Once Upon a Time in Birmingham: Women who dared to dream

by Louise Palfreyman

Who was the world s first female programmer Who made history as the first British woman to sail solo around the world non-stop Who is Birmingham s first female Muslim MP Meet Mary Lee Berners-Lee, Lisa Clayton, Shabana Mahmood and many more in Once Upon a Time in Birmingham, a lively introduction to thirty of Birmingham s most awe-inspiring women, past and present. From pioneers in their field to everyday heroines, these are women who refused to be silenced, who fought for what they believed in, who proved they were just as good as men... if not better! Compete in two days of challenging heptathlon events with Olympic gold medallist Denise Lewis. March the picket lines with staunch activist and seeker of justice Jessie Eden. Raise your voice and speak up for girls around the world with courageous campaigner and Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai. Accessible, educational and downright inspirational, this empowering collection of creators and innovators, activists and changemakers, is a must-read for all ages. Complete with vibrant illustrations from a host of up-and-coming female illustrators, learn about the women who made, and are making, Birmingham the great city it is today.

112 pages, Hardcover

Published October 31, 2018

About the author

Louise Palfreyman writes fiction and non-fiction and has been published in Best British Short Stories (Salt Publishing), the Bath Flash Fiction Festival Anthology, and literary journals in the UK and America.
Louise opened the inaugural London Short Story Festival, and was recently the first writer-in-residence at the University of Wolverhampton.
Her latest book ‘Once Upon a Time in Birmingham: Women Who Dared to Dream’ (The Emma Press) is for young adult readers from Birmingham and beyond.
She mentors writers of short fiction and memoir and works with regional arts projects and universities, delivering workshops, community publications, and readings.
Louise writes literary fiction and is currently working on a novel.

Reviews

[Victoria Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book makes me proud to be Brummie. 🥰

[A y a · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ✨

[Zoe Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gorgeous cover! I wasn’t sure what to expect with this book, but it’s a great little read. Quite short, but interesting. The illustrations are beautiful too.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an introduction to thirty awe-inspiring women, past and present, who’ve made Birmingham what it is today. Some names may be instantly recognisable such as Denise Lewis, Elizabeth Cadbury and Malala Yousafzai and others may be new names to you like they were to me.

It is truly an empowering collection of women who’ve helped to shape the city into what it is and who’ve pioneered in fields such as technology, athletics and activism.

What I love about this book is that the stories about them are so quick and concise but leave no details out. You find out exactly how these women have changed the world without the author rambling on. She keeps it snappy and interesting.

I also love that there are a number of different illustrators who have worked on the book. The beautiful illustrations add to the charm of the book and really help you feel like you are getting to know the women that are being spoken about.

Something else I absolutely love about this book is the space given to write your own stories. The book is extremely inspirational and I think this is a great addition so that you can jot down your thoughts. I also really like that the selection team were included with their thoughts about the book.

Whether you are from Birmingham or not, this is a fascinating piece of non fiction which talks about some amazing women and what they have done, not only for the city but also the world. I’d definitely recommend you read it if you get the chance!

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic profiles and beautiful illustrations of 30 exceptional women, chosen by ballot who made a huge difference to the lives of women not just in Birmingham; the themes are universal. Strike leaders in the 30s, the courage of Malala fighting for education (she was treated in Birmingham’s QE hospital), artists, academics, police officers, challengers of racism, protest.Mainly working for family welfare, children in need of help, education, the law, creativity, women’s rights, we owe each snd every one a great deal.
Now celebrated in ‘Luna’ the ballet choreographed by 5 females by Birmingham Royal Ballet. A stunning show with a chorus of children, all watched over by Luna

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely little book full of amazing women from Brum. Beautifully presented. Should be well received by anyone living in the Birmingham area.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short read of about 30 inspiring women from all walks of life and times in history. Beautifully illustrated with room for notes and information about how the book was put together at the front and a section on the illustrators at the back