Hooray for Women: More Than 70 Inspirational and Amazing Women, written and illustrated by Marcia Williams. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2017. $21.99 ages 9 and up

"When Jane’s father died, Jane and her sister and mother moved to a cottage on their brother’s estate. And in 1811, her first book – Sense and Sensibility – was finally published! Jane published three more during her lifetime, all anonymously. It wasn’t considered “proper” for women to have jobs – or even to have their own opinions!"

The inspirational cover art for this book bestows distinction on 16 of the most notable women in history. Their portraits grace the banners both front and back, and the rest of the artwork invites speculation about the accomplishments of others who are worthy of our admiration as well. The front endpapers allow that they come from many walks of life: leaders, inventors, parents, discoverers, activists, thinkers, athletes, authors, freedom fighters, musicians, explorers, siblings, actors, scientists, feminists, directors, journalists, adventurers, nurses, environmentalists, doctors, campaigners, and artists. 

In an letter to her readers in back matter, Ms. Williams writes:

" ... I had to choose my favorite inspirational women.
 I do hope you enjoy reading about them.

These incredible individuals come from all backgrounds
and all nations and are all ages. It is impossible to say who
are the most important - it really depends on your own
beliefs and interests. But I am sure that at least some of
the girls and women in this book will fill you with wonder."

She includes in the same space a banner that lists many names ... too many to count, and accompanies it with a second banner that is empty and ready for the women her readers would most like to add. Finally, the back endpapers offer an index of each of the women included, listed alphabetically last name first.

In between (in comic book style), she tells the stories of the 16 women she has chosen to honor.  They are presented in chronological order, and begin with Cleopatra VII. The most pertinent facts are shown over a double page spread that focuses on the key moments in each woman's life. The text is conversational and often humorous. Birds at the panels' edges offer extra information. Two children along the bottom provide their own personal comments. The entries are diverse: some will be very familiar to readers, others not so. There is no doubt that another person writing about amazing women would not likely choose the same group. In addition to those fully presented, Ms. Williams adds six pages of 59 other accomplished women accompanied by brief notes for each in categories named Leaders and World Changers, Athletes and Creatives, and Scientists, Pioneers and Adventurers.  It's quite the introduction.  Who might you add to this list?                                                                   

Let's celebrate!