She Led The Way
: Stories of Black Women Who Changed History

This nonfiction book for middle-grade readers celebrates the contributions of 14 Black women in history who have had a profound impact on the lives of all Americans. Born into slavery, Rebecca Crumpler became the first Black female physician in America. Stuntwoman Bessie Coleman was the first Black person in the world to obtain a pilot's license. The work of Harlem Renaissance sculptor Selma Burke can be found on the American dime. The calculations of NASA mathematician Katherine Goble Johnson were critical to the success of US manned spaceflight. These Black women and many more overcame tremendous obstacles and prejudices to make their mark on American history. In She Led the Way, you'll read their inspiring stories and the stories of ten more innovative, courageous, artistic, and driven women who broke through barriers of gender and color in order to reach their goals and fulfill their potential in a world that was too often indifferent and even hostile. Includes illustrations.