Goddess: 50 Goddesses, Spirits, Saints and Other Female Figures Who Have Shaped Belief
Inspiring Lives Series
What’s inside...
Tales of powerful female figures have been told since the beginning of time and this collection brings together 50 stories from around the world. There are loving creators, wise leaders, fearsome warriors, gentle healers and mystical protectors, and they can each inspire you to find strength within yourself. Authored by cultural historian Dr Janina Ramirez and illustrated by Sarah Walsh, this book features goddesses, spirits, saints, witches, demons, and many other female figures that have had an impact on beliefs today. It includes original sources and photographs from the British Museum collection, and is divided into thematic chapters that showcase stories of creation, love, war, death, and great adventure, all highlighting the power of the female. The goddesses featured include Inanna, Athena, Mami Wata, Nut, and many others, each beautifully illustrated and celebrated for their girl power.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
128 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Which goddess’s story did you find the most fascinating, and what qualities did she possess that you admire?
How do you think the roles of these goddesses influenced the cultures they came from?
If you could meet any of these figures, who would it be and what would you ask her?
How do the stories of these goddesses compare to modern-day role models you look up to?
Can you think of any ways that the attributes of these goddesses are reflected in people you know?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their own interpretations of each story, reinforcing their critical thinking.
Utilize the book’s illustrations to further discuss and visualize the historical and cultural context of each goddess.
Connect the themes from the book to real-world examples, enhancing your child’s ability to relate historical figures to contemporary life.
Praise your child’s insights and connections they make, affirming their understanding and engagement.
Ask your child to pick their favorite goddess and then explore more resources or stories related to that figure to extend the learning experience.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empowerment through diversity
Explanation: The book illustrates the influence and power of various female figures across different cultures and beliefs, highlighting their unique contributions and strengths.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and respect diverse perspectives and backgrounds, promoting inclusivity and empowerment in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: Many of the goddesses and figures faced significant challenges but overcame them with strength and determination, demonstrating the importance of resilience.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to persist and remain strong in the face of difficulties, whether in school, sports, or relationships.
Example Lesson: The value of storytelling in preserving history
Explanation: The book uses engaging narratives to convey the stories of these influential figures, showing how storytelling is a powerful tool for education and cultural preservation.
Real-World Application: Children understand the importance of sharing and listening to stories, which can help them connect with their own heritage and the heritage of others.