
Reach for this book when your child is feeling discouraged by obstacles or questioning if they have what it takes to leave a lasting mark on the world. It is the perfect remedy for a young person who needs to see that greatness is rarely a straight line and often requires immense grit in the face of systemic barriers. Through ten deeply researched biographical portraits, Tonya Bolden explores the lives of iconic Black women such as Toni Morrison, Leontyne Price, and Jackie Joyner-Kersee. The book moves beyond basic facts to highlight the emotional resilience and self-confidence required to excel in fields ranging from literature to athletics. It is an empowering collection that celebrates heritage while offering a realistic look at the hard work and determination behind every success story.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewThe book deals directly with historical and systemic racism, Jim Crow laws, and gender discrimination. These are handled with historical accuracy and a secular, matter-of-fact tone. The resolution of each biography is hopeful but emphasizes that progress was won through struggle.
A middle-schooler (11-13) who is interested in social justice, history, or specific career paths like writing or sports, and who enjoys learning about the 'human' side of famous figures.
No specific scenes require censorship, but parents should be ready to discuss historical context like the Civil Rights Movement or the Great Migration to help younger readers understand the gravity of the obstacles these women faced. A parent might notice their child expressing frustration about systemic barriers or feeling discouraged by a lack of representation in certain fields.
Younger readers (10-11) will likely focus on the achievements and the 'firsts.' Older readers (14-15) will better grasp the nuance of the systemic barriers and the psychological toll of being a pioneer.
Unlike many 'brief profile' books, Bolden provides enough depth in each story to make the subjects feel like three-dimensional people rather than static icons. """
This is a collective biography featuring ten women who excelled in various fields: Ellen Holy, Leontyne Price, Florence Griffith Joyner, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Toni Morrison, Ida B. Wells-Barnett, Mary McLeod Bethune, Clara Hale, Lorraine Hansberry, and Madame C.J. Walker. All were African-American, and the book explores their lives and legacies. Each chapter functions as a standalone narrative of their life and legacy.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.