Synopses & Reviews
A definitive sourcebook of folktales and fairytales and the first of its kind to feature a variety of multicultural heroines. Dismayed by the predominance of male protagonists in her daughters' books, Kathleen Ragan set out to collect the stories of our forgotten heroines. Gathered from around the world, from regions as diverse as sub-Saharan Africa and Western Europe, from North and South American Indian cultures and New World settlers, from Asia and the Middle East, these 100 folktales celebrate strong female heroines. is for all women who are searching to define who they are, to redefine the world and shape their collective sensibility. It is for men who want to know more about what it means to be a woman. It is for our daughters and our sons, so that they can learn to value all kinds of courage, courage in battle and the courage of love. It is for all of us to help build a more just vision of woman. breaks new ground by reexamining our notions about heroism. This book will appeal to parents who want to foster positive role models for their children. An invaluable resource of multicultural heroines for any school library.
Review
"[A] spell-binding anthology... shimmering, spine-tingling tales in which females of every shape, age and size valiantly and selfless save the day." Elle
Review
"It is the magic of these stories that came as a revelation to me.... I hope this book becomes a classic." Susan Griffin
Review
"This jewel of an anthology features 'courageous mothers, clever young girls, and warrior women,' heroines that save lives and bring peace to their communities not through brute strength, although endurance is a frequent feat, but through creativity, intelligence, eloquence, wisdom, kindness, perseverance, and loyalty.... Ragan's concise yet discerning commentary follows each tale, making this affirming and long overdue collection as edifying as it is entertaining." Los Angeles Times
Review
"The stories are gems... delightfully fresh folktales from six continents whose lively plots will enspirit both parents and teachers." Los Angeles Times
Review
"Anthologist Kathleen Ragan has, with the publication of this book, become an important figure in the restoration of the feminine aspect of the hero. She gives us the broadest selection of female hero stories that has ever been published." Ruth P. Bottigheimer, author of Grimm's Bad Girls and Bold Boys
Synopsis
Dismayed by the predominance of male protagonists in her daughters' books, Kathleen Ragan set out to collect the stories of our forgotten heroines. Gathered from around the world, from regions as diverse as sub-Saharan Africa and Western Europe, from North and South American Indian cultures and New World settlers, from Asia and the Middle East, these 100 folktales celebrate strong female heroines.
Fearless Girls, Wise Women, and Beloved Sisters is for all women who are searching to define who they are, to redefine the world and shape their collective sensibility. It is for men who want to know more about what it means to be a woman. It is for our daughters and our sons, so that they can learn to value all kinds of courage, courage in battle and the courage of love. It is for all of us to help build a more just vision of woman.
Synopsis
One hundred great folk tales and fairy tales from all over the world about strong, smart, brave heroines.
About the Author
Kathleen Ragan is the author of Fearless Girls, Wise Women, and Beloved Sisters and Outfoxing Fear. She has lived in or traveled to fifty countries and currently lives in Australia.