NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A vivid portrait of the unsung American women from 1776 to today who changed the course of history in their fight for freedom and helped shape a more perfect union
“This terrific book reveals the central, though often hidden role that women have played at every stage of our country’s history.”—Doris Kearns GoodwinOver a decades-long, distinguished career, award-winning journalist Norah O’Donnell has made it her mission to shed light on untold women’s stories. Now, in honor of America’s 250th birthday, O’Donnell focuses that passion on the American heroines who helped change the course of history.
We the Women presents a fresh look at American history through the eyes of women, introducing us to inspiring patriots who demanded that the country live up to the promises made 250 years ago in the Declaration of Independence: “that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Since the signing of that document, the pressing question from women has been:
Why don’t those unalienable rights apply to us? Through extensive research and interviews, as well as historical documents and old photos, O’Donnell curates a compelling portrait of these fierce fighters for freedom. From Mary Katherine Goddard, who printed the first signed Declaration of Independence, to the Forten family women, who were active in the abolition and suffrage movements and were considered the “Black Founders” of Philadelphia, to the first women who served in the armed forces even before they had the right to vote, O’Donnell brings these extraordinary women together for the first time, and in doing so writes the American story anew.
The instant New York Times bestseller from renowned journalist Norah O’Donnell, now adapted for young readers! A vivid portrait of the unsung American women who changed the course of history in their fight for freedom and helped shape a more perfect union.
REBELS. ACTIVISTS. FIGHTERS. WOMEN.
Did you know that a woman helped complete the Brooklyn Bridge after her husband, the original engineer, got sick? Or that the famous Wright brothers’ key spokeswoman was their sister? Women have helped shape America as we know it, but in many cases, their contributions have been forgotten. Now, award-winning journalist Norah O’Donnell has made it her mission to shed light on women’s untold stories. In this groundbreaking collection of 25 tales about American heroines who helped change the course of our country, she shows that history can be made one woman at a time.
This is the story of America, retold through the eyes of extraordinary women who dared to ask for equality. Via in-depth research and interviews, original photos, and historic documents, O’Donnell guides us through unforgettable narratives of fierce fighters for freedom, from the woman who printed the signed Declaration of Independence to the first woman who served in the Armed Forces.
Adapted for young readers from the New York Times bestseller and featuring a rousing new introduction from O’Donnell, We the Women is a landmark, inspiring must-read for a new generation ready to shape history.
