For the child who dreams big, this book showcases incredible women leaders, offering inspiring examples of courage, resilience, and impact across diverse fields and nations.
A parent might reach for this book when their child is questioning their own potential or needs to see real-world examples of powerful, resilient women. "Leading the Way" is an inspiring collection of short biographies profiling 50 female heads of state from around the globe, both historical and contemporary. It directly addresses themes of self-confidence, perseverance in the face of injustice, and the true meaning of leadership. Perfectly suited for ages 10 to 14, this book provides crucial representation and serves as a powerful reminder that leadership knows no gender, offering a global perspective that is both educational and deeply empowering.
The book deals directly with real-world, historical sensitive topics. These include sexism, racism, political violence, colonialism, war, and assassination (e.g., Indira Gandhi, Benazir Bhutto). The approach is factual and secular, presenting these challenges as obstacles the women overcame. The resolution is consistently hopeful, focusing on the subject's resilience and impact rather than dwelling on the trauma.
Ideal Reader
The ideal reader is a curious 10 to 14-year-old interested in history, social studies, and justice. It is especially powerful for a child who is beginning to notice societal inequities or who has expressed a feeling of being underestimated. It would also resonate with an aspiring leader who is looking for diverse role models.
Parent Prep
No specific pages require previewing, but parents should be ready to discuss complex historical and political concepts. Having a conversation about the systemic sexism and discrimination mentioned throughout the book would be beneficial. Parents can read it cold, but having context for some of the figures (e.g., Margaret Thatcher's controversial legacy) can lead to richer discussions. A parent witnesses their child express self-doubt based on their gender or hear them say something like, "Politics is for boys," or "Why are all the presidents men?" The trigger could also be the child's growing awareness of injustice in the news and a need for hopeful examples of positive change.
Age Experience
A 10-year-old will likely be drawn to the individual stories of overcoming adversity and the impressive accomplishments. They will see it as a collection of heroes. A 14-year-old is more equipped to understand the systemic barriers, the nuances of political power, and the connections between different leaders' struggles across time and cultures.
What Makes It Special
Compared to other "great women" compilations, this book's specific focus on heads of state provides a unique lens on power and governance. Its impressive global and historical scope, placing contemporary leaders alongside ancient queens, is a major strength. It effectively demonstrates that women in power are not a modern phenomenon but a consistent, if often overlooked, part of world history.
Read plot summary
This is a collective biography profiling fifty women who have served as heads of state throughout history and across the globe. The book is organized into thematic sections like "The Matriarchs" and "The Trailblazers." Each entry is a concise, engaging two-to-three page summary of the leader's life, focusing on her path to power, the challenges she faced, and her most significant accomplishments. Featured women range from Queen Elizabeth I and Catherine the Great to modern leaders like Jacinda Ardern, Angela Merkel, and Kamala Harris.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
The book includes leaders from long ago, like Hatshepsut, and very recent leaders, like Sanna Marin. What challenges do you think are the same for women leaders today compared to the past? What is different?
2
Many women in the book had very different leadership styles. Compare a leader who was known for being forceful with one known for building consensus. Is one style better, or do different situations require different types of leaders?
3
After reading about a leader from a country you didn't know much about, like Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia, what did you learn about that part of the world and its history?
4
The authors chose to focus only on women who were heads of state. What other kinds of powerful women do you think are also 'leading the way' in the world today?
