Description

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These 20 illustrated essays are on Irish women, historical and contemporary, who have defied cultural norms around femininity and achieved great things. The subjects include Irish women from Queen Medhbh to Eileen Gray, from Constance Markievicz to Sonia O’Sullivan, covering stateswomen, artists, writers, activists, and rebels of all kinds. This book is published to celebrate the centenary of women’s suffrage, and Irish women’s remarkable achievements over the centuries. 

About the Author

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Siobhán Parkinson has been writing for children since the early 1990s and has published more than 30 books. She currently works as the publisher at Little Island Books, and she was Ireland’s first Children’s Laureate. Bren Luke studied Fine Art at Ballarat University, majoring in painting and printmaking. Sabina Higgins is a political activist and the First Lady of Ireland. 

Praise For…

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"Many battles have been won by these brave women and the unknown heroines who walked quietly alongside them. This book will inspire all its readers to play their part in creating a world that is fair, harmonious and equal." —Sabina Higgins, political activist and First Lady of Ireland

"This is a very timely and engaging book for this centenary year of women first getting the vote." —Micheline Sheehy Skeffington, lecturer, activist, and granddaughter of Hanna Sheehy Skeffington

"Rocking the System is historically accurate without feeling overly educational. Each profile features a gorgeous portrait illustration by Bren Luke, which I liked in particular as the style reminded me of the images that previously appeared on old punt notes . . . The most crucial thing about Rocking the System is however, the books ability to shine the light on women who have been, for one reason or another, edited out of the larger story of Ireland’s history. This book goes out of its way to show us HERSTORY . . . Books like Rocking the System are so crucial; they pay homage to those who have gone before and prepare a new generation of women who will no doubt keep rocking that system for years to come." —Ruth Concannon, Dublin City Libraries Reader in Residence