She Persisted: 13 American Women Who Changed the World

Mitch McConnell's dismissal of Elizabeth Warren during a Senate confirmation hearing immediately became a feminist rallying cry. Clinton (It's Your World) and Boiger (Max and Marla) further transform it into a lovely, moving work of children's literature that might even win over those cynical about celebrity efforts in that space. Clinton succinctly summarizes the lives of women who "did not take no for an answer"; each story reiterates "she persisted" in bold type and is paired with an inspiring quote. Familiar figures (Helen Keller, Sally Ride) join ones who may be new to some readers, like union activist Clara Lemlich and Claudette Colvin, the teenager whose courageous decision to keep her seat on a Montgomery bus helped "inspire Rosa Parks to make the same choice nine months later." Boiger's celebratory watercolors effortlessly mix drama and playfulness: a luminous Harriet Tubman guides escaped slaves to freedom; a few pages later, babies beatifically float around Virginia Apgar as she examines an infant. Clinton's mother isn't profiled, but readers will spot her portrait in a gallery scene that opens this polished introduction to a diverse and accomplished group of women. Ages 4-8. (May)

Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

K-Gr 3--In this brief but elegant introduction to 13 women who "persisted"--such as Harriet Tubman, Nellie Bly, and Sonia Sotomayor--the author details the many ways that women have refused to take no for an answer. Instead, they rigorously pursued lofty, inspiring, and purposeful aims for the betterment of themselves and others. Readers see that working toward a far-reaching objective is a virtue. Rather than offering a more in-depth history of any single figure, this book explains the meaning of persistence and places it in a positive light. The artwork depicts a museum gallery with students looking at portraits of the 13 women, including one of Hillary Clinton wearing a red pantsuit, though she is not mentioned in the text. After a brief introduction, the format is largely consistent, with a paragraph about each subject's goal, a quote by her that exemplifies her persistence, and an illustration. As Florence Griffith Joyner said, "When anyone tells me I can't do anything...I'm just not listening anymore." VERDICT Use as a read-aloud to promote discussion, raise questions for research, and share related experiences. And since the book is dedicated to Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a current connection could be made, too.--Myra Zarnowski, City University of New York

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Praise for She Persisted

★ "[A] lovely, moving work of children's literature [and a] polished introduction to a diverse and accomplished group of women." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Exemplary . . . This well-curated list will show children that women's voices have made themselves emphatically heard." —Booklist

"[She Persisted] will remind little girls that they can achieve their goals if they don't let obstacles get in the way." —Family Circle

"We can't wait to grab a copy for some of the awesome kids in our lives . . . and maybe some of the grown-ups, too." —Bustle

"A message we all need to hear." —Scary Mommy

"This will be a great read for kids (especially young girls)." —Romper

"We cannot wait for the launch of Smart Girl Chelsea Clinton's new book to help remind kids everywhere that the fearlessness that characterizes the thirteen women in the book is what has emboldened us to constantly strive for progress and justice." —Amy Poehler's Smart Girls