Slavery is wrong. Women can be doctors. Women can wear pants. These are truths that most Americans today would agree are unambiguous. But there was a time in this country when each of those statements resulted in vicious criticism. When she wore pants, Amelia Bloomer was a "hussy," subjected to jeers and catcalls. As the only female doctor in the entire western United States, Bethenia Owens was so unpopular that she was threatened with tar and feathers and driven out of town. And when Jonathan Walker was caught helping escaped slaves, he was branded with the letters "SS," for "slave stealer."
Today we recognize these unpopular ones as both brave and in the right. Their stories remind young readers that sometimes it is important to speak out against the popular opinions of the time. What are those opinions in today's world? These fifteen men and women set stunning examples of standing up for what's right. Be inspired by their courage and perseverance when up against the odds. Whose unpopular beliefs today will be the truths of tomorrow? Will you be one of the unpopular ones?
"This entertaining and thought-provoking book makes for good individual reading and should be useful in stimulating classroom discussions on labor, nuclear arms control, birth control, etc."
Library Journal
"Strong chapters on Margaret Sanger and Robert Oppenheimer, both of which are quite judicious... Interesting...as a naysayer's slant on history."
Kirkus Reviews
"Lively, eulogistic profiles of 15 Americans who were persecuted in their time for their minority beliefs... Archer frequently draws a parallel between past idealistic crusaders and present-day dissenters."
