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"A nonfiction picture book compilation of the stories of 13 American women who persisted in overcoming obstacles and changing the world"--Provided by publisher. "Chelsea Clinton introduces tiny feminists, mini activists and little kids who are ready to take on the world to thirteen inspirational women who never took no for an answer, and who always, inevitably and without fail, persisted. Throughout American history, there have always been women who have spoken out for what's right, even when they have to fight to be heard. In early 2017, Senator Elizabeth Warren's refusal to be silenced in the Senate inspired a spontaneous celebration of women who persevered in the face of adversity. In this book, Chelsea Clinton celebrates thirteen American women who helped shape our country through their tenacity, sometimes through speaking out, sometimes by staying seated, sometimes by captivating an audience. They all certainly persisted. She Persisted is for everyone who has ever wanted to speak up but has been told to quiet down, for everyone who has ever tried to reach for the stars but was told to sit down, and for everyone who has ever been made to feel unworthy or unimportant or small. With vivid, compelling art by Alexandra Boiger, this book shows readers that no matter what obstacles may be in their paths, they shouldn't give up on their dreams. Persistence is power. This book features: Harriet Tubman, Helen Keller, Clara Lemlich, Nellie Bly, Virginia Apgar, Maria Tallchief, Claudette Colvin, Ruby Bridges, Margaret Chase Smith, Sally Ride, Florence Griffith Joyner, Oprah Winfrey, Sonia Sotomayor--and one special cameo"--Provided by publisher.… (more)
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This sounds like a high school English assignment to cover a single idea with some examples and turn it in, in about a week. No obvious errors, good subject, just a very simple exercise in a week's library research and writing a
Her inspired choice of Nellie Bly over her contemporaries in the woman’s suffrage movement and Claudette Colvin over the better known Rosa Parks was refreshing. The curious choice of Oprah Winfrey and the unfortunate choice of ignoring deserving Asian American women was not. Putting Harriet Tubman, who has one of the most remarkable stories in American history, in the same category as Florence Griffith Joyner, who has an Olympic track record, is a bit jarring. On the other hand, Clinton includes great examples of persisting against the odds to follow your dream with Virginia Apgar, Maria Tallchief, and Sallie Ride.
The book looks great and could easily inspire ten sequels with equally compelling stories. I would read all of them.
Ages: 5-7
Source: Pierce County Library
Women responded in outrage all over the social media, using the hashtags #LetLizSpeak and #ShePersisted.
Clinton decided to adopt that phrase for the title for her collection of short vignettes about 13 women throughout American history who changed the country through their persistence. Obviously there are a plethora of women who could have been featured in this book. In an interview, Clinton explained she chose women who have inspired her over time, the challenge being to narrow down that list. She decided to include a mix of people who were well known and those not so well known, in the hope those in the latter category would become as familiar as those in the former.
The thirteen, most of whom engaged in social activism to bring about a more just world, include Harriet Tubman, Helen Keller, Clara Lemlich, Nellie Bly, Virginia Apgar, Maria Tallchief, Claudette Colvin, Ruby Bridges, Margaret Chase Smith, Sally Ride, Florence Griffith Joyner, Oprah Winfrey, and Sonia Sotomayor.
Clinton writes:
“Sometimes being a girl isn’t easy. At some point, someone probably will tell you no, will tell you to be quiet and may even tell you your dreams are impossible. Don’t listen to them. These thirteen American women certainly did not take no for answer. They persisted.”
Illustrator Alexandra Boiger uses watercolors that will appeal to the young audience for whom this book is intended.
Evaluation: In my own childhood, I heard all those same discouraging statements said to me as Clinton wrote in the quote cited above. I hope this book and others like it help teach young girls that obstacles can be surmounted and aspirations realized, if only one persists.
This could be a great book to spark conversation about what kids want to accomplish in their own lives, and it could be a great jumping-off point for studying important people in history.
Also posted on Purple People Readers.
There are great things about this book: the leaders in this book are well curated and it is smart to repeat "she persisted" in every story. I must admit
This book can be a great jumping-off point, but leaves more questions than answers. Be prepared.
The women's stories are written by Chelsea Clinton, and illustrated by Alexandra Boiger. They are as follows;
Harriet Tubman, the leader
Clara Lemlich, fled from the Ukraine and search for a better life. She worked in the New York garment industry. She noted the terrible working conditions, and she organized picket lines and helped others to a better, pay, safer working conditions. Her efforts benefited men and women.
Helen Keller, born blind and deaf, learned to read, write and speak, and she attended and graduated
college. Her efforts to overcome her disability became a positive influence for men and woman.
Nellie Bly was a person who became a reporter. Male reporters pushed her down. Her career was dedicated to others who were told they could not fulfill their dreams to stand up to injustice.
Virginia Apgar was determined to become a doctor. She became an anesthesiologist and was responsible for creating the Apgar score applied to newborn babies.
Maria Tallchief was the first Native American to obtain the first great American prima ballerina.
Ruby Bridges was a black American. She was responsible for breaking the barriers of black people who were told they could not attend white schools. She faced incredible nastiness of those who did not want her there.
Margaret Chase Smith was a U.S. representative and a U.S. senator she continued to fight for woman's rights.
Sally Ride was the first American woman in space.
Florence Griffith Joyner persisted in her drive to train and become fast. She obtained her wish, and was successful in obtaining world records in the 1988 Summer Olympics.
Oprah Winfrey became the well-known woman on TV, her show won many awards. And, her show is the highest talk show.
Claudette Colvin was only fifteen when she denied her right to sit on a bus labeled for whites. She help to inspire Rosa Parks who became the second person to do what she did.
Maria Tallchief had to overcome the belief that a Native American could become the American prima ballerina.
Sonia Sotomayer, learned how to speak English as well as her native language. She became a Supreme Court justice.
This year, a young female family member is turning five years old – the perfect age for picture books and she devours them. As I thought about which book to pick out for her for her birthday, only one came to mind – She Persisted. She has terrific parents who have read probably every book under the sun to her already, and I know they want her to know that regardless of any adversity she might face, she will always find the strength within herself to persist until she achieves every goal she sets for herself.
She Persisted includes both well- and little-known women in America’s history. Clinton forgoes including Rosa Parks and instead includes her predecessor, Claudette Colvin. She chooses Clara Lemlich over Susan B. Anthony and Margaret Chase Smith over any other female politician. Her choices are diverse and inclusive, not just in terms of heritage and skin color, but also in occupation and the obstacles the women had to overcome. I adore each and every women included, particularly the inclusion of Sonia Sotomayor over Ruth Bader Ginsberg or Sandra Day O’Connor.