Emmeline Pankhurst (Little People, Big Dreams)

Gr 1-3--The next volumes in the "Little People, Big Dreams" series continue to offer snippets of famous female figures' lives, all accompanied by sweet and approachable illustrations. The series' subjects range from activists and artists, as evidenced by these selections. In Audrey Hepburn, vague details are given about the historical events that shaped the actor's life, such as a big war that left many malnourished, including the future star, but it's never specified that the event is World War II. In addition to detailing her accomplishments as a performer, the book emphasizes her work with children in need in India and Africa (countries are never specified). The entries about the activists provide more information and feel more nuanced. In Emmeline Pankhurst, readers learn about the beginnings of the suffragette movement in Great Britain and one of its important progenitors. She fought for women's rights from an early age, because as a young girl she couldn't pursue the education she longed for. Rosa Parks gives tidbits about the civil rights leader's childhood and some of the work she did after the famous bus incident, in addition to her iconic act of civil disobedience. Each title is made more digestible by charming and quirky kidlike images. Short time lines with photos and a couple of suggestions for further research are included. VERDICT The illustrations make these titles standouts where picture book biographies need a fresher take. Otherwise, additional purchases.--Shelley M. Diaz, School Library Journal