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Tales of powerful female figures have been told since the beginning of time and this collection brings together 50 stories from around the world. There are loving creators, wise leaders, fearsome warriors, gentle healers and mystical protectors, and they can each inspire you to find strength within yourself. Beautifully written by cultural historian and broadcaster, Dr Janina Ramirez, and stunningly illustrated by Sarah Walsh, this amazing book contains goddesses, guides, spirits, saints, witches, demons and many more female figures that have played an important role in shaping belief today. Based on original sources and with photographs from the British Museum collection, this incredible introduction to goddesses throughout history will entertain, engage and empower readers everywhere. Divided into thematic chapters, but connected by the power of the female, there are important stories of creation and love, action-packed stories of war and death, and heroic stories of great adventure and strength. Each gorgeously illustrated spread is a celebration of girl power in its many forms.… (more)
User reviews
She adds that these women were not perfect, but were complex:
“The women of the past were no different from us today in these basic ways and understanding them can help us to understand ourselves better.”
The selection of 50 goddesses from the mythologies of different cultures are grouped by five themes: Ruling and Guiding; New Life; War and Death; Love and Wisdom; and Animals and Nature. Readers may recognize some of the names from Greek and Roman culture, or even Celtic and Norse mythology, but the author also explores goddesses from mythologies lesser-known to Western audiences, such as, for example, those of West Africa, India, Babylonia, Japan. China, and Ancient Egypt.
For each goddess there is a 2-page spread with a profile giving the goddess’s origin, role, and a section called “Shaping Belief.” This latter part explores how the goddess affected the religious practices of the society with which she was associated.
Gorgeous illustrations by Sarah Walsh add vibrant color and interest to the stories.
Back matter includes a glossary and index, but, regrettably, not a pronunciation guide.
Evaluation: This middle grade book would not be lacking in appeal for either younger or older audiences, especially with adult guidance in the case of less accomplished readers.
The text is modern and easy for children to grasp and understand. I also appreciate the author incorporated current events into the text -- such as in write-up of Pele (Hawai`i) there is a line about Mauna Kea and a proposed telescope that would desecrate Pele's home.
This would be a great book for an upper elementary class project on learning how to do research.
One thing missing from the book is a pronunciation guide for the goddesses. But this could be an extended learning exercise for students to research if it is used in a classroom setting.
But the illustrations
Readers will likely recognize a few of the names such as Mary the mother of Jesus and Eve from Christian beliefs and get to find out about feminine figures from across the world they hadn't heard from before.
Overall, it's a great addition to any bookshelf for readers young and old.
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List of goddesses featured: Inanna, Athena, Mami Wata, Nut, Ezili Danto, Rhiannon, Xiwangmu, Baba Yaga, Durga, Juno, Venus, Chalchiutitcue, Brigid, Mokosh, Pattini, Ariadne, Asase Yaa, Gaia, Eve, Mawu, Lilith, Sekhmet, Diana, Freyja, Izanami, Anat, Hel, Rangda, Medusa, Kali, Mary, Guanyin, Isis, Hecate, Sarasvati, Tara, Chang’e, Pte San Win, Lakshmi, Popa Medaw, Sedna, Itzpapalotl, Pele, Badb Catha, Oshun, Spider Mother, Tiamat, Amaterasu, Papatuanuku, Mazu.