Each profiled woman is listed in backmatter in chronological order of their lifespans. The long history of American women suffering for suffrage (the Each profiled woman is listed in backmatter in chronological order of their lifespans. The long history of American women suffering for suffrage (the right to vote) spans social class, race, and roles, placing their eventual success in the context of a long, difficult effort. It proceeds past that Constitutional amendment into the continuing struggles for equal treatment across many social categories. Gilliband (New York Senator) launches her profiles by placing them in the context of her own close relationship with Great Grandmother Mimi, her Grandmother Polly, and her mother Penny, each of whom instilled, by example and story, the significance of women's voting rights and responsibilities. Illustrator Kalman presents each profile with a single page portrait and added spot illustrations on the text spread. Her interpretive/primitive style and vibrant colors infuse personality and character in images of the ten women, allowing young readers to connect with the obviously older and often distant individuals. Gillibrand delivers the content and challenges directly back to readers in the final pages, with facing spreads of young girls in white, marching for the right to vote, contrasting with modern young people advocating for changing the world and getting out the vote. ...more
I have found few WWI novels with a blend of characters and points of view. That seems to be more typical of WWII novels, but this achieves a successfuI have found few WWI novels with a blend of characters and points of view. That seems to be more typical of WWII novels, but this achieves a successful pivot between events in WWI and those in the few years post WWII using the same characters dealing with complex issues. I found it to be a compelling read and so I devoured the book before flipping to the back matter or internet to determine the extent of history and research that underlies these characters and situations. I was impressed and imagine I may read this one again in a few years....more
After waiting weeks on library hold for this, it sat in my TBR pile while I devoured other new arrivals. I had read such great things about it, but itAfter waiting weeks on library hold for this, it sat in my TBR pile while I devoured other new arrivals. I had read such great things about it, but it didn't leap into my hands the way others did. Then, I opened the over and started reading. Within pages, everything else had to wait. Set during WWII, but reflecting the residue of WWI in the lives of a veteran Toby and a multi-generational community, the various tensions anchor history in real lives and yet mirror current experiences in eerily familiar ways. Bullies managing to convince victims not to tell, rumors countering the weight of kindness, and eleven year old girls figuring out who they are and what really matters in their lives. Readers (and Annabelle) quickly learn that antagonist is an inadequate word for villainous Betty Glengarry. She arrives, suddenly, to stay with her grandparents because she was found to be incorrigible living with her mother and attending a city school. With her arrival Annabelle’s lifelong trust and kindness are shaken and nearly shattered. So much so, in fact, that she finds herself lying to her own family. Author Wolk does not dabble in memes and stereotypes, and Betty is far worse than a schoolyard bully or mean-girl power-seeker. She hits Annabelle with sticks, breaks a bird’s neck, and torments and threatens Annabelle’s young brothers, all of which underscore the frighteningly real menace posed by her escalating threats. Fear of Betty’s wrath limits Annabelle’s options in reporting or seeking adult intervention. When that eventually happens, Betty manages to twist the truth and gain sympathy instead of supervision. Within the opening pages Annabelle faces dangers with an intensity that builds at a heart-stopping pace. Wolk’s multi-faceted characters are complex and intricately woven. Doubt and danger quickly permeate formerly welcoming scenes: their one-room schoolhouse, the path through the woods, and even Annabelle’s sense of safety at home. Toby’s sinister image might foreshadow a predictable villain, but nothing in this story is predictable. Instead, the prospect of Toby lurking in the shadows becomes a welcome thought as we gradually learn more about him and his interest in Annabelle and her family. I longed for a more detailed backstory on Betty, yet her sketchy past served to bolster her deep-seated well of venom and the malicious intent with which she inflicted pain, on Annabelle and on others. She is not a typical middle-grade bully, nor is she so over-the-top as to be unrealistic. She is all the more credible because her maneuvers are magnified versions of familiar bullying, especially among middle-grade kids whose ability to anticipate consequences and inhibit impulse can be meager, at best. I can't say enough good things about this story, these characters, and this remarkable book. (Except- bring tissues.)...more
Oh, my. I am SUCH a fan of e. e. cummings, and I know exactly when that began. It was the first time I read a single poem of his: i thank you God for mOh, my. I am SUCH a fan of e. e. cummings, and I know exactly when that began. It was the first time I read a single poem of his: i thank you God for most this amazing day...
I never looked back, and reading this picture book biography elevates my respect for his work and him as a human even more. Its writing, illustration, and design would surely please him, I believe, because it so thoroughly captures his approach to family, nature, life, words, and possibilities.
This should be shared with readers of any age- most particularly the very youngest and their parents/caregivers/teachers. Cummings's "nature" was inborn, but the extent to which his nurturing contributed to his genius and unequaled contributions to poetry can be seen easily in this work. Every child should be nurtured in this way, whether his/her talent and tendencies are verbal, performance, introspective, or dynamic. After reading this several times over I have his titles all on hold again, and will need to add to my personal collection of his books- sooner rather than later. ...more
A remarkable companion book to LIFE AFTER LIFE. As I read I wondered if the author found herself "ordered" to produce this book by the legions of readA remarkable companion book to LIFE AFTER LIFE. As I read I wondered if the author found herself "ordered" to produce this book by the legions of readers who so adored Teddy from the first. it was staying to read in her after-notes that it was intended as a companion book all along. The depth of character exploration in this title shook me to my bones, considering that I can't imagine any amount of research that would have offered her such intimate access to the psyche of someone who could very-well have lived Teddy's life. It is exquisitely specific and yet so universal that I was reading into the minds of my father and others who had served in that greatest generation. I recommend that adults read both books, in publication order, and consider other readers AND WRITERS to home they should be recommended. Remarkable writing, truly remarkable....more
This is an acclaimed book, but I came to it late. Only then because I wanted to read her latest, A GOD IN RUINS, and everything about it indicated I sThis is an acclaimed book, but I came to it late. Only then because I wanted to read her latest, A GOD IN RUINS, and everything about it indicated I should read this first. No regrets for that. As a reader, I found it challenging at first and then totally engrossing. AS a writer, it was a master class in generating a fantastical story/premise in utterly credible ways, anchored firmly Iwell-researched history. Since completing it I've recommended it to several avid readers and have read the subsequent companion title I mentioned. I recommend that adult readers read them both, in order, and find others you know will want to read them, too. Kate Atkinson doesn't need promoting, but I am now a fan and will return to her work to study her writing craft....more
This is a sequel that was never intended, but grew from the extensive questioning and requests by readers. Hattie doesn't disappoint as she continues This is a sequel that was never intended, but grew from the extensive questioning and requests by readers. Hattie doesn't disappoint as she continues her pursuit of self in this story. As in the original, Larson weaves fascinatingly authentic details from this specific time and place throughout each step hattie takes in her journey. This sequel does not disappoint....more
Jim Murphy's hundred-page photo-exposition of the first World War is a strong resource and compelling read, including familiar and esoteric backgroundJim Murphy's hundred-page photo-exposition of the first World War is a strong resource and compelling read, including familiar and esoteric background and fine detail that bring the scale of the war into a comprehensible story. Back matter includes a detailed time line, source notes, additional resources, and index....more
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