Review: Two Great Books About Women and Politics

Today I'm sharing two inspiring new books, from Candlewick Press, that celebrate the history of women in politics...

Suffragette: The Battle for Equality 

by David Roberts 

10/8/19 

Walker Books US 

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A New York Times best-selling illustrator turns his talents to a lavish history of the women’s suffrage movement in the U.K. and the U.S. just in time for the hundredth anniversary of the Nineteenth Amendment. 

Imprisonment, hunger strikes, suffrajitsu — the decades-long fight for women’s right to vote was at times a ferocious one. Acclaimed artist David Roberts gives these important, socially transformative times their due in a colorfully illustrated history that includes many of the important faces of the movement in portraiture and scenes that both dignify and enliven. He has created a timely and thoroughly engaging resource in his first turn as nonfiction author-illustrator. Suffragette: The Battle for Equality follows the trajectory of the movement in the U.K. and visits some key figures and moments in the United States as it presents the stories of Millicent Garrett Fawcett, Emmeline Pankhurst, Ida B. Wells, Susan B. Anthony, and many more heroic women and men — making it a perfect gift for young readers of today. Dr. Crystal Feimster of Yale’s Department of African American Studies contributes a foreword that speaks to the relationship and differences between the British and American suffrage efforts. 

This in-depth, engrossing, and gorgeously designed look at the history of the suffragettes is a captivating and engaging read. David Roberts takes readers on a well researched journey through the history of the suffragettes in the US and UK, through a wonderfully organized timeline, highlighting all the important figures in the movement.. I appreciate that Roberts does not gloss over the racial and social class injustices that happened within the movement. Will inspire readers of all ages!

Leading the Way: Women in Power 

By Janet Howell and Theresa Howell 

Illustrated by Kylie Akia and Alexandra Bye 

Introduction by Hillary Rodham Clinton 

10/8/19 

Candlewick Press 

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In this engaging and highly accessible compendium for young readers and aspiring power brokers, Virginia Senator Janet Howell and her daughter-in-law Theresa Howell spotlight the careers of fifty American women in politics — and inspire readers to make a difference. 

Meet some of the most influential leaders in America, including Jeannette Rankin, who, in 1916, became the first woman elected to Congress; Shirley Chisholm, the first African-American woman elected to Congress; Sandra Day O'Connor, the first woman to sit on the Supreme Court; and Bella Abzug, who famously declared, “This woman’s place is in the House . . . the House of Representatives!” This engaging and wide-ranging collection of biographies highlights the actions, struggles, and accomplishments of more than fifty of the most influential leaders in American political history — leaders who have stood up, blazed trails, and led the way. 

Readers of all ages will enjoy diving into this fascinating look at some of the most powerful and significant female leaders in history and politics.  Through accessible, engaging information and lovely illustrations, readers will go on an inspiring and captivating journey, meeting some of history's most amazing women! And below are some great graphics, featuring some of these powerful ladies, that you can save and share: