Girls to the Front: 40 Asian American Women Who Blazed a Trail

Mata (Belong) makes her authorial debut in this illuminating illustrated anthology that highlights the lives and achievements of 40 women of the Asian American diaspora. In a personable introductory note, the creator recounts how the “countless violent acts against people of Asian descent” during the pandemic and her desire to expose her daughter’s generation to “women who made giant waves in history just by being themselves and following their hearts” brought about this project. Throughout, readers learn each individual’s origin as well as the hardships and discrimination they endured on their journey to becoming trailblazing movers and shakers. A softly shaded digital portrait of the showcased figure, her name, and her profession appear on the verso, followed by a brief, emphatic overview of the subject’s life on the recto. Entries arranged in an unspecified order feature women such as Chinese American actor Anna May Wong (1905–1961), “considered the first Asian American movie star”; transgender Filipino model and activist Geena Rocero (b. 1983); and Jamaican and Indian American vice president Kamala Harris (b. 1964). A list of other notable women, a glossary, and a spread of Mata herself conclude this thorough compendium. Ages 8–12. Agent: Christy Ewers, CAT Agency. (Jan.)