Strong Women
Early Elementary Reads
Be Kind
Easy picture book
By: Pat Zietlow Miller
Roaring Brook Press, 2018
Character development; compassion; friendship
In this gentle story, a young girl witnesses a lunchroom full of students laugh at one girl's unfortunate misstep with grape juice. She wonders how best to help: give her a napkin or a sweatshirt? Pour grape juice on herself so as to re-focus the other kids? Her musings go further, identifying simple acts of kindness that could reverberate around the world. She recognizes the risks she takes in standing up to bullies, but also recognizes the rewards available to everyone when kindness abounds. The lovely illustrations are filled with details that add depth and understanding to the story and could launch many conversations about the examples of kindness being used.
This book will easily frame a classroom discussion on being kind to one another. Whether for a mid-year reminder or setting expectations at the start of the school year, this girl's strength and conviction will likely foster imitation.
Reviewed by:
Terri Faulkner, Library Services
Margaret and the Moon: How Margaret Hamilton Saved the First Lunar Landing
3-5
Non-fiction
By: Dean Robbins
Illus. by: Lucy Knisley
Alfred A. Knopf, 2017
Lexile: 630L
Tags: Women’s History, NASA, Apollo Missions, Computer history
Growing up in a time with limited options for women, Margaret Hamilton asked challenging questions and developed her own answers. Determined to have the same career choices as men, she worked hard in every subject, especially math, unknowingly preparing herself to be among the first software engineers. (She even invented the term.) Invited to NASA, Margaret authored much of the computer code that would land humans on the moon. Her foresight averted a computer overload that might have ended Apollo 11 in tragedy.
Dramatically told in simple text accompanied by cartoon illustrations, Margaret’s story is readily accessible to young readers. The charming end paper photographs would make a fun introduction to primary sources.
Reviewed by:
Nick Bleckley
Cheltenham Elem.
The World is Not a Rectangle
Biography
Written and illus. by: Jeanette Winter
Beach Lane Books, 2017
Lexile: 760
Tags: Architects; Modern architecture
A young Iraqi girl born in 1950 dreamed of recreating the ancient buildings and landforms of her homeland into beautiful designs. After receiving degrees in mathmatics and architecture and suffering many setbacks from those who could not see her vision, Zara Hadid finally realized her dreams with organic structures that are famous worldwide. She has received the most prestigious award in architecture as well as being named a Dame Commander of the British Empire.
The flowing illustrations in the book pair her buildings with the natural elements and artifacts that inspired her. Paintings of her famous works are located in the back matter along with an extensive bibliography. Teachers of STEAM activities would find this useful for a study on form and function.
Reviewed by: Peggy Obert
Alumni
Upper Elementary Reads
Malala's Magic Pencil
Autobiography
By: Malala Yousafzai
Illus. by Kerascoet
Little, Brown 2017
Lexile 740
Girls' education; courage; Pakistan
Malala Yousafzai's life has been witnessed by the world for years, and she is committed to using this public stage to draw attention to the importance of education, especially for girls. This sweet narration, accompanied by gentle illustrations, explains how Malala found both her voice and the courage to use it, despite the very real threat of the Taliban. The violence of her attempted assassination is shown as a solid black page, with a simple explanation: "My voice became so powerful that dangerous men tried to silence me. But they failed."
Use this powerful perspective from the youngest Nobel Peace Prize winner to illustrate how "one child, one teacher, one book and one pen can change the world."
Reviewed by:
Terri Faulkner, Library Services
Little Bits of Sky
Realistic Fiction
By: S.E. Durant
Holiday House, 2017
Lexile: 750
Tags: Foster children; Families
Ira and her brother Zac have been in and out of foster homes when they finally land in Skilly House, a children's home in London run by the enigmatic Mrs. Clanks. After a visit in the country to Martha Freeman's farm, the two children long more than ever for a permanent home, and it looks like they might get their wish when Martha invites them back again. Then Zac's obsession to locate their mother takes them on a tragic trip and it seems all is lost, but Martha's big heart takes them in and they discover something astonishing about Mrs. Clanks.
Poignant and wistful, all the characters come alive in this story about making a family. Ira, already older than her years, blooms when her gifts are appreciated and becomes an overcomer. Share this hopeful book with students who have experienced a loss of family.
Reviewed by: Peggy Obert
Alumni
Greatest Moments in Women's Sports
Nonfiction
By: Todd Kortmeier
Abdo, 2018
Lexile: 920
Tags: Women athletes
Beginning with Gertrude Ederle's astonishing English Channel swim and ending with Katie Ledecky's Olympic accomplishments, this book presents seven athletes who have stunned the world. The back stories of legendary women such as Nadia Comaneci, Florence Griffith Joyner, and Jackie Joyner-Kersee show their struggles and the determination they had to succeed. Also highlighted are University of Connecticut basketball star Breanna Stewart and U.S. women's soccer champion Brandi Chastain.
Some might quibble as to whether these are actually the greatest moments, but boys and girls alike can get inspiration and motivation from the lives of these amazing people who broke through the glass ceiling to make a place for women in male-dominated sports. Large text and clear color photographs make this useful for reluctant sports-mad readers, as well as for a March read aloud.
Reviewed by: Peggy Obert
Alumni
She Persisted
3-5
Biography
By: Chelsea Clinton
Illus. By: Alexandra Boiger
Philomel Books, 2017
Lexile:1170
Tags: Women, Political Activists, Historical events
There have been many strong women who have impacted American History. Some of the women in this book are familiar, some are not. The thirteen women highlighted in this book have all made an impact on our country. The author and illustrator want to show readers “that no matter what obstacles may be in their paths, they shouldn’t give up on their dreams. Persistence is power.”
The book includes the stories of thirteen women who made a difference. It includes names that many of us are familiar with, such as Harriet Tubman, Helen Keller, Ruby Bridges. Other names that are not as well known, Clara Lemilich, Nellie Bly, and Virginia Apgar are also included.
Reviewed by: Karen Burns
Place Bridge Academy
Daisy Saves the Day
3-5
Easy Fiction
By: Shirley Hughes
Candlewick Press, 2014
Lexile: 840
Tags: Twentieth-century London, Servants, Lower Class Life
Daisy Dobbs lived in London when servants were common place in the homes of the rich. When her family fell on hard times, she started to work as a scullery maid in a house with two older ladies. She works hard, although is not really adept at housework. She misses school, her family and the ability to read books. When the younger niece comes to visit, she takes an interest in Daisy. She arranged for Daisy to borrow some of the books so she could keep up her reading. Daisy was a little happier, but still missed her family. One night, a fire started in the kitchen when cook was asleep. She ran down, woke the cook and helped get the fire out. Her employers were so pleased, they rewarded her. They said that they would pay for her to go back to school and live with her family.
Although a fictional story, it shows how life was for many of the poorer families. They often placed their children in rich homes as servants. This story is set in the early twentieth century London.This little girl showed courage and tenacity, and was rewarded for it. This would be good to read with a small group or class to show what life was like for those who were not privileged.
Reviewed by: Karen Burns
Place Bridge Academy
Little Leaders
3-5
Biography
By: Vashti Harrison
Little, Brown & Company, 2017
Lexile: 1050
Tags: Notable women; African Americans; Black history
Little Leaders started as a drawing challenge for artist, Vashti Harrison, to celebrate Black History Month. Harrison’s goal was to illustrate one notable African American woman for each day of the month of February, write a brief summary of her accomplishments, and post it to social media. Harrison was so moved by the women’s contributions, she compiled her work into a collection of 40 short biographies to inspire girls of all colors to go after their dreams.
Each one-page bio describes the leader’s childhood, major accomplishments and legacy. Biographies include well-known leaders such as Harriet Tubman, Ella Fitzgerald, and Oprah Winfrey as well as lesser-known individuals such as Rebecca Lee Crumpler, the first female black physician, and Bessie Coleman, the first African American woman to earn her pilot’s license. Most notable though are the simple and beautiful illustrations. Each woman is drawn identically, but has unique hair, clothing and framed in a background that is representative of her accomplishments and era. A great edition to elementary non-fiction collections.
Reviewed by: Lori Micho
Library Services
Middle and High School Reads
Meet Cindy Sherman
6-8
Biography
By: Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan
Roaring Brook Press, 2017
Lexile: 920
Curriculum: Biography; Photography; Women
While this title is a biography of photographer Cindy Sherman, it also challenges how art is viewed and interpreted. Over a thirty year career, Cindy Sherman’s art has defied convention. By dressing up, disguising herself as a myriad of characters, and then staging the photographs of herself, Cindy created provocative portraits open to interpretation.
This is a fascinating title to explore. Cindy Sherman’s photographs appear on every page and challenge readers to see their own stories in them. A great conversation starter regarding art, storytelling, and stereotypes.
Reviewed by:
Michelle Jensen
George Washington H.S.
#NotYour Princess
9-12
Non-fiction
Edited by: Lisa Charleyboy and Mary Beth Leatherdale
Annick Press, 2017
Tags: Ethnic identity
The pages of this book ring with the voices of Native American women. Through poetry, narrative, art, photography, interviews and social media, the spirits of indigenous women sound clearly.
This beautiful book is filled with the power of women from a broad spectrum of American experiences. Give this book to girls seeking to find their own voices, their own ethnicity. This book is appropriate for middle school though some of the finer nuances will take a little more maturity to be fully appreciated.
Reviewed by: Chris Coble
CEC Early College
Malala: Activist for Girls' Education
6-8
Non-fiction
By: Raphaele Frier
Illus. by: Aurelia Fronty
Charlesbridge, 2017
Lexile: 830L
Tags: Women’s History, Civil Rights, Education
Translated from the French, this forty-page picture book stands out in two ways. First, it features unusually challenging text as it tells Malala’s story in context of the Swat Valley’s recent war-torn history. Second, Fronty’s illustrations, inspired by her studies in textile design and contemporary art, are simply dazzling.
Filled with references to the Taliban, to exclusive gender roles, and to Pakistani history, this would be an excellent book for presenting annotating in the upper elementary and middle school grades. An extensive afterword treats the history of Pakistan and the Pashtun people, leaders who inspired Malala, quotes from her many speeches, and online resources.
Reviewed by:
Nick Bleckley
Cheltenham Elem.
Click for availability
The Bitter Kingdom
9-12
Fantasy
By: Rae Carson
Green Willow Books, 2014
Lexile: 760
Tags: Personal power; Magic
Elisa is traveling again. This time following the group who kidnapped Hector. She is willing to risk everything to get him back.
Elisa has always believed it was the living Godstone in her navel that allowed her to become a powerful leader, but when the Godstone dies and falls out she realizes that it is her own determination that got her where she is. This is the conclusion of the trilogy, The Girl of Fire and Thorns. Fast paced and riveting, with plenty of action. This will be best in high school.
Reviewed by: Chris Coble
CEC Early College
Bad Romance
9-12
Realistic Fiction
By: Heather Demetrios
Imprint, 2017
Lexile: 660
Tags: Dating; School Life; Theater; Emotional and physical abuse
Grace is thrilled when Gavin, the hot, popular, bad boy rocker of the school begins showering her with attention. Life at home is rough, but she can endure anything as long as she has Gavin. But then his affection turns to obsession and Grace is not sure how to break free.
Bad Romance is an intense, realistic look at teen life and abuse. This is a must read for both sexes and is sure to circulate as it delves into the chaotic feelings and manipulation of an unhealthy relationship. Strong language and sexual situations make this a YA title.
Reviewed by: Michelle Jensen
George Washington H.S.
Because I Was a Girl
9-12
Non-fiction
Edited by: Melissa De La Cruz
Henry Holt and Company, 2017
Tags: Inspirational; Women's stories; Overcoming obstacles
Women and girls from all walks of life share how they have overcome obstacles to pursue their dreams and achieve their own style of success. Beginning with Dolores Huerta, 38 brief reflections are shared by leaders in various fields; athletes, writers, activists, politicians, and entrepreneurs.
This title provides accessible text, portraits of each contributor, and quotes highlighted on a full page. Thoughtful, encouraging and inspirational, this compilation is worth a look.
Reviewed by: Michelle Jensen
George Washington H.S.