Courageous First Ladies Who Changed the World
Author: Heidi Poelman
Illustrator: Giovana Medeiros
Familius
Ages 3-7
The book is full of rah rah feminist bites.
This is a cutesy board book that chronicles the lives of 11 first ladies, starting with Martha Washington. The book features both Barbara and Laura Bush, Hillary Clinton, and Michelle Obama, meaning that all the first ladies from 1989 to 2016 are featured. This conspicuously leaves out Melania Trump. [Editor’s Note: While I do love a good conspiracy theory, publishing deadlines exist way ahead of how the normal world operates. One can conclude nothing from whether or not Mrs. Trump is in the book. As the critic notes, both sides of the aisle are amply represented.]
Each two-page spread features a quote from the featured first lady, and a little about their life. The book is full of rah rah feminist bites.
Martha grew up working on a farm…She learned that anything a boy could do, she could do too.
[Abigail Adams] wanted women to have rights in their new country and taught her children to fight against slavery.
[Eleanor Roosevelt] fought for fair pay, equal rights, good living conditions, and better treatment for workers.In 2016, Hillary Clinton came closer than any woman in History to becoming president of the United States.
The art work is fun and young children will be drawn to the vibrant colors.
If I don’t sound overly enthusiastic about this book, it’s because I’m not. It’s a fine book, but nothing to distinguish it from any other in the genre of feminist icon books.
Courageous First Ladies (Support an Independent Bookstore)*
Courageous First Ladies (Amazon)*
More books for this Age Group can be found here.
My thanks to Familius Publishing for providing a Review Copy of this book. All opinions provided herein are my own.
Please, leave comments! I love a HEALTHY exchange of ideas. After all, critical thinking is essential to life.
*When something is purchased using one of our affiliate links, we may earn a small commission. We do not accept any monies for any editorial reviews. Our opinions, to the chagrin of many, are our own.