March is drawing to a close, but I didn’t want to neglect my tradition of reviewing picture book biographies of historical figures for Women’s History Month. Here are seven women you might enjoy teaching your children about, in chronological order. (You can read about more influential women in my recent posts on mathematicians, poets, and Emily Dickinson.)
Ada Lovelace, Poet of Science: The First Computer Programmer by Diane Stanley, illustrated by Jessie Hartland (Simon & Schuster, 2016)
This is a fascinating look at the life of Ada Lovelace (1815-1852), including her relationship with her parents, her great imagination, her interest in math and science, and her brilliant accomplishments. The text is complemented by playful illustrations. Although the publisher recommends the book for ages 4 to 8, I think the explanation of computer programming is beyond the youngest readers. The book ends with more information about Lovelace and the development of computers, a timeline, selected bibliography and glossary. Recommended for ages 7 to 10.
Bloom: A Story of Fashion Designer Elsa Schiaparelli by Kyo Maclear, illustrated by Julie Morstad (Tundra, 2018)
I must admit that my knowledge of (and interest in) fashion designers is scant, but I think this picture book does a fine job describing the childhood of Elsa Schiaparelli (1890-1973) and how she became interested in beauty, art, and fashion. Schiaparelli shocked the world with eccentric designs and this book certainly inspires the imagination: “Beauty itself blooms to reveal the irregular, the imperfect, the smart, tough, goofy, surreal, and wild.” The illustrations evoke the mood of the text perfectly. The book ends with a note from the author and illustrator, which provides more information about Schiaparelli’s designs and collaborators. There are also endnotes and a list of sources. Recommended for ages 5 to 10.
Classified: The Secret Career of Mary Golda Ross, Cherokee Aerospace Engineer by Traci Sorell, illustrated by Natasha Donovan (Millbrook Press, 2021)
It’s nice to read another picture book about a woman who excelled in her field through intelligence and hard work. Mary Golda Ross (1908-2008) was a Cherokee woman who studied math and science, and became a teacher and then an engineer. She worked for Lockheed Aircraft Corporation during World War II. She later joined their top-secret group and worked on satellites and space travel. Although I didn’t find the text or illustrations particularly captivating, it was interesting that the book highlights four Cherokee values that Ross exhibited throughout her life. These are also explained at the end of the book, along with author’s note, source notes, bibliography, a detailed timeline, and two photographs. Recommended for ages 7 to 10.
Bring Me Some Apples and I’ll Make You a Pie: A Story About Edna Lewis by Robbin Gourley (Clarion Books, 2009)
Edna Lewis (1916-2006) was a famous chef whose “most significant contribution was to make people aware of the importance of preserving traditional methods of growing and preparing food and of bringing ingredients directly from the field to the table.” This exuberant book follows her and her family as they gather food throughout the year from strawberries and wild greens in the spring to apples and pecans in the fall. It includes folk sayings and songs and colourful watercolour illustrations, and ends with an author’s note, list of cookbooks, and five tantalizing recipes. Recommended for ages 5 to 10.
Nina: A Story of Nina Simone by Traci N. Todd, illustrated by Christian Robinson (G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2021)
This detailed look at the life of musician Eunice Kathleen Waymon (1933-2003), better known by her stage name Nina Simone, gives a clear picture of her talent that emerged in early childhood, the styles of music she blended, and her involvement in the civil rights movement. I enjoyed the collage-style illustrations. The book ends with five pages that give more information about Nina Simone, and a brief bibliography. Recommended for ages 8 to 11.
Maya’s Song by Renée Watson, illustrated by Bryan Collier (HarperCollins, 2022)
This picture book about poet, activist, and writer Maya Angelou (1928-2014) is composed of free verse poems and perfectly lovely illustrations. And yet the tragic subject matter makes Angelou’s life a tough subject for a children’s book. Watson handles it very well. You’ll learn about Angelou’s friendship with other civil rights activists and be inspired by her bravery and resilience. A timeline, author’s note, and illiustrator’s note are included. Recommended for ages 10 to 12.
Niki Nakayama: A Chef’s Tale in 13 Bites by Jamie Michalak and Debbie Michiko Florence, illustrated by Yuko Jones (Farrar, Straus, Giroux, 2021)
This is the story of Niki Nakayama (b. 1974) from her childhood in a Japanese family living in Los Angeles, through the ups and downs of life as she strove to become a kaiseki chef – making multi-course meals that tell a story using local, seasonal ingredients. The lovely illustrations show visits to the grocery store, working in restaurants, and travelling through Japan. It’s a message of perseverance despite obstacles. The book ends with a timeline, more info about Chef Niki and Kaiseki, and an easy recipe for wonton pizzas. Recommended for ages 6 to 10.