Chelsea Clinton honours Sally Ride, Harriet Tubman and Oprah in children’s book of strong women

Chelsea Clinton is to release a children’s book celebrating strong American women.

The former First Daughter, who re-emerged into the political spotlight last year during her mother’s Presidential campaign, announced the new book this week.

Titled ‘She Persisted’, the book will celebrate 13 women from history who achieved amazing things in the face of opposition.

Among the women celebrated are Sally Ride, the first American woman in space. Ride entered space on the Challenger shuttle in June 1983, becoming the first American woman and youngest ever American to do so.

Following Ride’s death in 2012, her partner Tam O’Shaughnessy opened up about her 27-year relationship with the NASA astronaut – who did not feel she could go public about her sexuality during her life.
Chelsea Clinton honours Sally Ride, Harriet Tubman and Oprah in children’s book of strong women
The book will also celebrate Harriet Tubman, Oprah Winfrey, Helen Keller, Clara Lemlich, Nellie Bly, Maria Tallchief, Claudette Colvin, Ruby Bridges, Margaret Chase Smith, Florence Griffith Joyner, Harriet Tubman, Nellie Bly, and Maria Tallchief.

Chelsea Clinton told EW: “I wrote this book for everyone who’s ever wanted to speak up but has been told to quiet down, for everyone who’s ever been made to feel less than.

“The 13 women in She Persisted all overcame adversity to help shape our country—sometimes through speaking out, sometimes by staying seated, sometimes by captivating an audience. With this book, I want to send a message to young readers around the country—and the world—that persistence is power.”

The blurb says: “Throughout American history, there have always been women who have spoken out for what’s right, even when they have to fight to be heard.

“In this book, Chelsea Clinton celebrates thirteen American women who helped shape our country through their tenacity, sometimes through speaking out, sometimes by staying seated, sometimes by captivating an audience. They all certainly persisted.

“She Persisted is for everyone who has ever wanted to speak up but has been told to quiet down, for everyone who has ever tried to reach for the stars but was told to sit down, and for everyone who has ever been made to feel unworthy or unimportant or small.

“With vivid, compelling art by Alexandra Boiger, this book shows readers that no matter what obstacles may be in their paths, they shouldn’t give up on their dreams. Persistence is power.”