Leading the Way: Women in Power
by Senator Janet Howell & Theresa Howell, Illustrated by Kylie Akia & Alexandra Bye
Candlewick Press, October 8, 2019
Nonfiction * Girls & Women * History
Audience: Ages 10 and up
IndieBound | WorldCat
Description from GoodReads: Meet some of the most influential leaders in America, including Jeannette Rankin, who, in 1916, became the first woman elected to Congress; Shirley Chisholm, the first African-American woman elected to Congress; Sandra Day O'Connor, the first woman to sit on the Supreme Court; and Bella Abzug, who famously declared, "This woman's place is in the House . . . the House of Representatives!" This engaging and wide-ranging collection of biographies highlights the actions, struggles, and accomplishments of more than fifty of the most influential leaders in American political history -- leaders who have stood up, blazed trails, and led the way.
Quick thoughts on the book:
Five years ago, there were so fewer books about women and their accomplishments. However, more and more books are coming out that feature women leaders, activists, athletes, scientists, and more. The latest of these books is Leading the Way: Women in Power. It looks at 50 women who have or are active in politics.
Each women has a two page spread that includes a quote, some quick facts, power symbols (see image below) and limited biographical information. Though I might have swapped out some of the women at the end of the book (in the “more women to explore” section” ) with some of the women that were included, all of the women in the book deserve recognition and many have typically never been included in other compilations.
The book includes a guide to the power symbols at the beginning. At the end of the book, there is a section on “how to stand up and speak up” which encourages young women to get involved. There is also a list of additional women politicians that readers can look up and explore for more examples of those making a difference. Sources notes are also included at the end.
Look for this book at your local indie bookstore or community library.
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