She's on the Money

by Andrea Hall, Li Zhang (Illustrator)

How 15 women left their mark on the world―and on our money.

Queen Cleopatra had coins made with her face on them. Japan put writer Ichiyō Higuchi on the 5,000 yen note more than 100 years after her death. And Eva Perón was the first Argentine woman on a bill. These biographies examine 15 extraordinary women who have appeared on coins or bills―and how they got there. Each inspiring story also digs deeper into different currencies and the customs of the time period.

Genres: Picture Books, Nonfiction, History, Money, Middle Grade, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

Published October 1, 2021

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book that documents major money that have had famous women on them. You would think there would be more, and I do know they left out the Susan B. Anthony dollar, but did include Sacagawea.

Coins and bills from around the world have had few women, apparently, unless they are a monarch, such as Queen Elizabeth II.

The women that are featured run from Maria Sibylla Merian on the Deutsche Mark, who was an entomologist, to Kate Sheppard who was a Suffragist in New Zealand, and who appears on the 10 bill.

Helen Keller appears on the back of the quarter from Alabama, and the Mirabal Sisters, who were revolutionaries, appear on the 200 peso bill from the Dominican Republic.

Good picture book, though it left me wanting to know more. I was annoyed that the assignation of the Marabal Sisters is not mentioned anywhere in the text, though it is implied that something happened to them.

Thanks to Edelweiss for making this book available for an honest review.

[Bonnie Grover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historically, women have been overlooked for their achievements and accomplishments. Their appearance on money is all the more special. Money is essential to our daily lives. This book highlights the women throughout history and the world who have been chosen to appear on the face of currency. This book ties together history and money and provides many interesting facts about the subjects’ home countries and time periods.

[Christine Zandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many kids love to look at money--it's fascinating. Knowing who the women are that are featured on some of our money is interesting and also important since these women "overcame obstacles, broke barriers, and achieved greatness. Now they all share a common legcy of being on money."

I love the wide range in history and culturally. Some women included are Cleopatra in about 30 BCE, a woman we seemingly know a lot about, and also one we know almost nothing about, Catherine Flon who sewed the first Haitian flag when the country won its independence from France in 1804.

This book is a journey through time and across the world. It a must-have for classrooms and educators, as well as in home libraries where kids can turn to pages again and again, viewing up-close images of coins and bills and helping celebrate the achievements these women accomplished.

Part of the She Made History series.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from Albert Whitman & Company through Edelweiss+.
Hall takes readers through a variety of women whose pictures are or have been on currency for their countries. The book opens with a brief introduction on what currency is and how rare it is for a woman to be featured on money. Each spread provides a brief bio of the woman and an illustration of the bill or coin represented by her. Further pictures and captions provide more information about each woman. Well written to hold upper elementary interest. The language is easy to follow and offers a starting point for each woman's story.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Women's history and money are two of my favorite subjects, so I was delighted to read this book! It's a fascinating look at women whose images have appeared on currency throughout history and around the world. It also includes interesting tidbits about the clothing they wear, accessibility features of the bills or coins (for instance, a bill in Japan uses ink applied more heavily in some spots to give tactile cues to people who are visually impaired), and historical context. As the author notes, few women have had the honor of appearing on our money, so hopefully Harriet Tubman and other women will soon join these trailblazers in that honor!

[Jo Oehrlein · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting concept of a way to select historical women to discuss.

Because the info shows both sides of the money featuring the person, you also learn about anti-counterfeiting measures and different symbols important to the country.

A little disappointed that the book features Britannia and Lady Liberty instead of additional real women. Victoria was on coins in at least one country (it's mentioned in the Indira Ghandhi information). I know QEII is on money, also. There wasn't back matter listing other women that had to be left out of the book due to space.

[Kaitlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of interesting facts about powerful women who have contributed to different countries. However, some of the stories could have been more clear/detailed and a few of the featured women seemed to have questionable contributions (ex. The first female prime minister of India was accused of abusing her power). Additionally, the Glossary and sections about Lady Liberty and Britannia would have been better suited at the start of the book.

[Tina T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

She’s on the Money is an inspiring and accessible celebration of women who made history literally. Through engaging biographies and thoughtful context, the book highlights how these women earned their place on coins and currency while bringing history to life for young readers. The blend of storytelling, culture, and illustration makes it both educational and empowering. A wonderful read that sparks curiosity and pride.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Each spread gives a short biography of a woman who has been featured on money, which usually is mostly men. A very interesting book where I learned a lot about some women who aren't generally covered, but I wish the short bios were a bit longer. I would also be interested in how many women are currently featured on money across the world. A good book for a Women's History Month display.

[Ellon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was very interesting! I learned a lot about these amazing woman (some I had heard of before but most I had not or, if I did, I didn't know their significance). Highly recommended!

[Mary Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting collective biography of women around the world...who've been featured on money!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating collection of notable women around the world, through the lens of who appears on currency.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short but interesting information and pretty pictures. I'm going to show it to my kids.

[Amber Nodine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though very short, this book was highly informational and has inspired further reaserch

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

An amazing children's book that talks about legendary women, their accomplishments, and how they made their mark as profiles on money. I also appreciated how Hall writes in the Author's Note about the plan for Harriet Tubman to replace Andrew Jackson on the U.S. $20 bill. This is a great book for the encouragement of female empowerment and reminds readers that women can do anything they set their minds to.