would feel incomplete if I didn't.
The cover was gorgeous and I loved the quotes and overall information. If it wasn't for the couple of issues, this would have been a 5 star book. Instead, I can only give it 4.
Disclosure: I purchased a copy of this book. The opinions expressed her are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Michelle
The information in the book is poignant and encouraging for young women. Well, at least most of it. A couple of issues must be noted.
One reference included the idea of slavery as a noble business. Even though at the time the young gal lived, slavery was abundant, it is hurtful to read in a contemporary book. I think the author did try to explain her inclusion of the young woman and that slavery was abhorrent but it seemed to have fallen flat. That was a huge negative no doubt.
Also, some women were seen as content with their position in life. Even though they were eventually considered "trailblazers" they were still seen as servants of men. That was certainly the case when Pocahontas was mentioned. At least the author noted that her real name was not that at all. That was some nice information.
The young women chosen included women in the 21st century as well and that was nice to see. There are many more women who have contributed to the overall causes for women but they do not fit the age requirement for this book. The book chose to portray women who made a difference at a young age. I am noting that because the book would feel incomplete if I didn't.
The cover was gorgeous and I loved the quotes and overall information. If it wasn't for the couple of issues, this would have been a 5 star book. Instead, I can only give it 4.
Disclosure: I purchased a copy of this book. The opinions expressed her are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Michelle
October 6, 2018
I am so excited to finally review this book. I find these kind of books so interesting. I love reading books about women who conquered the world and it's beautiful when these books can also be read by the youngsters of society (i suddenly got a little bit too serious) because then they will be able to understand their past and how women have grown since then.
Teen Trailblazers has wonderful illustrations. They're so stunning they make the book even more interesting.
In the book the author talks about art, policy, literature and how this creative women (girls since they were under 20 when they achieved everything) became important and changed the world. Some examples? Cleopatra, Frida Kahlo, Anne Frank even Pocahontas (whose story I loved so much).
I loved every story. How the author sets the backround and explains the personal story of every protagonist.
Each teen gets four pages filled with their story and a fun add of some "Did You Know?" facts. So cool and playful.
I have read similar books in the past and I have to say that where this one is different from the other is that it mentions teens and not women.
I suggest to every parent of buying a copy of this book for their daughters. It will educate them and open their minds.
Teen Trailblazers has wonderful illustrations. They're so stunning they make the book even more interesting.
In the book the author talks about art, policy, literature and how this creative women (girls since they were under 20 when they achieved everything) became important and changed the world. Some examples? Cleopatra, Frida Kahlo, Anne Frank even Pocahontas (whose story I loved so much).
I loved every story. How the author sets the backround and explains the personal story of every protagonist.
Each teen gets four pages filled with their story and a fun add of some "Did You Know?" facts. So cool and playful.
I have read similar books in the past and I have to say that where this one is different from the other is that it mentions teens and not women.
I suggest to every parent of buying a copy of this book for their daughters. It will educate them and open their minds.
March 15, 2019
I read this book before giving it to my tween daughter. I didn't love that the book had to bring bisexual, transgender, and gun control issues into the picture--my tween needs some explanations for some of that--but I guess they are issues teens face today, they didn't come up until the very end of the book, and those "trailblazers" were fighting for what they believe in. Overall, I liked this book. It's similar to Girls Who Rocked the World, but this is less abrasive with its feminism and each section is encouraging and positive with ways to be like these girls and make a difference in the world around you. The illustrations are fun, and the format is easy to understand and enjoy. It mentions some famous people you probably already know about like Jane Austen, Joan of Ark, and Anne Frank, and then it has several I had never heard of before and actually looked up to learn more about them--like Sybil Lundington, Margaret Knight, and Nellie Bly.
September 16, 2018
4/5 ✨!!! This book covers inspirational young adult women and how they changed the world or contributed to it at such a young age from Cleopatra all the way to the present day gun reform activist Emma Gonzàlo.
I really love reading books like this because it gives me motivation to carry on working hard. Although I'm not a big non fiction read, this was a quick yet wholesome book full of the stories of empowering women across the ages.
Would recommend to anyone who likes reading non fiction books about feminism or social activism or alternative perspective of historical events!!!
But even if non fiction books aren't your favourite reads. Trust me I feel the same in general about them too, but this one really made me happy and got me to do a little writing (I'm an aspiring author lol) which hasn't been happening very regularly or often as I would like.
November 6, 2018
The subtitle says it all: 30 Fearless Girls Who Changed the World Before They Were 20. Each girl’s story is set into easy to read bites, just a few pages long with cute illustrations. It is an excellent cross section of historical and contemporary young women. Teen Trailblazers deals with humanitarian issues, social issues, self esteem, education, the arts, and more from each young woman who found their voice and calling at an early age.
A word of advice for parents: read through it too. You may not agree with every girl they picked to highlight fearlessness, but it could be a conversation starter with your teenage daughter. Listen, discuss, and learn from your amazing unique teenager about what issues are important to them. Inspire them to reach their own potential. 4 stars
A word of advice for parents: read through it too. You may not agree with every girl they picked to highlight fearlessness, but it could be a conversation starter with your teenage daughter. Listen, discuss, and learn from your amazing unique teenager about what issues are important to them. Inspire them to reach their own potential. 4 stars
August 16, 2018
Initial thoughts : A book about strong, empowering females?!! Sign me up!!
I received an arc of this book from Netgalley which was incomplete. I could only read six of the thirty stories mentioned in the blurb.
This book contains stories of 30 women who did extraordinary work in their lives before they turned 20. These women are from different walks of life and different eras and tried changing the world when women were told to sit down and keep quite. The illustrations in the book are beautiful. Jennifer Calvert tells true stories which are inspiring and informative. I enjoyed reading this book and this is the kind of book I would give my future daughter to read.
I received an arc of this book from Netgalley which was incomplete. I could only read six of the thirty stories mentioned in the blurb.
This book contains stories of 30 women who did extraordinary work in their lives before they turned 20. These women are from different walks of life and different eras and tried changing the world when women were told to sit down and keep quite. The illustrations in the book are beautiful. Jennifer Calvert tells true stories which are inspiring and informative. I enjoyed reading this book and this is the kind of book I would give my future daughter to read.
April 12, 2021
I liked the range of subjects and the format the author chose to highlight her subjects. The art was fun and there were quotes, quirky facts, and historical context. I didn't always like the way the author portrayed the person's negative characteristics, but she was consistent, entertaining, and informative. I think this is a great resource for young ladies. I think it is a valuable asset to young people's education. I think teens will appreciate the encouragement found in the bios. Showcasing a diverse cast of characters representing a wide range of passions, this compilation is very worthwhile.
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