Maine's Remarkable Women tells the stories of fifteen strong and determined women who broke through social, cultural, or political barriers. Through their passions for art, exploration, literature, politics, music, and nature, these women made contributions to society that still resonate today.

Moving portraits of fifteen independent women who helped make Maine what it is today Maine’s Remarkable Women profiles the lives of fifteen resourceful women who displayed remarkable courage as they broke through social, cultural, and political barriers to advance women's roles. These women defied the social norms and prejudices of their time, making lasting contributions to society. Read about: ·Toy Len Goon, who began life as an illiterate peasant from southern China, came to America through an arranged marriage, raised eight children and ran her own business as a widow, and was honored as “America’s Mother of the Year” in 1952 ·Sister Mildred Barker, who committed herself heart and soul to a life of simplicity and devotion to God, and received national recognition for keeping the Shaker music tradition alive ·Cornelia “Fly Rod” Crosby, noted fisherwoman, hunter, sports journalist, and enthusiastic promoter of wilderness tourism in her home state ·Josephine Diebitsch Peary, an independent spirit whose love of science, adventure, and the famous explorer Robert Edwin Peary contributed to her becoming the first woman ever to take part in an Arctic expedition Each of these Maine women demonstrated an independence of spirit that is as inspiring now as it was then. Read about their extraordinary lives in this captivating collection of biographies. Kate Kennedy was the director of the Southern Maine Writing Project at the University of Southern Maine from 2006-2012. Her novel, End Over End, was published in 2001, and her short fiction and nonfiction has appeared in various small magazines. She and her husband live in Cape Elizabeth, enjoying three generations of family within a 65-mile span.