We the Women

We the Women

The Hidden Heroes Who Shaped America

About the Book

A vivid portrait of the unsung American women from 1776 to today who changed the course of history in their fight for freedom and helped shape a more perfect union

Over a decades-long, distinguished career, award-winning journalist Norah O’Donnell has made it her mission to shed light on untold women's stories. Now, in honor of America’s 250th birthday, O’Donnell focuses that passion on sharing the stories of American heroines who helped change the course of history. 

We the Women presents a new and extraordinary retelling of American history through the eyes of women, introducing us to inspiring patriots who demanded that the country live up to the promises made 250 years ago in the Declaration of Independence: that “all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among those are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” The pressing question from women since the signing of the document has been: Why don’t those unalienable rights apply to us?

Through extensive research and interviews, as well as old photos and historic documents, O’Donnell curates a compelling portrait of these fierce fighters for freedom. From Mary Katharine Goddard, who printed the first signed Declaration of Independence, to the Forten family women, considered the "Black Founders" of Philadelphia who were active in the abolition and suffrage movements, to the first women who served in the Armed Forces even before they had the right to vote, O’Donnell brings these extraordinary women together for the first time, and in doing so, writes the American story anew.
Read more
Close

Praise for We the Women

“A vital reminder of the importance of women’s contributions to our history—and a call to action for anyone committed to carrying forward the work that they began.”—Melinda French Gates

“A fascinating book with the colorful tales of more than thirty of these risk takers, visionaries, and pioneers.”—Walter Isaacson

“This is more than a history book; it’s a moving portrait of resilience and progress, reminding us that America’s strength has always owed much to the determination of its women.”—Arianna Huffington

“Troublemakers and codebreakers, soldiers and doctors, poets and athletes—and heroines all . . . A lively, engaging account of women who helped shape the nation, even if the historians sometimes failed to notice.”—Susan Page

“By skillfully weaving together individual stories of groundbreaking women, this terrific book reveals the central, though often hidden, role that women have played at every stage of our country’s history.”—Doris Kearns Goodwin
Read more
Close

About the Author

Norah O'Donnell
Decorative Carat

About the Author

Kate Andersen Brower
Decorative Carat

By clicking submit, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to Penguin Random House's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use and understand that Penguin Random House collects certain categories of personal information for the purposes listed in that policy, discloses, sells, or shares certain personal information and retains personal information in accordance with the policy. You can opt-out of the sale or sharing of personal information anytime.

Random House Publishing Group