In "Voices from the Prairies: The Extraordinary Stories of Ordinary Ranch Women", author Dorothy Louise Beasley brings to life the untold stories and indomitable spirits of the unsung heroines of Canada's ranching industry. Through meticulous interviews and first-hand accounts, the book weaves together the narratives of resilient ranch women who have dedicated their lives to their families, their land, and their livestock. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Canadian prairies, these stories illuminate the challenges, triumphs, and everyday realities faced by generations of ranch women. From early homesteaders to modern-day ranchers, their experiences serve as a testament to the enduring power of family, community, and an unwavering connection to the land. The collection of stories shatters stereotypes and celebrates the diverse roles ranch women have played, not just as wives and mothers, but as skilled horsewomen, tireless laborers, innovative problem-solvers, and pillars of their communities. Through heartwarming anecdotes and moments of raw emotion, readers are invited into the lives of these women, witnessing their struggles against the harsh prairie elements, economic hardships, and personal tragedies. "Voices from the Prairies" is more than just a compilation of stories; it is a tribute to the unbreakable spirit of ranch women and their vital contributions to Canada's agricultural heritage. This book serves as a reminder that behind every successful ranch stand women of courage, determination, and grace. “Voices from the Prairies" is an engaging, eye-opening, and ultimately inspiring read that sheds light on a part of Canadian history too often overlooked. Through these powerful stories, Beasley ensures that the voices of these remarkable ranch women will continue to resonate for generations to come.

In The Voice of the Coyote, J. Frank Dobie melds natural history with tales and lore in articulating the complex and often contentious relationship between coyotes and humans. Based on his own life experiences in Texas and twenty-five years of research, Dobie forges a sympathetic and nuanced picture of the coyote prefiguring later environmental and conservation movements. He recognizes the impact of human action on the coyote while also examining the prominent role of the coyote in the myths and legends of the West.

This charming, coming-of-age story is perfect for fans of Joan Bauer and Sheila Turnage. Prairie Evers is finding that school isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. She’s always been homeschooled by her grandmother, learning about life while they ramble through the woods. But now Prairie’s family has moved north and she has to attend school for the first time, where her education is in a classroom and the behavior of her classmates isn’t very nice. The only good thing is meeting Ivy, her first true friend. Prairie wants to be a good friend, even though she can be clueless at times. But when Ivy’s world is about to fall apart and she needs a friend most, Prairie is right there for her, corralling all her optimism and determination to hatch a plan to help. Wonderful writing and an engaging narrator distinguish this lively story that celebrates friendship of every kind.

Born in Minnesota in 1890 and raised and educated in Massachusetts, Marjory Stoneman Douglas came to Florida in 1915 to work for her father, who had just started a newspaper called the Herald in a small town called Miami. In this "frontier" town, she recovered from a misjudged marriage, learned to write journalism and fiction and drama, took on the fight for feminism and racial justice and conservation long before those causes became popular, and embarked on a long and uncommonly successful voyage into self-understanding. Way before women did this sort of thing, she recognized her own need for solitude and independence, and built her own little house away from town in an area called Coconut Grove. She still lives there, as she has for over 40 years, with her books and cats and causes, emerging frequently to speak, still a powerful force in ecopolitics. Marjory Stoneman Douglas begins this story of her life by admitting that "the hardest thing is to tell the truth about oneself" and ends it stating her belief that "life should be lived so vividly and so intensely that thoughts of another life, or a longer life, are not necessary." The voice that emerges in between is a voice from the past and a voice from the future, a voice of conviction and common sense with a sense of humor, a voice so many audiences have heard over the years—tough words in a genteel accent emerging from a tiny woman in a floppy hat—which has truly become the voice of the river.

"The Statue of Liberty is a woman, but did you know that when the statue first came to America in 1886, women could not even vote? In fact, the men in charge of the dedication of the statue on the island in New York Harbor declared that women could note even set foot there during the ceremony. That didn't stop New York suffragists Matilda Joslyn Gage, Lillie Devereux Blake, and Katherine ("Katie") Devereux Blake. They wanted women to have liberty and were determined to give the new statue a voice. But, first, they had to find a boat. The Statue of Liberty stands on an island, after all. Matilda, Lillie, and Katie organize hundreds of people and sail a cattle barge to the front of the day's demonstration-making front-page news and raising their voices for LIBERTY"--

Introduction: Voices of Passion, Voices of Hope / Sharon McKay -- 1. Passion within the First nations School Work Profession / Dexter Kinequon -- 2. Passion, Action, Strength and Innovative Change: The Experience of the Saskatchewan Children's Advocate's Office in Establishing Rights-based "Children and Youth First" Principles / Marvin M. Bernstein and Roxane A. Schury -- 3. From Longing to Belonging: Attachment Theory, Connectedness, and Indigenous Children in canada / Jeannine Carriere and Cathy Richardson -- 4. Jumping through the Hoops: A Manitoba Study Examining Experiences and Reflections of Aboriginal Mothers Involved in Child Welfare in Manitoba / Marlyn Bennett -- 5. Rehearsing with Reality: Exploring Health Issues with Aboriginal Youth Through Drama / Linda Goulet, Jo-Ann Episkenew, Warren Linds and Karen Arnason -- 7. The Moving Forward Project: Working with Refugee Children, Youth and Their Families / Judy White et al. -- 8. Passion for Those Who care: What Foster Carers Need / Rob Twigg -- 9. Children with FASD involved with the Manitoba Child Welfare System: The Need for Passionate Action / Don Fuchs, Linda Burnside, Shelagh Marchenski and Andria Mudry -- 10. Physical Punishment in Childhood: A Human Rights and cxhild Protection Issue / Ailsa M. Watkinson -- 11. Complex Poverty and Home-grown Solutions in Two Prairie cities / Jim Silver [Winnipeg and Saskatoon].