Away With Words

By Lori Mortensen, Kristy Caldwell (Illustrator)

A Victorian woman defies norms to explore the world, turning adventures into books.

3.8/5 Goodreads · 151 ratings

36 pages

$17.95Save 5%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Isabella Bird, a Victorian woman with an insatiable curiosity, defies societal norms to explore the world. From the English countryside to the far reaches of Africa, Asia, and beyond, she transforms her adventures into captivating books. As she navigates diverse landscapes and cultures, Isabella's relentless spirit leads her to become the first female member of the Royal Geographic Society. Will her thirst for discovery ever be quenched, or is the world her true home? Dive into her daring journeys and uncover the stories behind her groundbreaking achievements.

From the publisher

“Isabella Bird was like a wild vine stuck in a too-small pot. She needed more room. She had to get out. She had to explore.”

Exploring was easier said than done in Victorian England. But Isabella persisted, and with each journey, she breathed in new ways to see and describe everything around her. Question by question, word by word, Isabella bloomed. First, out in the English countryside. Then, off to America and Canada. And eventually, around the world, to Africa, Asia, Australia, and more.

This dashing picture book biography about the first female member of the Royal Geographic Society takes readers around the world with a daring nineteenth-century female explorer and author. Kristy Caldwell’s detailed illustrations illuminate Bird’s travels around the world, and Lori Mortensen’s back matter, author’s note, and bibliography will satisfy the curiosity of readers who want to learn more.

At a glance