Throughout history and even today's world women have had to face incredible obstacles to follow their dreams and to do what's right. No Girls Allowed: Tales of Daring Women Dressed as Men for Love, Freedom and Adventure by Susan Hughes (Kids Can Press, ISBN 978-1-55453) explores seven young women who risked their lives and honor to do traditional men’s work. The stories are presented in graphic novel form and are written for ages 9 to 12, but the stories can be enjoyed by all ages.
The Seven Women
Hatshepsut - This young Egyptian princess was the daughter of the pharaoh Thutmose I. As a girl, she could not take over the throne after her father’s death. Hatshepsut was married to her half-brother and, after the death of her brothers and father, her husband became the pharaoh known as Thutmose II. Hatshepsut stayed by her husband’s side until three years later when he died. Slowly, with the help of her advisor, Hatshepsut transformed herself into a man, and the ruler of Egypt.
Mu Lan - Mu Lan’s story was made popular by a children’s movie, but her real life story was far sadder than was portrayed in the animation. It was well known that Mu Lan’s father wanted a son, not a worthless daughter. When the Khan ordered one male from each household, Mu Lan felt obligated to take her father’s place. She dressed as a man and presented herself as her father’s son. Mu Lan fought with bravery and skill for many years and worked her way up through the ranks to become a general, while always knowing that if anyone discovered she was a woman, she would be killed.
Alfhild - This young and beautiful Scandinavian princess wanted a life of freedom and adventure. She escaped from her home and started a new life on the sea as a Viking raider. Soon she discovered that there were other women pretending to be Viking men and they banded together to form their own bandit gang.
Esther Brandeau - At a time when Jews were being persecuted by the French king, Esther left France to go to Amsterdam, but her ship wrecked and she and a sailor were the only survivors. Realizing she was now free from people recognizing her, she decided to gain employment. She could read and write, but she was also a young woman and no one would hire her. Esther had no choice but to become a man.
James Barry - James Barry wasn’t only an extraordinary doctor, he was also a woman. No one’s certain about James Barry’s birth name (Margaret Buckley or Miranda Stuart) but the story of this woman’s accomplishments live on.
Ellen Craft - Unlike the previous women above, Ellen dressed as a man out of love. She and her husband were both slaves and lived on separate plantations. To escape slavery and live with her husband, light-skinned Ellen dressed as a white man and escorted her husband to the North.
Sarah Rosetta Wakeman - Sarah’s story is a sad one. The Civil War was on and Sarah’s family did not have enough money to feed all nine children. Sarah left home to find work and eventually joined the 153rd Regiment of the New York State Volunteers. She is one of many women soldiers who is buried under an man’s name.
Stories that Need to Be Heard
Each of these extraordinary women has a story that needs to be heard and No Girls Allowed gives voice to these women. This is one book every girl should read.
Elizabeth Yetter - Elizabeth Yetter is a full-time freelancer. She reviews books for numerous publishers, and has been published both online and in ...
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