This book by author Marianne Monson tells of twelve remarkable women who helped settle the American west. They came from the east coast, the south, Europe, Mexico, and New Zealand. Clara was born a slave, watched as her family was sold to different owners, was emancipated and then traveled west in an attempt to find her daughter. To escape a life of poverty, Charlotte dressed as man and became the stuff of legends as a stage coach driver. Mother Jones was a social activist who worked to improve working conditions for miners and child laborers. These as well as the other nine women featured, have fascinating stories that illustrate their tenacity, grit, and desire to improve the world around them. The histories are relatively brief but still provide a compelling look at these women and their influence for good.
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