For women’s history month here are six picture books that highlight women throughout history that I’ve read over the past year. A few of the women may be familiar, but I expect some will be new to you. I’ve arranged the books more or less chronologically by subject.
The Ride: The Legend of Betsy Dowdy by Kitty Griffin, illustrated by Marjorie Priceman (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2010)
Have you heard of Betsy Dowdy? Similar to Laura Secord or Paul Revere she made a dangerous journey to warn of an enemy attack. The difference is that it is uncertain whether Betsy Dowdy was a real person. This colourful picture book tells the legend of her brave ride to warn the colonists of a British attack in North Carolina in 1775. The story is well-written and showcases the qualities of bravery and selflessness. Folk art style illustrations complement the retelling of this famous legend. A short author’s note provides more information. Recommended for ages 6 to 10.
Sisters of Scituate Light by Stephen Krensky, illustrated by Stacey Schuett (Dutton Children’s Books, 2008)
This picture book takes an obscure incident from the War of 1812 and turns it into a compelling story. Rebecca and Abbie Bates were daughters of a lighthouse keeper living near Boston. When their father took the rest of the family on a short trip, the girls stayed home to tend the light. Soon they found themselves with another task: scaring off a British warship! A historical note about the war could have been more detailed, but it does explain that the dialogue in the story was taken from magazine interviews with Rebecca and Abbie. I love the style of the illustrations. Recommended for ages 6 to 10.
Jump at the Sun: The True Life Tale of Unstoppable Storycatcher Zora Neale Hurston by Alicia D. Williams, illustrated by Jacqueline Alcantara (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2021)
Their Eyes Were Watching God is the only book I’ve read by Zora Neale Hurston (1891-1960) and I didn’t know that she travelled around the South and the Caribbean collecting folk tales. With vibrant illustrations and descriptive, enthusiastic prose, this book brings Hurston to life. You’ll not only learn about her upbringing, education, writing, and research, but also get a sense of her cultural milieu. An author’s note provides more biographical information, and additional reading and sources are also listed. Recommended for ages 7 to 10.
She Loved Baseball: The Effa Manley Story by Audrey Vernick, illustrated by Don Tate (Collins, 2010)
Effa Manley (1897-1981) was a baseball executive who in 2006 was recognized by the Baseball Hall of Fame “for all she did for her players, for her civil rights work, and for getting the major leagues to treat Negro League teams with respect.” All these things are shown throughout this picture book alongside Tate’s vibrant illustrations. Effa Manley’s life as portrayed in this book is a shining example of not accepting things that aren’t right because “that’s just the way things are.” Recommended for ages 8 to 12.
Dirt on Their Skirts: The Story of the Young Women Who Won the World Championship by Doreen Rappaport and Lyndall Callan, illustrated by E.B. Lewis (Dial Books for Young Readers, 2000)
The authors use a fictional family watching the last innings of the game to describe the 1946 championship game of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. The drama of baseball is brought to the page, even for someone like me who is not a big sports fan. If you and your kids are interested in baseball you’ll appreciate both the author’s note that provides more information about women’s baseball and the details from the Rockford Peaches vs. Racine Belles game. The flyleaves feature a dozen pictures of the players, past and present. The illustrations are Lewis’s signature watercolours. Recommended for ages 6 to 9.
How Do You Spell Unfair?: MacNolia Cox and the National Spelling Bee by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Frank Morrison (Candlewick Press, 2023)
Engaging the reader with questions like “Can you spell nervous?” and “Can you spell racism?” this picture book tells the story of 13-year-old MacNolia Cox who made it to the final round of the National Spelling Bee in 1936. Whether or not MacNolia lost due to discrimination, she certainly faced it every step of the way, even being forced to stay at a different hotel and sit at a different table from white contestants at the spelling bee banquet. The illustrations are excellent paintings. More information about the integration of spelling bees is provided in the foreword and epilogue. Recommended for ages 7 to 10.