The Woman Who Heard the Sun and Other True Stories Overlooked by History

“[Overlooked] provides the foundation for this striking volume, in which the author chronicles lesser-known 19th- and 20th-century figures, some of whom achieved astonishing feats or proved indispensable in expanding civil rights… . By highlighting artists, athletes, engineers, performers, and more, this timely survey broadens the scope of whose voices and accomplishments matter beyond dominant, white male–centered narratives.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Lively writing (the first Niagara-in-a-barrel survivor was ‘tossed about like a sock in a washing machine’) will keep readers absorbed, as will the photos and sidebars. Well-deserved recognition for the unsung that also encourages persistence against the odds.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“This book collects the biographical information of some of the people featured in The New York Times’ Overlooked project, which spotlights obituaries from a more diverse range of influential people than are usually featured in the paper… . This fascinating collection for readers wanting to explore history beyond the classroom will very likely have appeal outside its target audience, given its presentation and wide-ranging subjects.”—Booklist

Amisha Padnani is an award-winning staff editor at The New York Times and a keynote speaker on topics such as diversity, where she often highlights people who are underrepresented in society. She has been interviewed on NPR, Democracy Now, CBC, CBS, and the BBC. Porter Magazine named her Incredible Woman of the Year.

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