Heroism Begins with Her: Inspiring Stories of Bold, Brave, and Gutsy Women in the U.S. Military

Conkling shares stories of women who served in the U.S. military from the Revolutionary War to the present. Biographies examine how each came to serve while providing historical context. Individuals include Cathay Williams, who grew up enslaved and was “the first known African American woman to dress as a man and enlist in the army,” and Army nurses Edith Ayres and Helen Wood, the first enlisted women to die in the line of duty during WWI. Individuals with behind-the-scenes roles include mathematician Grace Hopper, who invented a programming language, and African-American reverend Alice M. Henderson, the first female chaplain. Graphics include photographs and illustrated images of the women, along with occasional spot art. A focused look at the long history of women who served their country. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 8–12. [em](July) [/em]