Review: ‘Wonder Women: 25 Innovators, Inventors, and Trailblazers Who Changed History

A charming young adult nonfiction work detailing the lives of 25 international innovators, 'Wonder Women” by Sam Maggs (with fantastic illustrations by Sophia Forster-Dimino) makes a welcome addition to the collection of any would-be

trailblazer.

In short, punchy chapters, Maggs recounts the trials and accomplishments of these remarkable scientists, doctors, spies and adventurers in quirky, sarcastic fashion, transforming stories from as far back as the middle ages into the language of today. Take Maggs' telling of the story of Mary Bowser, an American spy who was born a slave around 1841: 'Mary Bowser was so good at espionage that, to this day, we know almost nothing about her. What historians do know is that she existed (probably); she operated under three different pseudonyms in Virginia in the 1860s (also probably); she got married (Once? Twice? Probably twice. Maybe.); and she had a photography memory (definitely maybe). Oh, and that shadowy photo that comes up when you google her name? That's not even her.”

All the women faced considerable hardship in their pursuits: their accomplishments were attributed to their male colleagues; they were pelted with rocks when they tried to attend school; they were forced into marriage at age 9 (oof, Anandibai Joshi!). And yet they persevered because they were determined to contribute to their societies. For example: In 19th century Japan, pregnant women never went for check-ups because there were no female doctors, so Ogino Ginko decided to become one - despite the fact that women weren't allowed to take state medical examinations.

While American women are certainly represented in 'Wonder Women,” the authors also focus on women from around the world, including Peru, Japan, India and Germany. It's a short book that isn't short on encouragement, making it an informative call-to-arms for anyone looking to break out of their established path. As Maggs states in the introduction: 'Just keep in mind that these are only some of the amazing women in the history of our world. Many more are out there, and many more are to come. In fact, you know what? You're next.”