Listening to the Past

The books I have chosen for this week are about several amazing women.  Some, you may have heard of before, but my guess is  that many of the names will be new to you.

 We can be inspired by their strength and learn from their mistakes.  They lived their lives during different parts of history but each one has a story to share. Enjoy. 

Eliza's Cherry Trees: Japan's Gift to America [2]  by Andrea Zimmerman
Pioneering world traveler, writer, photographer, and peace advocate Eliza Scidmore dreamed of beautifying the nation's capital, where she lived. Her dream became a reality in 1912 when, because of her years of persistence, cherry trees were planted across Washington, DC. This picture book for young readers tells the inspiring story.

Sky High: The True Story of Maggie Gee [3]  by Marissa Moss 

Presents the life and career of the Chinese American woman who dreamed of flying as a child and who went on to become one of only two Chinese American Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) to serve during World War II.

Mermaid Queen: The Spectacular True Story of Annette Kellerman, Who Swam Her Way to Fame, Fortune & Swimsuit History [4] by Shana Corey

As a child growing up in Australia, Annette Kellerman was a frail ugly duckling who dreamed of becoming a graceful ballerina. With courage and determination, she confronted a crippling illness to become an internationally known record-setting athlete who revolutionized the sport of swimming for women, a movie star who invented water ballet, and a fashion revolutionary who modernized the swimsuit.

Alicia Alonso: Prima Ballerina  [5]by Carmen T. Bernier-Grand

Presents the life of the Cuban ballerina and choreographer, describing her early struggles as a dancer in New York City, her vision problems, her return to communist Cuba in the 1960s, and her work as director of the Ballet Nacional de Cuba.

Liberty's Voice: The Story of Emma Lazarus [6] by Erica Silverman 

Portrays the life of the American poet who wrote the poem inscribed on the Statue of Liberty. She was one of the leading poets in her day, but very few Americans' have heard of her. 

The Watcher: Jane Goodall's Life with the Chimps [7] by Jeanette Winter.

This book traces out the life and career of Jane Goodall as a watcher of English fauna to her adult work as scholar of animal behavior in Africa.