Krishna and Pimentel have essentially pioneered a genre of Latter-day Saint literature that centers the female experience in the unfolding Restoration while remaining accessible to children. While their previous work in the Girls Who Choose God series focused on pivotal scriptural moments of agency, Changemakers takes a broader historical and global view.

Expanding the Narrative of Zion

One of the most refreshing aspects of Changemakers is its refusal to rely solely on the “standard” list of historical heroines. While figures like Eliza R. Snow are foundational to our story, except Emma Hale Smith, they are notably absent here. In their place, the authors have curated stories of women who are often relegated to the footnotes of history. By focusing on these more obscure figures, Krishna and Pimentel perform a significant curatorial service: they demonstrate that Zion-building is not a task reserved for those with name recognition, but a global, grassroots errand.

The inclusivity of the volume is its greatest strength. The stories include both individuals from the New Testament era and modern history, featuring women from diverse cultures and continents. This global perspective is vital for a modern Church that is increasingly finding its center of gravity outside of the Intermountain West. It reminds the reader that the “bold building” of Zion is happening in real-time in places like Africa and Asia as well.

Visual Beauty

The insights provided by the text are matched—and elevated—by the work of illustrator Jessica Sarah Beach. The book is visually stunning, with Beach’s art providing a sort of “visual liturgy” for the stories. Each woman is depicted with a sense of dignity and power that transcends the typical “storybook” aesthetic, with many items that symbolize aspects of their life and work woven into each piece of art.

The interplay between the bold prose and the rich illustrations makes the book feel like a devotional object. It is a book designed to be lingered over, rather than rushed through. While the text is accessible enough for younger readers, there is a thematic depth that will give adults plenty to ponder during their own personal study.

Multi-Generational Appeal

As is the case with many of the best books for the younger generation, the true test is how it lands with its intended audience. I shared this book with my seven-year-old daughter, and while she struggled to articulate the specific nuances of the theology or history, her verdict was simple and definitive: “I just liked everything.”

That “liking everything” is a testament to the book’s successful integration of art, story, and spirit. It manages to be educational without being overly pedantic and inspiring without being saccharine. If there is a critique to be made, it is simply that the book leaves the reader wanting more.

Conclusion

Changemakers is an insightful addition to any Latter-day Saint home library. It challenges us to rethink what it means to be a “builder of Zion” by highlighting the quiet, bold, and often forgotten work of women across the ages. Krishna and Pimentel have once again demonstrated that when we broaden our historical lens, the Restoration becomes richer, more complex, and infinitely more beautiful. For those looking to see the hand of God in the lives of women from all climes and eras, this volume is highly recommended.