Women (and a Few Girls) of Note

Dyamonde, a bright, articulate and confident 3rd grader, is entering the library’s poetry contest to win the prize money. Then Dyamonde and her friend, Free, learn that their new friend, Damaris, who is also the best poet in their class, lives in a homeless shelter. The duo of friends turns into a trio — who take a different look at what wealth really means.

In a companion to A Chair for My Mother, young Rosa awaits the birth of her baby cousin in the now slightly frayed chair so lovingly purchased long ago. When the baby is born, Rosa introduces him to the much-loved chair and its history in this sincere and warmly told and illustrated family story.

Not only did Annette Kellerman learn to walk better when her father taught her how to swim, she learned to make waves! Women weren’t athletes in the early 20th century, but this Australian woman not only attempted swimming the English Channel, she invented water ballet and the modern bathing suit for women. Splashy illustrations combine with an engaging narration in this unusual look at a fabulous female.

Thomas (aka Gib) Gilbert’s aunt, Emily Dickinson, gave him a poem and a dead bee to share in school. Because no one understands it, Gib defends his aunt (who jokingly tells him to call her “uncle”) and gets into a fight. Gib learns, however, to tell the truth, “but tell it slant…” This engaging glimpse of a poet and her family is based on actual events revealed in free verse and delicate illustration.

When John and Abigail first met, they didn’t really like each other but came to appreciate the other’s strengths: Abigail had her own opinions; John was honest and witty. After their marriage, Abigail expertly handled home, family, and more during her husband’s frequent travel and was the earliest First Lady to live in the Executive Mansion. This is a graceful introduction to an early first family. View this exclusive digital version of Abigail and John

The true story of one of only two Chinese-American women to fly for the U.S. Air Force during World War II, is told as though by Maggie Gee herself. Her dream of flying became reality because of a dream and determination. An author’s note provides a short glimpse into where and what the actual Maggie Gee does today as well as period photographs.

Brief, lighthearted looks at the wives of the U.S. Presidents from Martha Washington to Michelle Obama are presented as if put together as a class activity. In a note to their teacher, Team USA concludes, “A lot has changed since 1789, but some things are still the same — the president is still a man, and you still don’t get paid to be first lady!”

When Emily Post’s book of etiquette enters the young narrator’s house, his mother uses it to limit her children’s behavior; that is, until the children remind their mother of her Post transgressions. Characters from Emily Post’s book (such as Mrs. Worldly) reveal that even Emily misbehaved sometimes in this playful introduction to etiquette, family, and the early 20th century.

The author/illustrator of much-loved picture books is introduced here from her Minnesota childhood to the publication of her Newbery Honor book, Millions of Cats (1928). Each double page spread includes a quote from Gag’s diary followed by a straightforward text coupled with an evocative illustration. An author’s note includes more information, a photograph of Gag, and sources used.

On Sara Mee’s first birthday, her family made sure to have a tol, a celebration based in an ancient custom that includes guests, special foods, and gifts for the child that will predict what the child will be when he or she grows up. Realistic illustrations capture the warmth of Sara Mee’s family, her birthday festivity, and the warm relationship shared with her older brother. An author’s note and glossary round out this attractive book

The descendant of Cherokee ancestors who had been forced to walk the Trail of Tears, Wilma Mankiller experienced her own forced removal from the land she grew up on as a child. As she got older and learned more about the injustices her people had faced, she dedicated her life to instilling pride in Native heritage and reclaiming Native rights. She went on to become the first woman Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation.