Shaking Things Up: 14 Young Women Who Changed the World. By Susan Hood and illustrated by 13 Extraordinary Women. Harper, 2018. $23.99 ages 8 and up

"...
fourteen months later,
unbeknownst to jacqueline,
her younger sister, eileen (just 22),
flies into france
in the dark of night
into "a life in the shadows,"
code name - rose
her job - wireless operator
in paris's "wizard" network
tap-tap-tapping morse code ... "

13 amazing and distinguished women artists create the brilliant images that enhance Susan Hood's
spare biographies of 14 exceptional women. If you are like me, some of the women will be familiar and others will not be, and you may not recognize each of the illustrators. You will come away from the reading content that you know more than you did when you sat down with this uplifting book.

Starting off with a timeline that begins in the early 1780s and winds its way through to 2014 when Malala Yousafzai accepts the Nobel Peace Prize, readers are sure to feel inspiration and awe at the lives described. Each double page spread has a full page illustration on the verso with a quote about the featured woman. The recto provides a title for the verse, the woman's name and occupation and an additional paragraph at the bottom of the page which presents further pertinent material.

The poetic forms are as diverse as the women themselves, and most enjoyable to share aloud. It is crucial for teachers and parents to share stories of those who influence, take an active role, and bring change to the world. They are brave, resilient, intelligent and come from many walks of life. If we want to inspire readers to be more, do more and believe in their ability to make a difference, this is a fine way to start. What an opportunity for conversation it presents. Brava!

Back matter includes an author's note, and an excellent list of 'sources, books, websites and more'. That list will surely lead some readers on a quest to find out more than has been presented in the thoroughly enjoyable and informative text.

Of her book, the author says:

“I chose to write this book … to celebrate the world I want for my daughters, my new granddaughter, and the young girls and boys out there.”

https://youtu.be/hdNXaTz2EDo