INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN OF TODAY

Profiles of four contemporary women who have achieved across a variety of fields.

Sheen’s introduction explains that despite historically having few rights or protections, women “have taken action to make the world a better place.” She tells the story of Yazidi sex trafficking survivor and human rights campaigner Nadia Murad, who won a Nobel Peace Prize. The following chapters each focus on one distinguished woman. Tech industry leader Sylvia Acevedo overcame racism, sexism, and family difficulties. She received a boost from the Girl Scouts (and later became their CEO), worked at NASA, and earned a master’s from Stanford, fulfilling a childhood dream. World and Olympic champion gymnast Simone Biles experienced family instability. She was diagnosed with ADHD, faced body shaming and racism, and worked through mental health challenges. Illinois senator Tammy Duckworth was born in Thailand; her father was an American serviceman. The family experienced financial struggles. Duckworth served in Iraq, where she lost her legs in combat, and she’s since dedicated her political career to improving people’s lives. As a child, singer and icon Taylor Swift endured bullying and ridicule for her musical pursuits but channeled these experiences into her songwriting. Today she’s a role model for her business skills, philanthropy, support of social causes, and kindness toward her fans. Sheen’s concise, engaging writing emphasizes the subjects’ success in overcoming struggles, offering encouragement and inspiration to readers.

A celebration of accomplishments by notable women.