One of a number of books on this theme to have been published over the last few years, Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World is a book for children, written in a way that should engage them and inspire them to learn more about women’s role in the world we now live in.
We all know that women have been largely glossed over in history, and many things women were responsible for creating or changing have been credited to men. This book (and books like it) set about to change that.
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What’s Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World About?
Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World is pretty much what it says in the title. It’s a book about collection of women who did things that changed the world.
The blurb says, “Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World is bursting full of astounding women who achieved amazing things by following their hearts, talents and dreams.”
This book is an introduction to just a few women who most of us will probably have heard of, somewhere along the way. They are:
- Jane Austen – author
- Gertrude Ederle – swimmer
- Coco Chanel – fashion designer
- Frida Kahlo – artist (we have some great Frida Kahlo activities here)
- Marie Curie – scientist
- Marie Anning – fossil hunter
- Amelia Earhart (here are some activities for learning about Amelia Earhart)
- Marie Chilver (Fifi) – agent
- Sacagawea – translator
- Emmeline Pankhurst – suffragette
- Rosa Parks – activist
- Anne Frank – diarist (we have more Anne Frank activities here)
What’s the take-away message from Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World?
The primary message in each of the stories about these women is the fact that none of them set out to do or be great -they just did things they felt passionate about, despite it not being something they ‘should’ be doing. They stepped out of the confines of their ‘place’ in the world, and followed their hearts, sometimes in the face of great adversity or challenge.
I think that’s such a valuable lesson for children to learn – no one is born a hero, it’s their choices and actions and passions that drive what they become. I also think its worth pointing out to children that becoming ‘great’ often comes at a great cost. That’s often overlooked today, and the word ‘hero’ is too easily used.
What about the pictures?
Unusually, the illustrations for this book were done by the author, Kate Pankhurst. It’s done in a really fun, cartoonish sort of style, and each page is different and decorated according to the theme of what the woman was known for. It’s really well done and very engaging.
What we say?
Aviya (age 6), says: I think it’s very good for learning and motivational. It makes me think maybe I can do anything and maybe I can do something great too.
Ameli (age 9), says: I love the drawings and the illustration style. It’s like reading a comic, but you’re learning too.
Mama says:
I’m all for anything that shows girls that they can be and do anything. I like that each page is more ‘fun facts’ rather than heavy history, so it really provides just an introduction so you can go off and learn more about whoever piques your interest on a given day.
Small print
Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World is published by Bloomsbury and the RRP is £6.99. You can also find it on Amazon or try the Book Depository or Wordery instead. They both offer free international shipping.
