Shaping History- One Woman at a Time

Happy International Women's Day, March 8, 2013!

Okay, okay, okay... despite my persistent pouting about the arbitrary and somewhat restrictive aspects of designating "months" for various important shapers of history, March is what it is- Women's History Month. That presents a perfect opportunity to feature three eloquent biographies about women whose lives transformed America and influenced the world. If that sounds like hyperbole, I challenge you to read these books and see if you don't agree.
In each case I've also linked to reviews on blogs you may want to follow.

Balzer + Bray, 2013

Let's start with BRAVE GIRL: CLARA and the SHIRTWAIST MAKERS' STRIKE of 1909  by Michelle Markel, illustrated by Melissa Sweet. On Goodereads I wrote:

Clara Lemlich's role in the early labor movement (International Ladies Garment Workers Union) is stirringly portrayed in words and images. Pair this with Littlefield's FIRE IN THE TRIANGLE FACTORY or Gunderson's graphic history: THE TRIANGLE SHIRTWAIST FACTORY FIRE for engaging discussions about labor history in the early 1900's.

For more details read this review on the Prairie Lights Books blog.

Albert Whitman & Co., 2012

Then take time to read and appreciate HEART ON FIRE: Susan B. Anthony Votes for President, by Ann Malaspina, illustrated by Steve James. Here's my note from Goodreads:
Numerous titles share the story of Susan B. Anthony and her role in securing women's right to vote. In most cases the event featured in this title is mentioned as one of many.This book, with immediacy and focus, tells of her decision to exercise her fourteenth amendment right to vote in the presidential election. Her subsequent trial and outspoken position in the face of a conviction were, as the text says, "Outrageous. Unbelievable. True."
Back matter offers excellent extended information to put this isolated story into the context of her life.

Here's a review from a blog by children's author Jeanne Walker Harvey, True Tales & a Cherry On Top.

Hyperion, 2009

Last, but by no means least (or final), in any discussion of biographies of amazing women, is ELEANOR, QUIET NO MORE, by Doreen Rappaport, illustrated by Gary Kelley.
From childhood on Eleanor was made to feel self-conscious and unimportant, but she seized opportunities to learn and grow. Eventually a teacher "shocked" her into thinking, to seeing the world as it was, to recognize needs in others, and to serve.
Her life of service is described in accessible text and illustrated in luminous images and direct quotations.

Check out this review on a  blog worth following this month and always, A Mighty Girl.

And just to show what a good sport I can be about these monthly themes I'll suggest a few other posts that feature titles you won't want to miss:

I recommend that KidLit Celebrates should be your first stop, and bookmark it for future reference. After that stop by TeachWithPictureBooks, which has been inactive lately but offers archives rich with worthy titles and resources. Finally, you can't go wrong following the School LIbrary Journal blog.

Standing on the Shoulders of History

This week marked the 57th inauguration of an American president. Commentators from all points of view on the political spectrum noted the significance of our peaceful transition of power. Compared to ancient civilizations, the United States is still in its youth, but as a working democracy in modern times we are the forerunners of many others that followed.
When taking the oath of office, Obama rested his hand on bibles that belonged to Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King, Jr. The significance and symbolism of that led me to prepare this feature and postpone for now the one I had planned.

More books have been written about these these two historic figures than about any other Americans, but two titles are deserving of a lingering look. Both are illustrated with luminous paintings by Kadir Nelson. Even a quick glance at his website and the picture books he has illustrated reveals his artistic and interpretive talent and and his affinity for portraying the essence of historic leaders.

Schwartz and Wade, 2012

I HAVE A DREAM by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is a picture book/CD combination. Most books with its twelve-by-twelve inch format would be described as oversized, but in this case it is right-sized. King's iconic speech and his stirring delivery have been replayed so often that at least snippets of it are recognizable to every generation. Although I didn't attend the event, I lived in that time and was aware that history was being made. Everyone was, whether they liked the direction in which he was leading the country or not. Nelson captures the density and intensity of King's words, phrase by phrase, on lush double-page spreads. The accompanying CD is the official recording of King's speech on that history-shaping day.

Hyperion Books, 2008

In ABE'S HONEST WORDS, by Doreen Rappaport, lyrical biographical narrative is paired with excerpts from Lincoln's writings. Some of the selections are familiar, others less so. Lincoln, like King, read widely, deeply, and often, including the bible. Both men drew strength from words, reshaping them to their times. Both men had the ability to write and speak those words compellingly, not diminishing the wisdom of those who came before but enhancing it.

Back cover

On the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation and the 50th anniversary of King's March on Washington, the use of these bibles for the inauguration was more than symbolic. It was a call to consider how we have advanced as a nation, and to honor those who helped us do so.

In my opinion both titles qualify as coffeetable books as well as picture books, inviting repeated inspection and reflection by readers of every age.

Are there other Lincoln and King picture books among your favorites?