Jenifer Bazzit - 50 Fearless Women Who Made American History: An American History Book for Kids

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Interior and Designer: Stephanie Sumulong

Art Producer: Michael Hardgrove

Editor: Laura Bryn Sisson

Production Manager: Holly Haydash

Production Editor: Melissa Edeburn

Illustrations Steffi Walthall, 2019

courtesy of Joshua Pound
courtesy of Clarence Goss

ISBN: Print 978-1-64611-103-9 | eBook 978-1-64611-104-6

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This book is dedicated to my precious grandma, Aline Pound. She desperately wanted to complete her education by attending high school. However, her life as the daughter of a sharecropper in rural Oklahoma during the Great Depression made that dream impossible.

CONTENTS

BIOGRAPHIES:

The pages of social studies textbooks are filled with the stories of men who shaped the history of the United States with their political decisions, brave deeds, and admirable actions, but those stories are only part of that history. Countless American women labored and sacrificed to establish this country and improve the treatment of its citizens, and they proved themselves to be more than merely wives, mothers, daughters, and sisters.

It is humbling to think of the millions of women whose names and contributions are lost to history. Without them, however, we would not have this great nation to call home. The 50 women I chose to highlight in this book come from all walks of life, races, cultural backgrounds, and fields of study, and they represent different time periods in American history. Whether you are familiar or unfamiliar with the women in this book, you will certainly find relatable qualities and inspiration in reading their stories.

The captivating women featured in this book span centuries, from the earliest colonial settlements to women of the 21st century. You will learn about Anne Hutchinson, a woman who refused to keep quiet about her beliefs despite the consequences. Later, you will be inspired by Harriet Tubman, who not only escaped slavery but also risked her life time and again to help others journey to freedom. The story of Sally Ride, the first American woman in space, will encourage you to explore new frontiers.

Organized chronologically by the period of their achievements, each incredible womans story will also show you American history as it unfolded. A timeline will help you follow historical events that occurred during each womans lifetime. A sidebar will help you understand the historical context for each womans story. Find the meaning of words set in bold in the .

Although you may not agree with the opinions or actions of a particular woman, youll find it worthwhile to further investigate her life to find out why she made the choices she did. Learning about opposing viewpoints leads to a more open, educated mind.

It is vital that we include the accomplishments and contributions of women in the study of United States history. We can learn a great deal by exploring the actions of the women who shaped that history and by examining the history that shaped them.

(CA. 15971617)

POWHATAN WOMAN LINKED TO AMERICAS COLONIAL HERITAGE

P ocahontas, the clever and brave daughter of a powerful chief, was instrumental in creating peace between her people and early English settlers.

Powhatan, paramount chief of the Powhatan tribes inhabiting the Chesapeake Bay region, welcomed a daughter, Matoaka, around 1597. Although she was one of many children, she was favored by her father, earning the nickname Pocahontas, which means playful one.

The earliest written mention of Pocahontas is in an account of a 1607 incident by English Captain John Smith, a leader of the Jamestown settlement. The captain reported that a warrior stood over him, ready to smash his skull. Pocahontas placed her head upon the captains head, seemingly stopping the execution. Historians have later questioned the accuracy of Captain Smiths report and whether the incident was actually a ritual or even completely fabricated. Whether Captain Smith misunderstood what happened or made up the story, we will never know.

During Jamestowns early years, Pocahontas visited the settlement often, bringing food items and delivering messages from her father. Pocahontas stopped visiting Jamestown when settlers violently demanded more food from the Powhatan people, and for the next few years, there is no mention of her in English records. Then in 1613, Pocahontas was kidnapped and held for ransom. Chief Powhatan met many of the settlers demands.