Picture Book Review: Social Justice Books

Just a couple about social justice:

Feelings are powerful motives - keep them close and let them fuel you.

A very inclusive book about being yourself and helping to make the world a better place. 

Another book about following your heart and making your dreams come true. Together we can make a difference.

I love the message of this book. 

Picture Book Review: Raise Your Hand

 

Alice answers a question in class but gets the answer wrong. She's embarrassed and when the teacher asks the next question, she knows the answer. But she doesn't raise her hand. Other girls don't raise their hands and decides to come up with an idea. How can they make girls feel more confident?

This is such an important topic - girls not raising their hands in school and girls losing their confidence. I love the message that no one is right all the time. Everyone is wrong sometimes, but that doesn't mean that you stop trying. It's such an encouraging story. This is a must have book for your school or public library.

Picture Book Review: Phenomenal AOC

 

This picture book biography's tagline is: the roots and rise of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

My Thoughts: I really admire AOC, so I was super excited to have a picture book biography about her. I loved this book - from the brightly colored illustrations to sharing the idea that resources are not the same for everyone talking about how family comes first. The love how they explained grassroots and building up a support of everyday people and not big companies. I love how they shared that many people underestimated AOC her entire life, but that she works hard on proving them wrong.  I also love the lessons shared in the back of the book. This is one heck an inspiring read. 

Picture Book Review: Smile,Sophia

Everyone wants Sophia to smile - but she's not interested in making other people happy. She has nothing to smile about...until she does.

I love the messages in this book. First and foremost about smiling when you want to - not because other people think you should smile. Secondly about knowing your passion and following it. Thirdly, about science and discovery. Lastly, about being yourself. A fantastic book with an amazing dedication. 

Library Recommendation: A must have book for your school and public libraries.

Picture Book Wednesday: Women History Month

 

March is Women's History Month, so here are some great books to share. 

Rosie embodies all women of the past and present. I loved the message of this book how she is a symbol for strength for all women. Yes, she became a symbol in WWII, but it still unites us today.

Ruth loved looking in her backyard - and she found a number of bones. She knew they were important, but for years and years, no one believed her. Until they did.

Another great story about never giving up and always being curious. I loved the illustrations and the connection with Wales. 

A dragon is attacking the kingdom, but the princess's parents aren't doing anything to stop it. Instead they keep showering their daughter with frilly sparkly things. Princess Susan takes matters into her own hands and solves the problem.

A powerful book about problem solving, listening to others, and friendship. No one fits into boxes anymore. We need to listen when people talk to us and share their truths. I loved the ending and the new business idea. 

Picture Book Wednesday: Women's History Month

Welcome to Women's History Month.

Here are some picture book biographies I've recently purchased for the library or been sent for review. Each of these books showcase determination, changing the rules, and hard work. They're all excellent additions to your school and public libraries. 

A Jane Austen picture book and how she found her voice. She didn't like the popular works of the time, and used that to her advantage. Her experiences added depth to her voice, fleshing out her characters.  I'm always interested in reading anything about Jane Austen. The illustrations are lovely. This book is charming.

* sent for review

Brenda Berkman wanted a job where she could help people and that was active. When she heard the announcement that the NYFD was finally going to allow women to take the exam, she signed up.  She passed the written test and trained for the physical test. But she failed and so did every other woman. Brenda didn't let her failure stop her; she knew the test wasn't fair. And she spoke up.  It wouldn't be the last time she spoke up either. 

A great picture book about discrimination, determination, and breaking glass ceilings. This book is perfect for elementary school readers. 

* Sent for review

Rosita grew up in Puerto Rico where she loved to sing and dance. But one day, she moved away with her mother leaving the rest of her family behind. They traveled to the United States where Rosita didn't fit in. She struggles to be happy and dancing makes her happy. She dances and she acts her way to Hollywood where she changes her name and plays roles she doesn't like. Until she does.

 A great picture book about dancing, breaking down barriers, and making history. 

Manon played hockey with her brothers but when her Dad needed a goalie for the game, he played his daughter. She fell in love and never looked back. She worked hard. She made leagues change their rules. She made her way to the professional leagues. 

Another great book about sports and breaking barriers and changing the rules. 

Picture Book Review: Saving the Countryside

Beatrix Potter loved the summers she spent in the country during her childhood. She found inspiration in the country and created Peter Rabbit. As Peter Rabbit became a success despite the odds, she saved her beloved countryside.

My Thoughts: I adored this book. The illustrations were gorgeous. I loved learning about a lesser known part of Beatrix Potter's life. I love that she found success in breaking the rules and that she wanted to do something that mattered. I love that she flourished as an author/illustrator but also used science. I loved that deep down she was a business woman and understood how the world worked. And she used that to her advantage. A very informative beautiful book. 

Highly recommended for school and public libraries

Top Ten Tuesday: Feminist Picture Books

This week's topic is a freebie. I'm chatting about some favorite feminist picture books biographies I've read so far this year. I love reading about smart women. Several of these books were my first introduction to these women. And the books made quite an impact.

Picture Book Review: Roundup of Women's History Month Books

Here are several amazing picture book biographies that are perfect for Black History Month and Women's History Month. They are must have books for school and public libraries. 

Mabel Fairbanks wasn't allowed to skate because of her skin color - but she was determined and talented. She never made it to competitions but she did dance in ice shows. And she coached other talented skaters. She's the first Black person inducted into the Figure Skating Hall of Fame. She broke down barriers and became a star in her own right.

Mary Walker was born a slave and freed by the Emancipation Proclamation. She worked hard to support her family. She didn't know how to read until one day when she was the only person left in her family, she decided it was time. So she did at the young age of 116  - showing that you're never too old to learn. This book sends a great message to all readers. Plus the collage art work illustrations were fun.

Althea Gibson was great at sports, but especially great at playing tennis. She knew how to compete and had a big personality. She always wanted to win. But even though she was talented, strong, and athletic, she had a hard time because she wasn't allowed to play the best athletes. Her determination and skill helped her break down barriers. She because the first Black person to win Wimbledon. 

Before Rosa Parks, there was Lizzie Jennings. In 1854, she was late and waned to sit on the streetcar. After a conductor blocker her way and forced her off, she sued the company. With the help of a witness, she won the case. It was one victory, but it made a difference and things slowly started to change for streetcar segregation. Lizzie was strong, determined, and she wanted justice. She didn't deserve to be treated so poorly. Her case was the first recorded court case for equal rights on transportation and many more cases would follow. 

Aretha Franklin was a shy young girl, but she sang at church. When she was 10 years old, people knew she'd be going places because of her voice. And she did. She signed with a record company. She refused to sing for white only crowds. She sang the music that spoke to her and as a savvy business woman, she because a huge success.  Her music inspired people and she became the first woman inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Picture Book Review: The Only Woman in the Photo

Frances Perkins was once a shy girl who challenged herself and ended up changing the world. 

A fantastic book about a rarely talked about woman who helped create several safety regulations, social security, and the New Deal. She was an invaluable member of FDR's cabinet. She didn't like the spotlight. She was influenced by her grandmother. She believed in helping everyone - an inspiriting woman.

Library recommendation: This amazing picture book is a must have book for school and public libraries. And the perfect book to share during Women's History Month.

Picture Book Wednesday: Like a Girl

Like a Girl is no longer an insult.

We've embraced it.

This book celebrates all the girls and women who have shatters glass ceilings before today's children. It inspires kids to be like them. At the end of the book, there are mini biographies on all the ladies showcased. This is a wonderful book to share - the illustrations are great and the message is powerful!

Library Recommendation: A must have book for school and public libraries.

Picture Book Review: Chicks Rule

When she arrives at the rocket meeting, Nerdy Chick is stunned to learn girls aren't allowed. She's not about to take that lying down. She rallies the other girls and together they create their own club.

I loved this book which celebrates the differences of being female while bringing us all together. The chicks didn't become angry - instead they worked together to solve the problem. I loved that all kinds of chicks were included and how inspiring they were. The artwork is amazing.

Library Recommendation: A must have book for both school and public libraries. 

Picture Book Wednesday: Brave Ballerina

A picture book biography of Janet Collins - the first Black principal dancer at the Metropolitan Opera House. 

Janet Collins had dreams - big dreams. She worked hard to achieve them. I loved reading about her determination and her refusal to change herself because of the color of her skin. She didn't compromise her beliefs. I loved her strength. A fantastic story with wonderful illustrations that made me wish I could dance. 

Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your school and public libraries.

Picture Book Review: Planting Stories

A picture book biography of librarian and storyteller Pura Belpre.

Of course I loved reading this book, it's about a fellow librarian!

I loved learning about her storytelling - the puppets, the sharing of the cultures, and connecting with her patrons. I loved how she realized there were no books sharing her culture, so she wrote them herself. I loved the illustrations. A wonderful book to share.

Library Recommendation: A must have biography for schools and public libraries.