The challenges of poverty and sexism in Jane Austen’s childhood and young adulthood were countered by her early and ongoing exposure to stories, a powerful imagination, and her family’s support of her literary ambition. At a time when young women’s future goals were limited to marriage, Jane defied gender conventions both by writing books and populating them with entertaining characters that behaved badly. She turned down a marriage proposal that would have solved her financial worries, later stating that any type of lifestyle is better than “marrying without Affection.” Although only 41 when she died, Jane lived to see the publication and popularity of four of her books. End matter in this picture-book biography includes additional information about Jane Austen’s life, selected quotes from her letters, and a source list. (Ages 6–10)

Brave Jane Austen, a picture book biography of the groundbreaking female novelist. Perfect for Women's History Month.

Born in the late 1700s, Jane Austen was a smart, creative girl in a house full of boys, all of whom could aspire to accomplish many things as adults while girls were raised primarily to become good wives. Jane didn’t have much opportunity to go to school but she read everything she could, including all the books in her father’s study. And before long, she began to write her own stories, filled with funny, clever, and inventive characters.

Today, Austen’s novels (Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Emma . . .) are widely read by all ages. She is recognized as one of the most important and influential writers of all time.

"Jane Austen is the pinnacle to which all authors aspire."—J. K. Rowling

Christy Ottaviano Book