Fabulous Female Firsts: Because of Them, We Can

Isaac Newton wrote, “If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.” Newton’s quotation can be applied to the intrepid women in Wagman-Geller’s Fabulous Female Firsts. The women who were the first in their respective fields-to climb the summit of Mt. Everest, to sit on the Supreme Court of the United States, to hold a Nobel Prize-made the trails they navigated easier for their daughters to tread. I think this book of twenty-five female pioneers would be a great addition to a woman who is embarking on her own unique journey; her foremothers’ shoulders provide the vantage point for embarking on one’s own destiny.

I'm familiar with several of Ms. Wagman's books. I think she has six or seven to date. My favorite had been "Behind Every Great Man: the Forgotten Women" which tells the back story of famous male figures in history who in part owe their greatness to the support, love and encouragement of the women in their lives. In short vignettes it tells the stories of those women. What I loved about it was the format of up to 20 or 30 short biographical stories, each one of them you can read in a short sitting.Well, Wagman's newest book I feel is an even more fun read. It steps out of the shadows of men and portrays up to 32 short biographies of women who were the first to . . . win the Nobel Prize, run for President (1872), be on the Supreme Court, go into Space . . . you get the idea.This book is a fun read that I can pick up anytime for a few minutes and get a "whole meal" of inspiration. I teach US History, so was particularly fascinated by the first woman to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor . . . as a physician during the Civil War.If you love biography, if you love history, if you love women . . . you will love this book. And she will too!

Every Woman, either at home, in business, in the sciences the arts or in corporate America has experienced sexism, gender bias and some kind of sexual harassment. We ALL have that in common.Marlene Wagman's new book "Fabulous Female Firsts: The Trailblazers Who Led the Way " takes you on their personal journeys in breaking through the invisible wall of "it's a mans world" to becoming role models, successfully independent and irresistibly persistent women . Each woman created a unique and invaluable page in history. that will inspire you. Their chutzpah, tenacity, and sheer determination is amazing.A wonderful read for all women, girls and men who appreciate strong brilliant intelligent women.

Author Marlene Wagman-Geller has written another incredible book about amazing women! This author is known for writing about the story behind the story and about incredible women and their fantastic stories. This book is no different and truly is a must read for everyone. It would make a great and inspiring gift for a young woman, but it is also inspiring to women of all ages showing what their foremothers have accomplished. I love Wagman-Geller's writing style, it is easy to follow and understandable. My teenage daughter and I love all of her books, and she has found yet another topic to use her skills and talent in this book, her latest gift to the world.

Ms. Wagman has done it again! I laughed out loud as she explains some of the amazing things that these trailblazing women had to endure. Ms. Wagman is witty and funny as she dives into the lives of these women. For example, she highlights their struggles in society when it wasn't popular to become a mathematician for females. Fabulous Females First is a celebration of the diversity of women to achieve when there were many, many obstacles in their way. The power to endure, and then thrive despite the immense opposition. You don't want to miss "Fabulous Female Firsts." It is a "Must Read" and entertaining, too! Barbara Chappell-Brown, Teacher Librarian

The tag-line of Star Trek was, “To go where no man has went before.” Fabulous Female Firsts explores where no women went before. The fearless femmes included in Wagman-Geller’s book were the first of the gender to shatter glass-ceilings in their respective fields: Junko Tabei made it to the summit of Everest, Sally Ride was the first American in space, Kathrine Bigelow was the first- and only- to win a Best Director Oscar. Because of Them is the book’s subtitle, and those who came after owe them a debt for leveling the gender playing-field, for making the impossible, possible. Thanks for a wonderful read!

it's about time women get celebrated!

In Wagman-Geller’s stunning clever prose she once again draws readers into a new collection of mini-biographies about women trying to find their place in the world. Against the odds, through grit and gumption these trailblazers overcame the impossible and showed the world they could succeed despite the fact in many arenas they weren’t encouraged or even allowed. This page-turning book about admirable inspiring role models is a must read for girls and women of all ages.