The Girls Who Changed the World #1: Ming and Flo Fight for the Future is an empowering and exhilarating look at the girls who went before us, and the way they shaped the world, by powerhouse author Jackie French.
Twelve-year-old Ming Qong is convinced that girls must have changed the world, even if they are rarely mentioned in history books.
So when Ming gets the chance to go back in time, she imagines herself changing destinies from a glittering palace or an explorer’s ship. Instead, she ends up in Australia in 1898, living a tough life as Flo Watson on a drought-stricken farm.
Luckily, Ming is rescued by Flo’s Aunt McTavish. Wealthy Aunt McTavish belongs to Louisa Lawson’s Suffragist Society, who are desperately and courageously fighting for women’s rights. And Ming is determined to get involved, to make a difference. But change is never easy, so how can one girl change the world?
From one of Australia’s favourite writers comes an inspiring new series for all the young people who will, one day, change the world. Jackie French doesn’t need much of an introduction – it’s likely that any kid, or adult, has her books on their shelves! From the much-loved Diary of a Wombat to last year’s Night Ride Into Danger, as well as her many historical fiction series for both adults and kids, she doesn’t stop writing. And we are so grateful that she continues to inspire young audiences with her wonderful books.
Ming and Flo Fight for the Future is the start of a new series, and I absolutely love this concept. Ming is a regular Australian girl, bored at boarding school. She loves studying history but wonders where all the girls are in the history books! I absolutely experienced this at school too. So when Herstory appears and flings Ming back in time to 1898 with a few magical Time drops, Ming is in for an eye-opening adventure. Ming learns a lot about how young girls lived in early New South Wales and how ethnic minorities were treated. She learns that girls and women did so much more hard, important work than the history books made her believe! Ming’s journey back in time takes her to the heart of the movement to federate the Australian states and give women the vote. This is a must-read for young readers who are interested in Australian history.
French writes in such an enjoyable, humorous style. Ming is a wonderful protagonist, whose journey to discover the girls who changed history is sure to take her to some fascinating places. I can’t wait to see where she ends up in book #2, Ming and Marie and the Spies Who Fought for Freedom, which is set for release in September 2022.
Buy a copy of The Girls Who Changed the World #1: Ming and Flo Fight for the Future here.
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