Heroines: Great Women Through the Ages
on Goodreads (23)
What’s inside...
The lives of twelve women, including Joan of Arc, Sacagawea, Marie Curie, Madame Sun Yat-Sen, and Frida Kahlo, are portrayed in a collection of biographical portraits that draws on many cultures and time periods.
Age
12-15
Length
79 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Which heroine from the book inspired you the most and why?
What qualities do these women possess that make them heroines? Can you think of ways you might demonstrate those qualities in your own life?
If you could meet any of the women from the book, who would it be and what would you ask her?
How do the challenges these women faced compare to challenges people face today?
What can we learn from the stories of these heroines that might help us in our daily lives?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express what they found most interesting about each woman's story and why.
Discuss the historical context of each heroine’s life, helping your child understand the different time periods and geographical settings.
Use the stories as a springboard to explore topics of bravery, perseverance, and leadership in a relatable way.
Relate the heroines' stories to personal experiences or current events to enhance relevance and understanding.
Prompt your child to think about how they can make a difference in their own community, drawing parallels to the impactful lives of the women they read about.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Through the stories of various women overcoming adversity, 'Heroines: Great Women Through the Ages' teaches children about the power of resilience in achieving goals.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by not giving up easily when they face challenges in schoolwork or in learning new skills.
Example Lesson: Equality
Explanation: The book highlights the importance of gender equality by showcasing the accomplishments of women from diverse backgrounds and time periods.
Real-World Application: Children learn to treat everyone equally regardless of gender, and can promote fairness in group activities and team sports.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Each woman featured in the book demonstrates bravery in her actions, whether in political, social, or scientific fields.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to be courageous in standing up for what they believe is right and in defending their peers from bullying.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: By learning about the struggles and triumphs of different women, children develop a deeper understanding and empathy towards others’ experiences.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be considerate and supportive in their interactions with friends and family members.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: The diverse fields in which these heroines excelled encourage a love for learning and curiosity about the world.
Real-World Application: Children are motivated to explore different subjects in school and pursue knowledge in areas they are passionate about.