Picture Book Review: Indelible Ann: The Larger-Than-Life Story of Governor Ann Richards by Meghan P. Browne

Image: Penguin Random House

Indelible Ann: The Larger-Than-Life Story of Governor Ann Richards by Meghan P. Browne. Illustrated by Carlynn Whitt. unpgd. Random House Studio/ Random House Children's Books, June, 2021. 9780593173275. (Review of finished copy courtesy of Blue Slip Media.)

Using a folksy conversational tone and effective repetition of the phrase, "Just wait, you'll see," author Meghan P. Browne paints the life of Dorothy Ann Willis as a tall tale. She was the only child of humble parents who worked hard. Ann had chores to do, but also loved to fish and run. She biked five miles each way to her piano lessons. When the second World War broke out, her father shipped out to California and it wasn't long before Dorothy Ann's mother packed up the car to join him.

In San Diego, she became part of a more diverse community than her small Texas hometown. She was also inspired by Eleanor Roosevelt. She did well in school and when the war was over she moved to Waco, Texas, where she attended high school, dropped Dorothy to become just Ann, and became active in speech and debate. Her talent earned her a trip to Washington D.C.

After college, she married and settled down to raise a family, but became involved in local politics, eventually becoming county commissioner. Her marriage did not survive her political rise. She remained committed to building a more just and equitable Texas government, first at its treasurer, then as its governor. Along the way, she reached national prominence when she delivered a speech at the Democratic National Convention in 1988. 

There's a good deal of political history packed into this accessible story. Bold, busy illustrations depict Ann at various ages always ambitious with clear, blue eyes flashing. Both the writing and art work well to bring this dynamo to vivid life. Back matter includes more information about Ann Richards, black and white photos and selected sources.

Indelible Ann will leave an indelible impression on young readers. I'm happy to be adding it to my sixth grade picture book biography unit. 

Picture Book Review: The Only Woman in the Photo: Frances Perkins & her New Deal for America by Kathleen Krull

Image: Simon & Schuster

The Only Woman in the Photo: Frances Perkins & her New Deal for America by Kathleen Krull. Illustrated by Alexandra Bye. unpgd. Atheneum Books for Young Readers/ Simon & Schuster, February, 2020. 9781481491518. (Review of finished copy courtesy of an author giveaway.)

Regular readers of this blog probably know about my sixth grade picture book biography unit (on hiatus this year since I am teaching fifth and sixth grade LA virtually) and know that I'm always on the lookout for more picture book biographies to add to my cart. Some time ago, author Kathleen Krull hosted a giveaway of this book. I admire Ms. Krull's work and have a few of her excellent picture book biographies in my cart, so I entered. I usually forget about these entries because I rarely win.

I won! I was so surprised when this picture book arrived in my mail!

Frances Perkins was a shy child who took her grandmother's advice to heart. "When someone opens a door to you, go forward." She realized that she needed to speak up for those who had no voice. And speak up she did. After working as a social worker and workplace safety investigator, she was appointed to the first female Secretary of Labor by Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Her advocacy for the poor led to many of FDR's New Deal programs. 

The text is informative and accessible and the illustrations are cartoonish and appealing from the embossed cover through to the end-pages. Back matter includes an afterword with more information about Frances Perkins and sources. This will be a fantastic addition to the cart.

Fact Friday: Barbara Jordan: politician and Civil Rights leader by Duchess Harris, JD, PHD

Barbara Jordan: politician and Civil Rights leader by Duchess Harris, JD, PHD. Freedom's Promise series. 48 p. Abdo Publishing, December, 2018. 9781532117664. (Review of finished copy courtesy of publisher.)

Fact Friday features Barbara Jordan: politician and Civil Rights leader by Duchess Harris, JD, PHD. Barbara Jordan grew up poor in Houston during the Jim Crow era. Her parents valued education and Jordan was bright and excelled in school.  She discovered debate in college and her team tied with Harvard in a competition. This inspired her to attend Boston University Law school. She was one of two black women in her class in 1959. Barbara Jordan's work ethic and her intellect earned her respect as a lawyer and she eventually moved into politics, where she was a pivotal figure in Richard Nixon's impeachment. 

This short, succinct biography of Barbara Jordan packs a punch. It is filled with photos and text boxes that provide context and extra information. Harris also challenges the reader to think critically and practice paraphrasing. On page 15, Harris quotes from Jordan's speech to the 1976 Democratic National Convention, then invites readers to adapt the passage. Helpful backmatter contains more facts about Barbara Jordan, a glossary and links to online resources. Page 44 contains ideas for extension activities that challenge critical thinking and encourage writing. 

Last fall, I reviewed the picture book, What do you do with a voice like that? The story of the extraordinary congresswoman Barbara Jordan by Chris Barton. I was excited to add it to my 'Picture Book Biography Unit' for my sixth graders and went in search of a longer biography to add to my collection. Around the same time, I attended SLJ's Leadership Conference and learned that a brand new biography would be published by Abdo in the spring. Serendipity! Picture book biographies give students a taste for the subject and motivation to learn more. Harris' thoughtful rendering of the larger-than-life Jordan helps young researcher understand the complexities of the woman and the times. A solid purchase for any library.