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Overlooked Women in Picture Book Biographies

Cover art for IRENA SENDLER AND THE CHILDREN OF THE WARSAW GHETTO
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2011
IRENA SENDLER AND THE CHILDREN OF THE WARSAW GHETTO
by Susan Goldman Rubin, illustrated by Bill Farnsworth
"Farnsworth's moody oil renditions authentically capture the tension, fear, despair and darkness of the period and culminate with a shining lifelike portrait of this now elderly heroine, who is only lately being recognized for her valiant behavior. (resources, index) (Picture book/biography. 8-12)"
Irena Sendler stands out on the list of righteous Gentiles for her incredibly daring methods of hiding and transporting nearly 400 babies and children out of Nazi-occupied Poland. Read full book review >
Cover art for SARAH EMMA EDMONDS WAS A GREAT PRETENDER
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2011
SARAH EMMA EDMONDS WAS A GREAT PRETENDER: THE TRUE STORY OF A CIVIL WAR SPY
by Carrie Jones, illustrated by Mark Oldroyd
"Recommended, especially for middle grades studying the Civil War. (Picture book/biography. 5-10)"
As far as we know, Sarah Emma Edmonds began dressing as a boy early on, in an attempt to please her abusive father, who hated girls. Read full book review >
Cover art for FOR THE LOVE OF MUSIC
CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 8, 2011
Kirkus Star FOR THE LOVE OF MUSIC: THE REMARKABLE STORY OF MARIA ANNA MOZART
by Elizabeth Rusch, illustrated by Steve Johnson, Lou Fancher
"Johnson and Fancher echo the elegant construction of the text by making their pictures in fabric and paper as well as oil and acrylic, so every image is full of texture and heft. (notes on language and music, biographical note, bibliography) (Picture book/biography. 5-9)"
The older sister of the composer Mozart was a child prodigy herself and toured with her little brother to great acclaim across 18th-century Europe. Read full book review >
Cover art for STAND STRAIGHT, ELLA KATE
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 1, 2010
STAND STRAIGHT, ELLA KATE: THE TRUE STORY OF A REAL GIANT
by Kate Klise, illustrated by M. Sarah Klise
"Children will likely be captivated by both the story and Ella Kate's quiet and direct voice. (Picture book/biography. 5- 9)"
Ella Kate Ewing had gigantism, a glandular disorder that gave her an adult height of 8 feet 4 inches and size 24 feet. Read full book review >
Cover art for EMMA’S POEM
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2010
EMMA’S POEM: THE VOICE OF THE STATUE OF LIBERTY
by Linda Glaser, illustrated by Claire A. Nivola
"Nicely done, enabling even young children to see how the poem and the statue came together. (Picture book/biography. 5-8)"
Emma Lazarus lived and wrote in New York City. Read full book review >
Cover art for IN HER HANDS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2009
IN HER HANDS: THE STORY OF SCULPTOR AUGUSTA SAVAGE
by Alan Schroeder, illustrated by JaeMe Bereal
"The acrylic paintings from debut artist Bereal are warm and inviting. (author's note) (Picture book/biography. 5-8)"
Schroeder, who has previously penned similar biographies of Harriet Tubman, Josephine Baker and Louis Armstrong, turns here to the life of a Florida girl who loved to work in clay. Read full book review >