YOU'RE A YOUNG, BRIGHT FEMALE. YOU WANT TO BE AN EXPLORER, AN ARTIST, OR A NURSE. BUT ALL YOU CAN HOPE FOR IS TO MARRY!

One hundred-fifty years ago a woman had no hope for a rewarding career or financial independence. Women couldn't own or inherit property, earn their own money, or get court custody of their children. Until recently, women had few rights! But thanks to courageous American and British women like Caroline Sheridan Norton, Emily Davies, Elizabeth Cady, Susan B. Anthony and Betty Friedan, women have come a long way. These crusaders for women's rights tell their success story.

From the Weekly Reader edition