Photo courtesy of Bloomsbury Publishing.

Ever since I can remember, I’ve spent countless hours in the library. Reading has always been one of my biggest passions. My girlhood was defined by reading and the countless worlds I could enter, by reading a book. As a lover of history, historical fiction has always been my favourite genre. Here’s where Mary Hooper entered my life and became one of my heroines. Hooper is an author of over seventy books for children and young adults. My favourite books include The Remarkable Life and Times of Eliza Rose and At The Sign of the Sugared Plum. She opened my eyes to the historical world in a way that I had never experienced before. I credit her with sparking an awareness of my interest in history. This interest has defined my academic, professional, and personal journey.

Mary Hooper may seem a rather understated heroine, but to me, she represents a woman who has built a career from her passion. She encouraged me to pursue this goal as a girl with a large and unfamiliar world ahead of me. To this day, I read her books whenever I am stuck for inspiration. Her combination of historical research and charming imagination always fill me with joy and determination. Books are incredibly powerful. They provide escapism, inform, spark debate, they can make you laugh and cry, and no other books have left such an impression on me. Mary Hooper filled my childhood with education and entertainment, and she continues to influence me. I am sure that most people could think of a book or an author from their girlhood who has left a similar impression. She is an everyday heroine for girls.

-Katherine Bridges
Junior Girl
Girl Museum Inc.

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