It isn't often that mom notes about a picture book begin with discussion of back matter, especially picture books as superb as this one is. The fact iIt isn't often that mom notes about a picture book begin with discussion of back matter, especially picture books as superb as this one is. The fact is that this extremely intriguing account of a real CIVIL WAR era young woman who disguised herself as a man in order to enlist and serve for the northern forces held my attention one every page. Despite that, I found myself both admiring and being utterly intrigued by the masterful use of specific details in the account and the incredibly compelling art techniques used. The resulting talents and execution of text and visual storytelling left me feeling as if each page of the book as a timeless window to history I would otherwise never know. The Author note and the illustrator note revealed insights to the degree of research, pursuits, and layers of technique that required intense decision-making and editorial balance. Glossary, timeline, further historic details, and quotation sources from actual letters contribute even further. A powerful picture book biography, as well as an inspiring example of how to do this kind of work right....more
This account of the remarkably talented Barbara Cooney is a celebration of her artistic talent, the joy she pursued and found within family and natureThis account of the remarkably talented Barbara Cooney is a celebration of her artistic talent, the joy she pursued and found within family and nature, and her mindset- if she set her mind to it, she would likely do it! That last point is a refrain that occurs throughout the book and even into the back matter. The soft-hued illustrations evoke warm feelings for Cooney and for the places she loved. Her books, those that won awards and those she considers her finest, are among favorites off readers, librarians, and educators. Don't miss this, including the back matter. Revisit Cooney's books and share those widely, too....more
A delightful young-reader biography with an even more delightfully true premise: being a scientist and being an artist (dancer) are not mutually excluA delightful young-reader biography with an even more delightfully true premise: being a scientist and being an artist (dancer) are not mutually exclusive. In fact, the two pursuits actually develop compatible skillsets that make both careers more successful! What an inspiring life, and it is wonderfully celebrated in this book....more
An incredible adaptation for younger readers. The superb historical documentation and storytelling collaboration is a winner, and the learning curve isAn incredible adaptation for younger readers. The superb historical documentation and storytelling collaboration is a winner, and the learning curve is steep for the many Asian contributors and figures from American history whose stories have been ignored or actively suppressed in in the past....more
This rare account of an individual young Jewish woman who played a pivotal role in Poland and the Warsaw Ghetto uprising during the Holocaust. Few knoThis rare account of an individual young Jewish woman who played a pivotal role in Poland and the Warsaw Ghetto uprising during the Holocaust. Few know that there WAS an uprising, since so few Jews survived it and the Nazis actively suppressed news of it, but a few did, Valdka among them. This is a story that needs to be told and discussed and learned from. ...more
This powerful graphic presentation of the historic processes (focus on western civilization/history) across thousands of years that placed women firmlThis powerful graphic presentation of the historic processes (focus on western civilization/history) across thousands of years that placed women firmly under the control of men, in personal relationships, public roles, and philosophical identities in society. The references to the many notable figures (all male) whose writings and teachings framed the world in which we live are iconic to older readers, so much of this will be most effective in absorbing facts and drawing connections for older readers with some of that western canon background. The various narratives are "voiced" by both men and women from history, and back matter fully documents the sources for each. Names of generally "lost" woken in history are provided and honored but that does not weigh down the forward trajectory of the reading. Some lighter touches throughout (in text and illustration) keep it from being too negatively overwhelming, while staying firmly on the path of facts and truth....more
This is a thorough and powerful account of a man whose life and activism set the stage for the political/social passive resistance movements that follThis is a thorough and powerful account of a man whose life and activism set the stage for the political/social passive resistance movements that followed. As Martin Luther King Jr. said about Ghandi and nonviolent activism (paraphrased) Jesus taught the principles of the power of love in achieving better lives for the everyone in then world, but Ghandi taught us the method by which we can practice nonviolence to a successful end.
The story is very complex and could be challenging for youth readers without discussions and contextual backgrounds....more
I sure hope that the name WILMA RUDOLPOH has familiar to everyone by now. I have several favorite titles about herm spanning decades. This, though, isI sure hope that the name WILMA RUDOLPOH has familiar to everyone by now. I have several favorite titles about herm spanning decades. This, though, is a new favorite and takes amore purposeful and direct approach to the groundbreaking changes she led in daily life, not just in sports. Her accomplishments brought positive attention to her small home town and the people there rightly wanted to celebrate her accomplishments. Her time in Europe following the Olympics revealed to Wilma the remarkable openness and equality in societies in which skin color did not separate and denigrate one group over another. She set a firm boundary on what she would agree to do and how she would engage in celebrations. This included her refusal to take part unless ALL people, of any skin color or background, would be included as equals in the festivities, the parties, the meals, and more. After that time of celebration ended, though, her town, Clarksville, TN, continue to segregate the public pool, transportation, and more. But Wilma never stopped fighting for justice and using her success on the track to make gains for all people on the hardest of all fields- her racist community. The illustrations are vibrant and crisp, a collage approach that lifts elements from the page and makes each comparative spread (European social life vs her home life in the south) all the more dramatic because they are simply doing daily activities with entirely different, arbitrary rules. Recommended....more
Toni Stone was not familiar to me before reading this remarkable picture book biography of a determined, boundary-breaking big-league baseball playingToni Stone was not familiar to me before reading this remarkable picture book biography of a determined, boundary-breaking big-league baseball playing woman. This portrayal of her life offers plenty of documentation and examples of Toni's phenomenal sports talent, but also of her determination and persistence in proving she deserved her place on the field. The fact is that her debut on a major league team took so long and demanded much more undeniable evidence of her earned position solely because she was a woman in a man's world. Some supported and befriended her, but few managed to risk supporting her path forward, and many actively blocked her way. The conclusion is very satisfying (no spoiler here) and back matter includes a timeline and extensive resources to provide further information. Illustrations are effectively colorful, action-packed, and expressive, using multiple angles and perspectives to increase the thrills from Toni's life and from the sport itself.
I fully support the subtitle of this remarkable biography: CLAP YOUR HANDS FOR VIOLA SMITH! I'm a fan of big band music,mjazz, and especially percussiI fully support the subtitle of this remarkable biography: CLAP YOUR HANDS FOR VIOLA SMITH! I'm a fan of big band music,mjazz, and especially percussionists, but I do not recall ever hearing about VIOLA SMITH and her remarkable accomplishments. I wish I could ahve seen her play in person, but this account really opens a window to the remarkable life she lived. Born into a family of older sisters who each played (masterfully) different instruments, Viola longed to join in. Drums had not yet been claimed, and she worked her way through the multiple elements of a full drum kit, discovering for herself what distinct and impressive sounds each could produce. When Papa taught her proper drumstick technique and included her in the band, she launched a lifetime of learning and liberation. She overcame roadblocks and resistance, sought out coaches and mentors, and became, literally, a one-woman show at times. I really am overwhelmed by the many ways in which she pursued her dreams and heart, and that she lived (and played) to the age of 107, changing minds, winning fans, and demonstrating her phenomenal talent to the end. Back matter is equally helpful in finding out even more about her life and career....more
It's written in a quick-paced, clear-eyed way, framing the basic forces of physics (as above, and more) with examples and descriptions while offering It's written in a quick-paced, clear-eyed way, framing the basic forces of physics (as above, and more) with examples and descriptions while offering parallel ways in which girls demonstrate and apply such force in their roles in the world. The overall premise suggests a lively science/STEM classroom of club space led by an engaging and inviting female teacher/leader and attended by a diverse, attentive, and clever batch of girls/young women. The application shifts take them from that dedicated space into the community and real ways that they have force and power without being forceful or threatening. That's unless you are threatened by empowered young women.
Some of the other forces explored include magnetism, nuclear power, tension, and friction. You can imagine the countless ways in which those forces, in terms of physics, can also reference women of any age in a world that sometimes tries to force them into or out of roles. The overall text is lightly applied with elaboration in the illustrations, including simplified indicators of physics forces, including vectors, spirals, and more. Diversity displayed is extensive, suggesting identities, interests, adaptations, and potentials. The author note also indicates the importance of encouragement, with the author pointing out that her own engineer-father always provided opportunities for her to explore and engage with science and math throughout her life.
STEM has taken center stage in many aspects of publishing and educational approaches, but this is a grand example that directing aspects of science principles and challenges at girls and young women is a natural and valuable approach with lighthearted sincerity and appeal.
From cover to c over, end papers to title page to every single spread, the illustrations are vibrant storytelling tools to fully appreciate the remarkFrom cover to c over, end papers to title page to every single spread, the illustrations are vibrant storytelling tools to fully appreciate the remarkable life, culture, and accomplishments of indigenous marathon runner Lorena Ramirez. Text is equally impressive, inviting readers, from the first words, to join the journey through vivid text with onomatopoetic repetitions of the sounds of her feet, running in traditional skirts and sandals. This portrays the daily life of a young person and family in the rugged terrain of her people, the "light-footed people" of Chihuahua, Mexico, the Raramuri people. There, running and traveling many challenging miles each day for basic needs and experiences, Ramirez unknowingly prepared for her eventual successes as a marathon and ultra marathon runner. I found the main text and images to be exciting, inpiring, and jaw-dropping, with appreciation for the added text in the back to complete some basic informational content....more
An engaging read, told as though diary entries by Mrs. March, mother of those "little women". I'll admit to not being a huge fan of the original novel,An engaging read, told as though diary entries by Mrs. March, mother of those "little women". I'll admit to not being a huge fan of the original novel, this approach found me connecting and appreciating the characters and events more. Recommended. ...more
The life story of Frances Perkins merits many volumes, but for young readers there are no more able hands to depict her role in American history than The life story of Frances Perkins merits many volumes, but for young readers there are no more able hands to depict her role in American history than author Hopkinson's. With a clever opening, she asks young readers to pause and calculate how many years until they will be sixty-two. Next, she briefly reveals how Perkins learned life lessons at her parents sides: her father's value for education and her mother's value of helping those in need. The timing of those lessons in Perkins's early life combined with the horrifying news of the Triangle Shirtwaist fire/disaster. Her gender-defying rise to public roles to protect women, children, and all workers syncs ideally with the needs of the USA during the Great Depression and the election of FDR, who made her the first female cabinet member ever, Secretary of Labor. Deft illustrations make events of history and conditions of the times, including the challenges she fced in otherwise all-male power positions accessible for readers. The closing spread con temporizes the account with reminders that those who of us alive today continue to benefi from her work, including the establishment for Social Security. That opening question provides additional connection in back matter, asking readers to determine what year they will be eligible for social security benefits and briefly accounting for the ways government and politics can affect out lives while we work, and after. ...more
THis compact and compelling novel/novella is an immersive and intense exploration of isolation and humanity and relationships, played out without the THis compact and compelling novel/novella is an immersive and intense exploration of isolation and humanity and relationships, played out without the benefit of a common language but driven by sincere and deep humanity. Unforgettable and unique writing....more
This is a comprehensive approach to the histories and identities of people whose origin stories are rooted in East Asian, Middle East, middle Asian, aThis is a comprehensive approach to the histories and identities of people whose origin stories are rooted in East Asian, Middle East, middle Asian, and Pacific Islanders who have lived with the US and experienced macro- or micro discriminations based one those identities. It not only provides age-suited history of the political and social patterns that brought (or blocked) immigrants from those areas and nations to live in this country, it also celebrates individuals from each ethnicity and history across centuries. The text is suitable for upper elementary and middle grade, the illustrations throughout are vivid and positive, providing clarity about the variety of ages and identities claimed. It comes with a removable poster of the many heroes featured, and those span a remarkable range of talents and skills, including the arts, sports, science, business, entertainment, politics, the law, and more. Children of any background will find figures familiar and new, as well as engaging details and connectionsnwithn their own lives....more
The oldest library in the world, Located in the Middle East in a bustling medina, the oldest are in an ancient urban community. Before 900AD, young woThe oldest library in the world, Located in the Middle East in a bustling medina, the oldest are in an ancient urban community. Before 900AD, young woman Fatima had the bold and brilliant idea to form a school and reading area, which formed the roots of the eventual sprawling and remarkable library that set a model for all others to follow. The text allows the library its own voice, personifying centuries of history so that young readers might find greater empathy and connection to the glory days and the eventual disrepair of a classic structure and its purpose. The illustrations allow readers to immerse themselves in the tile art, architecture, and mosaic beauty that composes the entire structure, as well as the surrounding community members. This is a valuable book and story, one that will expand any Western-centric attitudes about literacy and literature. ...more
This account of a remarkable woman from centuries past revealed entire pages of previously unfamiliar history to me. It is an ideal example of why my This account of a remarkable woman from centuries past revealed entire pages of previously unfamiliar history to me. It is an ideal example of why my stance on "theme months", like Women's History month are worthy spotlights but should never be seen as limits to sharing stories of those whose history is OUR history. Dona Garcia's remarkable life accomplishments defied nearly every standard of her time in terms of the roles of women, and the management of her powers to reshape societies and communities. Her very intriguing story and her accomplishments as a woman of her time deserve everyone's attention, any day of the year. Highly recommended....more
I'm admittedly a Georgia O'Keefe fan. Her intensely engaging art, especailly focused on unique perspectives of natural elements (flowers, bones, and mI'm admittedly a Georgia O'Keefe fan. Her intensely engaging art, especailly focused on unique perspectives of natural elements (flowers, bones, and more) are nearly magnetic to my eyes, and I admire her distinctive, standard-stretching voice and art. This picture book is both biographic and environmentally informative, a perfect STEAM choice for young readers (Science-Tech-Engineering-Art-Math). Those terms feel a bit abrasive to the content of the book, since O'Keefe's commitment to a natural, Earth-friendly life. As with her art, her gardening/nutrition choices were both personally expressive AND intentional messages to her public. The text and art in this book capture much of the tone and tenor of O'Keefe's art and life....more
Loading...
