Discover Jackie French’s The Girls Who Changed the World Series

Jackie French’s empowering The Girls Who Changed the World series places girls centre stage. The series’ protagonist, Ming Qong, is convinced that girls have changed the world throughout history, even if we never seem to hear about them. When Ming gets the chance to go back in time… she finally has her proof. Each book sees Ming travel to a different time and place, embarking on an eye-opening adventure and meeting some wonderful friends along the way!

Book #1 in the series, Ming and Flo Fight for the Future, was a CBCA 2023 Notable Book for Younger Readers, and Book #2, Ming and Marie Spy for Freedom, was longlisted for the Book Links 2023 Award for Children’s Historical Fiction.

Now, French is taking us on another time-travelling journey. Book #3, Ming and Hilde Lead a Revolution, explores the question: what do female shepherds have to do with history?

French’s new series is an empowering and exhilarating look at the girls who went before us and the way they shaped the world. It highlights girls’ pivotal yet often overlooked role in history, while also showing the impact they can have on the future. Recommended for ages 8+, The Girls Who Changed the World is sure to inspire a budding generation of dreamers and changemakers.

Explore all three books below, to find out what each one is about…

Book #1: Ming and Flo Fight for the Future

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?

Buy a copy of Ming and Flo Fight for the Future here.

Book #2: Ming and Marie Spy for Freedom

Ming is thrust back in time to Belgium during WWI, only to be rescued from a burning cellar by Marie – an experienced spy at only twelve years of age. Marie is involved with a female secret resistance group who risk their lives to outwit the German troops. But Ming now faces a tough choice: will she send coded messages and risk her own life in this war on which the future depends?

Buy a copy of Ming and Marie Spy for Freedom here.

Book #3: Ming and Hilde Lead a Revolution

Ming has faced danger and adventure when Herstory sent her to the past to witness girls’ bravery in the incredible feats left out of ‘histories’. Now Ming asks Herstory for another time-travelling quest – this time, one that is less confronting. Ming finds herself in relative luxury, heading to an unknown destination on a ship carrying royal Saxon sheep, travelling with the girls who care for them. What do female shepherds have to do with history? And is it even possible for sheep to be royal?

Buy a copy of Ming and Hilde Lead a Revolution here.

Jackie French is one of Australia’s best-loved authors. In 2016, French became a Member of the Order of Australia for her contribution to children’s literature and her advocacy for youth literacy. A talent that refuses to be pigeon-holed, French writes across a range of genres – picture books, history, fantasy and historical fiction – for all ages.