Remember the Ladies (Bella’s Tales of History, 3) by Deb Evans

Little storytellers, big history

In the third installment of her Bella’s Tales of History series, Deb Evans asks children and adults alike to reflect on the crucial roles that women played in the American Revolution; in doing so she encourages us all to “remember the ladies,” and their work, so often forgotten by society.

Through the eyes of Bella, a storytelling golden retriever, and her three curious puppies, Evans invites young readers into a warm, story-driven exploration of the American Revolution and the many women—both well-known and overlooked—who shaped the fight for independence. Through this story-within-a-story format, readers are introduced to figures ranging from writers and advocates to soldiers and everyday supporters, all woven into conversations that feel natural, engaging, and easy to follow.

Notable among the book’s many strengths is its conversational tone. Evans clearly understands her audience, presenting historical material in a way that feels digestible rather than daunting. The episodic structure—where each chapter focuses on a different woman or collection of women—makes the book especially well-suited for bedtime reading, or for children gaining confidence as independent readers. Just as importantly, the playful framing of Bella and her pups softens what might otherwise feel like daunting or intimidating “nonfiction,” turning it into something lively and inviting.

Beyond structure and tone, the emotional core of the book stands out. Evans has a remarkable ability to present big ideas with simplicity and clarity. The stories of these women are told in a way that underscores a powerful truth: their contributions were extraordinary, yet rooted in everyday courage, resilience, and care. She emphasizes the reality that these women are not distant historical icons, but reflections of ordinary people doing meaningful work. As the pups connect the work of these heroic women to that of the women they know in their own lives, the book also encourages readers to look around themselves and recognize the work that so often goes unnoticed.

Remember the Ladies succeeds in what it sets out to do: make history accessible, meaningful, and memorable for children. More than just a collection of stories, it emphasizes curiosity, respect, and the responsibility of remembering. Bella’s encouragement for her pups to become “Storykeepers” is a thoughtful and resonant idea, reminding readers that history lives on through those who choose to learn it and share it. In highlighting the often-unseen contributions of women, Evans not only fills in gaps of the past but also inspires a new generation to value voices that might otherwise go unheard.