Amelia to Zora Twenty-Six Women Who Changed the World

By: Cynthia Chin-Lee

Illustrated by: Megan Halsey and Sean Addy

Published by Charlesbridge 2005

Reading Level: Lexile 910

Independent Read, 5.8

Admirable, Brave, Courageous, Determined, Fearless

“As you get to know these women, I hope you will think of them as I do – kindred spirits whose words and actions will inspire and guide you.”
- Cynthia Chin-Lee

Cynthia Chin-Lee celebrates the accomplishments of twenty six amazing women from all around the world. All of these women who not only stood up to follow their dreams but fought for their dreams.  Every profession you can think of is included within this book from a pilot, to an athlete, architect, and as unique as a writer. Different nationalities are presented to add diversity of the amazing women throughout the twentieth century. Each woman has a short biography to grab your attention in hopes for further research of each woman. An inspirational quote is also included from the lady themselves.

Key Vocabulary:

The words below are correlated with the woman’s profession which are provided next to all of their names on page 3. These vocabulary require a more in depth definition where as for pilot you can simply tell your students she flew the plane and it would be easier to remember.

Activist, Advocate, Anthropologist, Diplomat, Environmentalist, Naturalist

The words below must also be defined so your students can comprehend.

Boycott (7), Braille (11), entrepreneur (18), menial (15), persistence (6), pioneer (10), undaunted (14)

Teaching Suggestions –

Before Reading:

Ask your students of famous women they have learned about in previous years or have heard about. Whom have they heard of? What did that woman do? Where was she from?

During Reading:

Make a worksheet for each of your students with each women’s name and space in between for your students to write their profession, where are they from, and one interesting fact. Your students are to pick 2 women who have caught their interest the most.

After Reading:

Each student is to do a research report on one of the women of their choice. One page, but not limited to, is a biography of the woman, the second page is why they admire that woman and in what ways do they find themselves alike.

Electronic Resources –

Teacher Guide:  An excellent tool for you in the teacher in the classroom! This site provides many of the key vocabulary definitions that can be printed and handed to each student to read when coming across the word. Also contains, comprehension questions and engaging activities for your students. Provides worksheets on comparing two of the women, character traits you and one of these phenomenal woman share, etc.

Author's Site:  Cythia lives in California but wait, she is available for 30 minute scheduled Skype appointments to talk with your students! Learn about who she is and see for yourself that there’s even a book on, Twenty Six Men Who Changed the World. Enjoy!