Remarkable Women: Fascinating Facts You Never Knew About Amazing Women!, by Eric Huang, Sam Caldwell (illustrator)

 Publication Jan. 28, 2024

This was a quick, easy read that featured a variety of women from all ages, not to mention giving a nod to some early mythological representatives. The selection was a nice mix of known and relatively unknown names to me although I'll note for modern readers that the likes of Taylor Swift, Oprah, and several First Ladies were highlighted. I actually never knew only a few of our First Ladies had achieved Master's Degrees, just one of the facts I picked up as I read. While aimed at young readers, it's always nice to discover there is something there for even us so called adults to learn, too. It was definitely great to see the female human computers of NASA, so to speak, be spotlighted as well as earlier leaders in math/science development such as Ada Lovelace and movie star Hedy Lamarr. 

The book follows the same general structure throughout. It's ordered by category, including Legends, Geniuses, Creatives, Superstars, Leaders, and Trailblazers. Each features the chosen subjects, starting with a text of what we think we know about them, only to tell us the truth about that assumption. Each of the characters is nicely drawn, with artist Sam Caldwell seeming to draw on some feature or object related to the topic. The illustrations are fun and lively, frequently accompanied by short text boxes or dialogue balloons adding more. I definitely liked that the subjects came from different places and times, giving a diverse feel to the book. The combo of well-known figures and those only vaguely known or even new to us was a nice mix, too. 

Finally, to help add a sense of order and time, there's a timeline of when each individual was born, followed by a world map showing where. It was fun to look at both and see where their lives merged, not to mention the different continents they were born in. There's also a glossary with easy to grasp definitions. The ample use of color and placement, so to speak, were helpful throughout. Thanks #QuartoPublishingGroup - #wordsandpictures for the early share of this intriguing look at the roles women have not just taken but excelled in throughout history. Readers, this would make a great gift for both students and teachers, not to mention just those interested in history and women's roles in it. It made me take another look at Jane Austen's books, that's for sure, and her critiques of societies.