As a Filipina American girl, Nina Mata did not know much about Asian American women who stood out for their actions. As an author and illustrator, she has set out to provide such a guide for her daughter and the current generation of girls with Girls to the Front: 40 Asian American Women Who Blazed A Trail.

In a foreword about her illustrations, Mata drew portraits that she says, “look at us as if they’re making eye contact with the reader, because I believe eye contact helps us focus in on the conversation.” Indeed, it feels as though it’s easier to know each of the women profiled because of this.

Women profiled include some well-known today, like author Amy Tan, gymnast Suni Lee, and presidential candidate Kamala Harris. Others blazed trails in the past, like Mary Tape, who fought for the right to have her Chinese American daughter attend public school in San Francisco during the 1880s. Also, Patsy Mink, who became the first woman of color to be elected to the U.S. Congress when she won a seat in the House from Hawaii in 1964.

Additional women of achievement are listed in the back, along with a glossary of terms helpful to understanding some of the history mentioned. And Mata includes a little bit about herself in the same style as the other women profiled.

One of things we learn about her is that she was once told it was imperative for her to use her voice, which she thought meant she was destined to be a performer. Now, she understands that there’s more than one way to use her voice. I’d say bringing attention to these women who have been left out of most history books is one of those ways.

I recommend Girls to the Front for readers aged 9 to 12.

The publisher provided a copy of this title in exchange for my honest review.