From A for Angela Davis to Z for Zora Neale Hurston, this memorable abecedarian introduces readers to women leaders of community organizing, music, sports, writing and much more.
Kate Schatz introduces nearly all of the women by their first name (except for "G is for the Grimke Sisters," Angelina and Sarah), gives a one-line encapsulation ("who devoted their lives to the pursuit of equality"), followed by a sentence or two in large type in the color corresponding to the background of the illustration opposite, then provides a few paragraphs of details about each woman's life and work. Miriam Klein Stahl's cut-paper portraits pulse with energy, whether it's an image of Billie Jean King wielding her tennis racquet, or "Queen Bessie" Coleman alongside her biplane. The individuals alone will inspire young people, but as a collective, they demonstrate that each woman's pursuit of staying true to her vision--whether it be dance, preserving nature or designing a war memorial--furthers women's rights as a movement. Some readers may wish for references (e.g., for direct quotes from Carol Burnett and activist Jovita Idar, and a timeline for each woman within her biography, even though it's in the front matter), but most will appreciate the span of this diverse range of women and their vocations.
Author and artist place well-known personalities alongside everyday heroes, and show that you can't have one without the other. --Jennifer M. Brown, children's editor, Shelf Awareness