If history books obscure the important roles played by women of European origin in the United States, how much more invisible are Hispanic women? In correcting this omission, Hedda Garza documents and discusses the major contributions to this country's social and political mosaic for over 150 years by women leaders, organizers, and activists from diverse Hispanic backgrounds, including Chicanas, Puertorriqueias, Cubanas, Dominicanas, and women drawn to the United States from throughout Central and South America. The material Garza brings to the fore helps us understand minority communities in the United States and offers inspiring accounts of women who struggled to improve conditions for Latinas.

Garza's study was selected as a New York Public Library Annual Best Books for Young Adults in 1995.

"Hedda Garza is a pioneer in writing about the historical and contemporary struggles of Latinas in the United States. This well-written and researched book challenges myths and vividly conveys their passion and sacrifice."--Professor Richard Griswold del Castillo

"The excellent research deals with all the major groups of Latinas."--Professor Susie Suarez, Ramapo College, New Jersey