So She Went Ahead introduces young readers to a group of powerful, diverse women who followed their dreams, challenged norms, and lived life on their own terms. This inspiring collection of concise biographies reveals the under-reported history of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba through the stories of female artists, writers, entrepreneurs, adventurers, pioneers, doctors, midwives, activists, politicians, journalists, community leaders, and more!

The incomparable women in this collection include: war veteran and Indigenous-rights activist Bertha Clark-Jones, prolific northern photographer Geraldine Moody, Anishinaabe inventor Olivia Poole, Canada’s first Black female lawyer Violet King Henry, silk merchant and business owner Kimi Wakabayashi, and iconic suffragist and politician Nellie McClung. Although they came from different backgrounds, these women all faced obstacles and inequalities on their path to success. Some broke glass ceilings, rose to fame, or became immortalized in history books and popular culture, while others lived quietly, finding personal fulfillment through meaningful work and creative pursuits. All deserve to be remembered and celebrated in this stunning collection designed for the next generation of trailblazers.