Can you figure out what these women have in common?

Alanna: The First Adventure by Tamora Pierce “I did this because I wanted to become a knight.”

 

 

Shadowbridge by Gregory Frost “I did this because I needed to protect myself.”

 

 

The Education of Bet by Lauren Baratz-Logsted “I did this because I wanted an education.”

 

 

A Soldier’s Secret: The Incredible True Story of Sarah Edmonds, a Civil War Hero by Marissa Moss “I did this because I wanted to escape from my previous life and fight for a cause.”

 

 

Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare “I did this because I needed a way to live.”

 

 

Disney’s Mulan “I did this because I needed to protect my family.”

 

 

Bloody Jack by L.A. Meyer. “I did this because I wanted to sail around the world.”

 

 

Self-Made Man by Norah Vincent “I did this because I wanted to learn about how men live.”

 

 

Rowan Hood: Outlaw Girl of Sherwood Forest by Nancy Springer “I did this because I was searching for my father.”

 

Ouran High School Host Club by Bisco Hatori “I did this because I was in debt.”

 

 

Did you guess? Women disguised as men. They were disguised so they could fight for themselves or their families, protect themselves when they were all alone in a man’s world, and earn an education, which they would have been denied otherwise. Each and every one of these is absolutely fascinating. Do yourself a favor and work your way through this list!

Do you have any favorite books/movies/plays with this subject that did not make this list?