Diverse. Daring. Determined. Unapologetic. Intentional. All descriptors of the fifty women Healey researched for this quick-read book. Weaving her research into unforgettable stories, Healey wrote catchy, one-page biographical profiles organized by profession/skill; paired with a painted portrait, noting their lifespan and role(s) (e.g., scientist, professor, aviator, journalist, homesteader, activist, pilot, or inventor). Despite facing adversity and hostility, especially as Indigenous or other ethnicities, these women were optimistic, courageous, and infallible. They faced multiple and diverse challenges like sexism, racism, and living in harsh climates without today’s comforts—a miner/musher/businesswoman took a 17-day, 1200 km, solo dogsled trip to check on her gold mines at age 23! Lesser-known women are featured, many of whom have not been given the credit they deserve, including Indigenous women who worked tirelessly to preserve their language and some who helped girls escape residential schools. Healey is a high school counsellor who has authored two other historical books about Vancouver Island women.

Other End Matter: Image Credits, Acknowledgements
Images: Colour illustrations
Bibliography: Yes
Index: No

Source: Books BC - BC Books for Schools

Haley Healey is a high school counsellor, registered clinical counsellor, and the bestselling author of On Their Own Terms: True Stories of Trailblazing Women of Vancouver Island, Flourishing and Free: More Stories of Trailblazing Women of Vancouver Island, and Her Courage Rises: 50 Trailblazing Women of British Columbia and the Yukon. A self-proclaimed trailblazing woman herself, she has taught in isolated fly-in communities, guided whitewater canoe expeditions, and plays the violin. She has an avid interest in wild places and unconventional people.

Haley Healey's profile page

Kimiko Fraser is an illustrator and historian-in-training. She grew up constantly making—drawing, painting, knitting, sculpting, bookbinding, etc.—and has never learned how to stop. She is the illustrator of Her Courage Rises: 50 Trailblazing Women of British Columbia and the Yukon. She holds a bachelor of arts (honours History, major Visual Arts) from the University of Victoria. She works with many mediums to create her illustrations, including watercolour, digital, ink, and tea. Most of her work is inspired by her interest in plants, history, and folktales.

Kimiko Fraser's profile page

"fascinating, informative, and charming"
—Canadian Children's Book Centre, Best Books of the Year 2022

"[An] extra-textual approach blended with rigorous traditional research allowed Healey and Fraser to create a fresh and unique historical document – one that not only gives fascinating detail, but manages to capture an ineffable humanity and relatability in even the most exceptional people profiled."
—Quill & Quire

“This easily approachable book is a celebration of the achievements of fifty women who had the determination and strength of character to fashion new directions, sometimes despite great odds. Their stories represent hope and courage and serve as a reminder that women have always played a defining role in shaping their societies.”
—Cathy Converse, author of Following the Curve of Time and Against the Current: The Remarkable Life of Agnes Deans Cameron

"Haley Healey has written another very important book highlighting the achievements of many women in history. This short book, beautifully illustrated by Kimiko Fraser, will be one to treasure in your favourite historical non-fiction collection."
—Valerie Green, historian and author of If More Walls Could Talk: Vancouver Island’s Houses from the Past

“An engaging book that encourages the interest of young readers by providing a factual way in to explore diverse lives. By reframing unorthodox lives and breaking down stereotypes, the author highlights the resilience and determination of her subjects, made more tangible through the illustrations.”
—Linda J. Eversole, author of Victoria Unbuttoned: A Red-Light History of BC's Capital City and Stella: Unrepentant Madam