“‘Bold Women in Montana History’ offers a rare series of well-researched, compelling, intimate portraits. . . . [The] reader will discover that [Beth] Judy’s individual portrayals not only underscore Montana’s broad cultural diversity but also reveal the true mettle of Montana women. ”
“A wonderful and insightful look at some of the most intriguing figures in state history. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and have new admiration, respect, and awe for these remarkable Montanans.”
From Blackfeet warrior Running Eagle to stereotype-smashing librarian Alma Jacobs, the fifteen-plus women portrayed in Bold Women in Montana History made a difference—breaking down barriers of sexism, racism, and political opposition to emerge as heroes of their time. Within these pages, fearless femmes dare to dream and resolve to take action. Among them we meet Annie Morgan, a Philipsburg homesteader whose mysterious life is only now coming to light; the bronc-riding Greenough sisters, Alice and Marge, who became rodeo stars during the sport's heyday; and Elouise Cobell, champion of justice for Native Americans. Written engagingly for young adults, Bold Women in Montana History also offers important new findings in Montana history. A valuable and entertaining resource for readers young and old, for home or classroom.
Buy Bold Women in Montana History
Chapters featured in Bold Women in Montana History
1. Running Eagle: Woman Warrior of the Blackfeet
2. Annie Morgan: Cooking Up a New Life in the West
3. Pretty Shield: Guardian of Crow Culture
4. Jeannette Rankin: Building toward Peace
5. Lena Mattausch, Bridget Shea, and the Women’s Protective Union: Sisters in Solidarity
6. Frieda Fligelman and Belle Fligelman Winestine: Politics and Poetry
7. Isabelle Johnson: Look and See for Yourself
8. Alice Greenough Orr and Marge Greenough Henson: Rodeo Royalty
9. Myrna Loy: More than a Movie Star
10: Alma Smith Jacobs: The Power of Books
11. Elouise Cobell: Accounting for Justice
“In fascinating detail, Beth Judy profiles 11 women who have deep connections to the state’s history in a book penned for young adults, but of interest to all ages.”
C-Span Book TV Interview
July 6, 2019 - C-SPAN’s Local Content Vehicles (LCVs) made a stop in their “2019 LCV Cities Tour” in Missoula, Montana, from May 4-10, 2019, to feature the history and literary life of the community. Working with the Charter cable local affiliate, they visited literary and historic sites where local historians, authors, and civic leaders were interviewed.
“Compelling stories of heart and mind told with a flare. From the ascendance of Pitamakin as a Blackfeet warrior to the rise of Alma Smith Jacobs to Montana State Librarian in the face of pervasive racial discrimination, these bold heroes left their mark on Montana and the nation.”
Notable Recognition
2018—WILLA Award Finalist, Children/Young Adult Fiction & Nonfiction, Women Writing the West
2018—Spur Award Finalist, Western Juvenile Nonfiction, Western Writers of America
2017—Chosen as the Montana entry in the Library of Congress 2017 publication, “Discover Great Places through Reading,” distributed at the National Book Festival in Washington, DC. Selected by the Montana Center for the Book and the Montana State Library.
2014—Matthew Hansen Endowment Award for Research and Writing
Photo by Lee Esbenshade
The Write Question, Montana Public Radio
November 16, 2017 - Author Beth Judy talks about her book "Bold Women In Montana History" on this episode of "The Write Question."
“What a gift! With clear, concise language and impeccable research, Beth Judy offers unforgettable portraits of eleven remarkable women in Bold Women of Montana History. This wonderful collection covers a diverse array of women warriors: politicians and poets, artists and rodeo riders. Meet Jeanette Rankin, the first woman elected to the U.S. Congress in 1916; Alma Smith Jacobs, Montana’s first African American state librarian; Elouise Cobell, the Blackfeet accountant who successfully sued the BIA for misuse of millions of dollars in Indian trust funds. Judy’s book is entertaining and inspiring, a testament to women whose visions are as expansive as our big sky.”
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