'We the Women' and 'Rise, Girl, Rise' are stories about revolutionary women
NPR's Book of the Day examines the overlooked contributions of women in American history, featuring stories of remarkable figures like Mary Catherine Goddard, who printed the first official copy of the Declaration of Independence, and Deborah Sampson, who served in the Continental Army disguised as a man. The episode highlights how women represent less than 15% of U.S. history teaching content, with even less representation for women of color.
The discussion includes the story of Mary McLeod Bethune, who rose from being the daughter of formerly enslaved parents to become a presidential advisor and college founder. The episode also covers a new children's book collaboration between Gloria Steinem and Leymah Gbowee titled "Rise, Girl, Rise," which uses illustrations and storytelling to encourage young readers to support gender equality.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Mar 13, 2026 episode of the NPR's Book of the Day
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1-Page Summary
Highlighting Contributions of Overlooked Historical Women
The podcast explores the stories of three remarkable women whose contributions to American history have been largely overlooked. Mary Catherine Goddard, owner of a Baltimore printing shop, printed the first official copy of the Declaration of Independence with all 56 signatories in just two weeks, boldly including her full name at the bottom. Deborah Sampson disguised herself as a man to serve in the Continental Army, becoming one of the first women to take a bullet for her country, though her service went unrecognized until she later campaigned for her pension with support from Paul Revere.
Addressing Gender Imbalance in History Teaching
Women represent less than 15% of U.S. history teaching content, with even less representation for women of color. Mary McLeod Bethune exemplifies the kind of influential figure often overlooked: rising from being the daughter of formerly enslaved parents to founding Bethune-Cookman College, serving as an advisor in President Franklin D. Roosevelt's Black Cabinet, and advocating for women's rights, particularly for black women in the armed forces.
Experiences and Motivations of Prominent Feminists
Gloria Steinem's childhood experiences traveling with her father exposed her to gender inequities in trailer parks, where women were confined to domestic roles while boys received educational opportunities. Similarly, Leymah Gbowee's peaceful childhood in Liberia, shattered by civil war, drove her to become an activist after witnessing widespread abuse and mistreatment of women and girls during the conflict.
Goals and Themes of Collaborative Children's Book
Steinem and Gbowee have collaborated on a children's picture book titled "Rise, Girl, Rise," which aims to inspire girls and young women to unite for equality and justice. The authors chose the picture book format believing that imagery and stories can inspire social progress more effectively than written arguments. Through colorful illustrations and empowering text, the book encourages readers to become "sister friends" who support each other in pursuing gender equality.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can create a visual timeline of lesser-known historical figures in your home or office. Start by researching individuals like Mary Catherine Goddard and Deborah Sampson, then expand to include diverse women who've made significant contributions. Print out their portraits and a brief description of their achievements, and arrange them in chronological order on a wall. This serves as a daily reminder of the rich, varied history that often goes unnoticed and can spark conversations with guests or colleagues about these influential figures.
- Start a book club focused on literature by and about women who've made a difference, such as Mary McLeod Bethune and Gloria Steinem. Choose one book each month that highlights the struggles and successes of women from different backgrounds and eras. This encourages learning and discussion about women's roles in history and society among your friends, family, or community members.
- Encourage young people in your life to engage with history and activism through art by organizing a drawing contest. The theme could be "Unsung Heroes," inviting participants to illustrate stories of women like Leymah Gbowee and others who fought for equality and justice. Display the artwork in a local library or community center and offer small prizes for the most inspiring pieces. This activity not only promotes awareness but also allows children and teens to express their understanding of social issues creatively.
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Highlighting Contributions of Overlooked Historical Women
Exploring the stories of these women sheds light on their significant, though largely unrecognized, contributions to the nation's history.
Mary Catherine Goddard: Printer of the First Official Declaration of Independence, an Overlooked Women's History
Mary Catherine Goddard's vital role in the printing of the Declaration of Independence remains a footnote in history.
In two Weeks, Goddard Printed the Official Declaration of Independence With all 56 Signatories
Goddard owned a publishing and printing shop in Baltimore, which became the seat of the Continental Congress after they fled Philadelphia due to advancing British troops. When the Congress required a fully signed copy of the Declaration of Independence, Goddard finished the task in just two weeks. Her commitment is immortalized with her name placed at the bottom of this official version, right under the names of all the male signatories. By including her full name, Mary Catherine Goddard demonstrated a clear desire for recognition and a wish to be remembered as part of the foundation of a new nation.
Deborah Sampson, Disguised As a Man, Fought In the Continental Army, Becoming one of the First Women to Take a Bullet for Her Country; Her Story and Others Remain Obscure
Deborah Sampson's story is a testament to the hidden heroism of women in the struggle for American independence.
Sampson, Tall With "Masculine Features," Passed As a Male Soldier, Fought Bravely, Was Wounded, but Her Service Was Unrecognized At the Time
Sampson disguised herself as a man to enlist in the Continental ...
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Highlighting Contributions of Overlooked Historical Women
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can explore local archives or libraries to uncover stories of unrecognized historical figures in your community. By delving into old newspapers, letters, and records, you might find accounts of women who made significant contributions but were never highlighted in mainstream history. Share these stories with friends or on social media to give these women the recognition they deserve.
- Start a book club focused on biographies and historical accounts of overlooked women in history. This can be a way to educate yourself and others about the contributions of women like Mary Catherine Goddard and Deborah Sampson. By discussing their lives and the context in which they lived, you'll gain a deeper understanding of their impact and help keep their memories alive.
- Encourage young people in your life to participate ...
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Addressing Gender Imbalance in History Teaching
The representation of women in U.S. history teaching remains significantly low, particularly for women of color. Mary McLeod Bethune’s life and accomplishments exemplify the kind of influential historical figures whose stories can address this imbalance.
Women in <15% of U.S. History; Fewer Women of Color
Mary Mcleod Bethune: Pioneer Educator and Roosevelt Advisor
Mary McLeod Bethune rose from the daughter of parents who had been enslaved to become one of the preeminent educators of her time. Demonstrating the profound potential of education as a tool for empowerment, Bethune founded Bethune-Cookman College in Florida, pioneering the establishment of higher education institutions for black students.
Her impact extended beyond academia; Bethune fostered a close friendship with Eleanor Roosevelt and served as a leader in President Franklin D. Roosevelt's Black Cabinet. She became a pivotal figure in the fight for women's rights, particularly advocating for the inclusion ...
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Addressing Gender Imbalance in History Teaching
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can diversify your bookshelf by actively seeking out and reading biographies or histories focused on women of color. By doing this, you're not only educating yourself on the often underrepresented stories but also supporting authors and publishers who bring these narratives to light. For example, look for books about women like Ida B. Wells, Shirley Chisholm, or Wilma Mankiller to broaden your understanding of their impact on history.
- Start a monthly discussion group with friends or family to talk about historical figures like Mary McLeod Bethune. Each month, someone can choose a different woman of color who has made significant contributions to society. This encourages collective learning and appreciation for these figures' achievements. You might discuss their challenges, successes, and how their legacies continue to influence today's world.
- Incorporate the stories of influential women of color into ...
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Experiences and Motivations of Prominent Feminists
The narratives of Gloria Steinem and Leymah Gbowee compellingly illustrate the roots of their feminist advocacy, demonstrating how personal histories can galvanize individuals toward social activism.
Gloria Steinem's Childhood Travels With Her Father Shaped Her Advocacy For Women's Rights
Gloria Steinem looks back on her peripatetic childhood, providing deep insights into her commitment to advocating for women’s rights. During her travels with her father, she encountered various communities and became acutely aware of the entrenched gender roles that confined women to domestic spheres.
Women in Trailer Parks Confined To Domestic Roles
Steinem recounts her experiences staying in democratically accessible trailer camps, which, despite their promise of equality, were sharply divided along educational and racial lines. Moreover, she noticed gender inequities: women typically managed domestic tasks and remained confined within house trailers. Meanwhile, boys were given opportunities for education and were recognized as future income earners, revealing a clear preference for male advancement. Steinem describes watching children in these camps attempt to bridge social divides, an act she later came to see as indicative of how adults should behave. These childhood observations have heavily informed her views on women's rights, spotlighting inequitable gender practices and galvanizing her efforts toward achieving gender equality.
Leymah Gbowee's Liberian Childhood, Shattered by Civil War, Spurred Her to Become a Courageous Peacemaker For Women and Girls
The impact of the Liberian Civil War on Leymah Gbowee’s community became the catalyst for her impassioned involvement in activism for the rights of women and girls.
Gb ...
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Experiences and Motivations of Prominent Feminists
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can start a personal journal to reflect on gender roles and social equality in your daily life. By writing down instances where you notice gender biases or inequalities, you'll become more aware of how these issues manifest around you. For example, if you see that in your workplace men are more likely to be in leadership positions, jot it down and reflect on what changes could be made to create a more balanced environment.
- Engage in conversations with friends and family about the history of women's rights and social justice. Use stories of advocates like Steinem and Gbowee to spark discussions on how societal changes have been made and what further progress is needed. This could be as simple as sharing a fact or story over dinner and asking for others' opinions on the matter.
- Volunteer with local organizations that sup ...
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Goals and Themes of Collaborative Children's Book
Gloria Steinem and Leymah Gbowee collaborate on a children's picture book aimed at inspiring girls and young women to unite and strive for equality and justice.
Steinem and Gbowee's Book "Rise, Girl, Rise" Inspires Girls and Women to Find Power, Work For Equality and Justice
"Rise, Girl, Rise" is a new children's picture book by Gloria Steinem and Leymah Gbowee. Steinem reads from the book, sharing a vision of diverse women gathering, with a clear message of collective action: "Together we speak, together we reach, together we build." The book's illustrations and text emphasize the power of women and girls uniting as "sister friends" to support each other and enact change.
The Book's Illustrations and Empowering Text Emphasize Women and Girls Uniting As "Sister Friends" to Support Each Other and Enact Change
The book draws from Steinem and Gbowee's childhood observations of the unfair treatment of girls and women. It encourages an alliance of "sister friends" where readers are stirred to support one another in the pursuit of gender equality and justice.
Leymah Gbowee elaborates that it's vital "to see a lot of good, colorfully, bringing all of us back to our childhood," a time without biases and overpowering racism—a time before learning the world is about division. Steinem adds, "It's actually written for all human beings... whether or not we're accustomed to picture books or to all type books, I think you can appreciate this book."
Authors Created a Children's Picture Book to Reach Young, Unbiased Audiences
Steinem and Gbowee have penned this book specifically as a picture book to reach children, who they believe are free from entrenched biases.
Steinem and Gbowee: Imagery and Stories Inspire Social Progress More Effectively Than Written Arguments
Steinem ...
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Goals and Themes of Collaborative Children's Book
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Counterarguments
- While picture books are accessible, they may oversimplify complex issues like gender equality and justice, which could lead to a lack of depth in understanding these topics.
- The belief that children are free from entrenched biases may overlook the influence of their environment and upbringing, which can instill subtle biases at a young age.
- The focus on inspiring girls and young women might inadvertently exclude boys and young men, who are also crucial in the fight for gender equality and justice.
- The effectiveness of imagery over written arguments in conveying truths is subjective and may vary depending on individual learning styles and preferences.
- The assumption that a book can serve as a "unified globe" may be overly optimistic, as access to books and literacy levels vary greatly across different regions and communities.
- The reliance o ...
Actionables
- You can create a simple digital photo album showcasing everyday acts of equality and share it with friends and family to inspire conversations about gender justice. By capturing moments where you see equality in action, such as a boy helping his sister with chores or a girl leading a group project, you can use these real-life examples to start discussions about the importance of gender equality in your own community.
- Start a virtual book club with a focus on children's books that promote gender equality and invite parents and kids to participate. This encourages reading and discussion about the themes of unity and justice from a young age. Choose a variety of books that illustrate these principles, and during your meetings, discuss the messages and how they can be applied in daily life, such as standing up against bullying or sharing tasks fairly among siblings.
- Use social media to highlight stories of wome ...
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