Noisemakers: 25 Women Who Raised Their Voices and Changed the World

Compiled by Kazoo magazine, this tasting menu of short biographical comics, each by a different female or nonbinary artist, serves up enticing bits of history for an array of readers with varying interests. Part encyclopedia, part girl-power scrapbook, the collection of biographical vignettes showcases frequently lauded women, such as Julia Child and Frida Kahlo, alongside lesser-known figures such as Kate Warne, the Pinkerton detective who foiled an early attempt to assassinate President Lincoln, and Ray Montague, the first person “to design a ship using a computer.” Lesser-known backstories of household names are also detailed, such as actress Hedy Lamarr’s frequency-hopping code system that paved the way for Wi-Fi, and performer Josephine Baker’s work as a spy. Each profile begins with a brief epithet (“The World Explorer” describes sailor Jeanne Baret), a photograph, and a list of things the reader might have in common with each person (e.g. “I want to see the world”). The wide range of illustration styles—among them MariNaomi’s flat, playful take on mountain climber Junko Tabei; Weshoyot Alvitre’s moody depiction of ballerina Maria Tallchief; and Emil Ferris’s sketchbook-esque story of Mary Shelley—offers another way to take in the various stories. In addition to possessing intelligence and perseverance, nearly every subject finds a way to build a life she’s told is off-limits. Though many American girls have more opportunities today, these stories remain extremely relevant. Ages 8–12. [em](Feb.) [/em]