Canadian Women NOW and THEN, written by Elizabeth MacLeod and illustrated by Maia Faddoul. Kids Can Press, 2020. $19.99 ages 10 and up

"Throughout this book, you'll meet individuals from the present and the past. Those in the NOW category are doing inspirational work in their fields today. Beside them, in the THEN category, are the groundbreakers from the past who paved the way. And some women were groundbreakers in one career and continue to inspire today in a different area - you'll find them on the THEN + NOW pages."

How fortuitous to open the spring collection of fine books from Kids Can Press yesterday, and find this one! It is wonderful to read the many appealing and informative stories of more than 100 women who impacted Canada in many different ways.

If you have read other books by Liz MacLeod, you will know that the depth of the work she does to research her chosen topics is stellar and meaningful to her readers. Here, she offers a unique and inspiring look at women who are living and working today, paired with those who came before them.

The table of contents shows wide variety in the work they do, or have done. There are two in each  section, and include activists, actors, architects, astronauts, culture keepers, dancers, doctors, engineers, entrepreneurs, environmentalists ... and the list goes on until she finishes with writers. Many of those presented are well known to adults; many may not be known to her target middle grade audience. That is a good thing, I think.

The format is refreshing, pairing two women who are known for their accomplishments in the present and from the past. Many have faced unbelievable odds and injustice to have a voice. Their stories are told in concise, informative entries that include their name, birthdate, birthplace, and accomplishments. They are indigenous, immigrants, those with different abilities, and members of the LGBTQ+ community and each has made a distinctive contribution to Canadian society. 

The design holds great appeal, with color portraits of each on their respective page. Quotes are often included, as well as Wonderful Women! boxes to add to the page's content. When deemed appropriate, a list of more amazing women in certain fields is added. In back matter, Ms. MacLeod asks questions of her readers concerning whose footsteps they find most inspirational on a personal basis, Knowing that one book cannot possibly include all Canadian women whose impact is of importance, she adds more names and a quick look at their accomplishments as well. She finishes with a timeline of important dates in Canadian Women's History, an extensive list of resources, and a useful index for readers to find their way back to personal favorites.

How timely this book is!