Fascinating Profiles of Hope, Determination, and Courage 

Early Arizona girls were expected to care for younger children, cook and clean, wash clothes, milk cows, tend gardens, and round up wandering herds in a harsh and unfamiliar landscape. Each of the eleven headstrong girls profiled in Amazing Girls of Arizona strained against the confines of her chores, choosing to explore and embrace the wildly beautiful land that is today’s Arizona—even if it meant disobeying elders or risking her life.

Olive Ann Oatman, an Indian captive, comforted and protected her younger sister when it seemed that all hope was lost.

Laurette Lovell, an artist, made a name for herself by rising above her physical disabilities to accomplish more than she ever dreamed possible.

Rutho Okimoto, a highly educated Japanese-American girl, was forced to live in a disease-ridden concentration camp just because of her nationality.

Edith Jane Bass, a Grand Canyon wrangler, herded mules and horses down the slippery-sloped gorge on behalf of her family’s business.