Her Story: Women from Canada's Past

Jean Free, formerly an elementary-school teacher-librarian, is currently
a library consultant in Ontario.

With its stunning, dramatic cover and the fascinating biographical
detail it provides, this book encourages the reader to explore the lives
of 16 Canadian heroines, some better known than others. Included are
accounts of Emily Stowe, Nellie McClung, L.M. Montgomery, and Laura
Secord (with no mention of cows or chocolates!). Less familiar are the
remarkable Marie Jacquelin de la Tour of Acadia; Shawnadithit, last of
the Beothuks; and Mary Shadd Cary, the eloquent black editor of the
Provincial Freeman. Tales of heroism, ingenuity, family life, and
innovative leadership abound in these biographical essays of Canadian
women who became political activists, writers, artists, doctors, and
suffragettes. The stories celebrate Canada’s past, showing the
richness and diversity of our history.

Numerous large black-and-white photographs and maps make this
well-written, large-format book an exciting addition to both private and
library collections. It is also an important one, for it reveals how far
women have come in society, and how they got there. All in all, an
entertaining, sophisticated, and informative text that introduces
intermediate/senior students to little-known aspects of Canada’s past.
Highly recommended.