Brazen: Rebel Ladies Who Rocked the World
#1 in Les Culottées Series
on Goodreads (9,012)
What’s inside...
Throughout history and across the globe, one characteristic connects the daring women of Brazen: their indomitable spirit. Against overwhelming adversity, these remarkable women raised their voices and changed history. With her one-of-a-kind wit and dazzling drawings, celebrated graphic novelist Pénélope Bagieu profiles the lives of these feisty female role models, some world-famous, some little known. From Nellie Bly to Mae Jemison or Josephine Baker to Naziq al-Abid, the stories in this comic biography are sure to inspire the next generation of rebel ladies. Additionally, the collection includes thirty humorous and sensitive portraits of women who shattered stereotypes and forged their own destinies, ranging from an Apache warrior to a Hollywood mermaid, from a lighthouse keeper to a troll creator, and from a gynecologist to an empress, among others. This work is celebrated with the 2019 Eisner Award Winner for Best U.S. Edition of International Material.
Discussion points
Which story of a rebel lady inspired you the most, and why?
How do you think the challenges faced by these women are similar or different to challenges people face today?
If you could meet any of the women featured in the book, who would it be and what would you ask them?
How can the stories of these women influence your own goals and dreams?
What qualities do these women possess that you admire or would like to develop?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own favorite story from the book and why it resonates with you.
Encourage your child to relate the stories to their own experiences or current events, promoting critical thinking.
Ask your child to draw parallels between the diverse backgrounds of the women and the universal challenges they faced.
Emphasize the perseverance and courage exhibited by the women, fostering a discussion about resilience and determination.
Suggest that your child picks a character they felt a connection with and explore more about her life and contributions beyond the book together.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empowerment through diversity
Explanation: Through the stories of various extraordinary women from different cultures and historical periods, 'Brazen: Rebel Ladies Who Rocked the World' showcases the strength found in diverse backgrounds.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and find inspiration in people's differences, fostering a more inclusive mindset in their interactions with others.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: The book features women who faced tremendous challenges but persevered to achieve remarkable things, demonstrating the power of resilience.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by not giving up when faced with difficulties in school or in personal pursuits, understanding that resilience can lead to great achievements.
Example Lesson: Importance of standing up for oneself
Explanation: Many characters in 'Brazen' advocate for their rights and beliefs, even when society was against them, teaching the value of self-advocacy.
Real-World Application: Children learn to voice their opinions and stand firm in their values, whether it's in asking questions in class or standing up to bullying.
Example Lesson: Innovation and creativity
Explanation: The book celebrates women who were innovators in their fields, showing how creativity can lead to groundbreaking accomplishments.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think outside the box and be creative in their solutions, whether in school projects or in play.
Example Lesson: Learning from history
Explanation: By highlighting historical figures, the book offers lessons from the past, enabling a deeper understanding of how history shapes our present and future.
Real-World Application: Kids can use this knowledge to understand current events better and appreciate the importance of history in shaping society.