Just So Stories

Harper Collins Australia

• ISBN: 9781460764886
• ISBN 10: 1460764889
• Imprint: HarperCollins AU
• RRP: $16.99

Once again, I was delighted to be asked to write the notes for this last title in what has been an inspiring series for our young people. It was particularly special as Jackie and I had had some conversations about this particular ‘mighty girl’ of history, and how much Maria Mitchell contributed to the world’s knowledge.

Jackie’s historical fiction is always without parallel and her ability to search out facts that have been long-hidden always adds to her work, and the complete immersion of the reader into whichever period of time is the focus.

It is simple for us to read up on factual information about people of the past, but it is a very different thing for a writer to enable us to become a bystander, a witness to the events as they unfold. And this is always Jackie’s strength.

Throughout the series the reader has been placed alongside Ming as she is propelled into the past by Herstory. They have been able to observe daily life of the times, sample the foods, experience the discomforts and above all learn about these significant women as real people, not just names.

Maria Mitchell was not just America’s first female astronomer, nor was she just a librarian [how many Mitchell libraries are there around the world I wonder?], she was a staunch ally and advocate for the progressive movements of her time: anti-slavery/abolition, and women’s rights in particular.

She was engaged by Vassar university to teach and did so for many years, defying conventions and even, daringly, having her female students attend night classes and astronomical observations. She engaged feminist political speakers to attend for lectures. She was very likely the first professional woman engaged by the United States government [wonder how much evidence of that is left in the records now?].

Raised in a large Quaker family on the quirky island of Nantucket, Maria was not only an avid student of all things scientific but at age 16 opened her own school for girls, focused on science, in a period of history when most girls once done with school at an early age, married immediately.

Her life makes for fascinating reading and I can assure you I did much of that whilst writing the notes, deep-diving into her many accomplishments and achievements. But, of course, this final book is not just about Maria.

Ming’s story is central to this narrative as well, and, in particular, her own personal discovery. She finds her mother – who, as it turns out, is also a time-traveller. Their reunion is, as one might expect, a little bitter-sweet but Ming has learned much in her travels, and is able to apply a maturity to this discovery that enables her to embrace the facts without rancour.

In each of the books we have watched Ming grow as a confident, knowledgeable and empathic person, transitioning from girl to young woman with a growing understanding and appreciation of those who have gone before her, paving the way for bright girls with big futures. Overall, that character arc across the series has been impressive and inspirational. No, not every girl will become a highly-regarded scientist or inventor or whatever, but they can take charge of their own lives and achievements, to the very best of their abilities and opportunities.

I am sad to leave this series because not only is it one that speaks to my taste in reading completely, but because it is SO important, even moreso in today’s social climate around the world, with women and girls being repressed all over again. There is a burning need for our young women to grow up with ambition, self-belief and resoluteness. I also must make mention of the superb cover art throughout the series – each perfectly capturing each title’s essence and encapsulating narrative, theme, time and place – so kudos to Julia Murray for that excellent work.

Every school library must have this series and actively promote it, IMO. And if you have girls in your circle, gift them copies to enhance their perceptions and self-view. Naturally, it gets a 5 🔭🔭🔭🔭🔭 rating from me. The teaching notes are not yet up on the Harper Collins website as I write this but I will add as soon as they are available, or message me for more info.