Trailblazers

by Huang, Eric; Caldwell, Sam

• ISBN13: 9780711292932
• ISBN10: 0711292930
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2025-08-19
• Publisher: words & pictures

Summary

Trailblazers have made extraordinary contributions throughout history.From inventing everyday household items we take for granted to breaking barriers in sports and medicine, their impact on the world is undeniable. But how much do you really know about the innovators who’ve shaped our world?

Everyone knows that…

• Martin Luther King Jr. used every method possible to fight for civil rights
• Ruth Handler founded Mattel and created Barbie dolls
• William Shakespeare came up with the story of Romeo and Juliet
• AND Florence Nightingale’s family supported her dream of becoming a nurse

Or did they…? Because… OH NO THEY DIDN’T!

Misconceptions about famous figures from the past and present are everywhere, but they’re not always true! In Oh No They Didn’t: Trailblazers, myths are busted about over 50 trailblazers—politicians, legends, athletes, activists, scientists, entrepreneurs, creatives, and more.

In this fresh and funny guide written by Eric Huang, learn about inspiring innovators from all over the world and their influence on history and pop culture. Stylishly designed and humorously illustrated by Sam Caldwell, Oh No They Didn’t: Trailblazers makes learning fun with surprising facts and a playful, upbeat approach to nonfiction.

Oh No They Didn’t: Trailblazers is the perfect, inspiring guide for ALL young readers to learn about influential innovators, including parts of their stories that may have been left out of traditional history books or media. In this easy-to-read book, you’re sure to discover lesser-known pioneers who deserve to be celebrated, too!

Author Biography

Eric Huang is a podcaster, writer, start-up mentor and university lecturer. He reads a lot, loves museums, nature, and art history. He worked as an editor and book publisher for 20 years with roles at Disney Publishing, Penguin Australia, Penguin UK, and LEGO Books—then joined digital agency Made in Me and became a children’s media consultant, and now a children's author. 

Sam Caldwell is an illustrator who lives in Glasgow with his wife and two cats, Tonks and Luna. He grew up in the north of England and studied painting at the Edinburgh College of Art. He loves inventing characters and creating images packed full of detail, texture, and color. He is passionate about animals and nature and, when not drawing, can often be found exploring the Scottish Highlands.