Adventurous Women: Eight True Stories about Women Who Made a Difference

This is a special book. While obviously directed towards young women, it would help anyone (male or female) realize that it is possible to have an extraordinary life. Good nonfiction is still overwhelmed by the world of fiction in the marketplace. I'd love to see families read this book together. The author places serious historical background into a enjoyable context. This could be inspiring.

Colman's biographical essays about eight "ordinary" and extraordinary women redefine the meaning of adventure. It is so exciting to have a book to read with young people that clearly and elegantly illustrates the continuum of human experience. Adventurous Women is a wonderful way to introduce young people to qualities like perseverance, courage, boldness, equanimity, and persistence - all part of an adventuresome spirit. I've given this book to my niece and her family; all thoroughly enjoyed the selection of women featured. They said they learned more about women they were familiar with and were introduced to pioneers they had never heard of before. I've given this book to teacher colleagues (they always report that there are not enough women's history materials to support their teaching) and they've used it in their social studies classes as well as in writing lessons. These teachers say their students enjoy the biographical portraits and the students use the essays as models for their own writing. I've read many titles by this author (Corpses, Coffins and Crypts: A History of Burial; Rosie the Riveter; Frances Perkins: A Woman Unafraid; Where the Action Was: Women War Correspondents in WWII; Thanksgiving: The True Story; Girls: A History of Growing up Female in America; and Breaking the Chains: The Crusade of Dorthea Lynde Dix among many more) and I hope to see Adventurous Women II (and III and IV...) someday!!