Indelible Ann: The Larger-Than-Life Story of Governor Ann Richards
by Meghan P Browne (Author) Carlynn Whitt (Illustrator)
A folksy, larger-than-life picture book biography about Ann Richards, the late governor of Texas who has inspired countless women in politics today.
Dorothy Ann Willis hailed from a small Texas town, but early on she found her voice and the guts to use it.
During her childhood in San Diego and her high school years back in Texas (when she dropped the Dorothy), Ann discovered a spark and passion for civic duty. It led her all the way to Washington, DC, where she, along with other girls from around the country, learned about the business of politics. Fast forward to Ann taking on the political boys' club: she became county commissioner, then state treasurer, and finally governor of Texas.
In this stunning picture book biography, full of vim, vigor, and folksy charm, two Texan creators take us through the life of the legendary big mouth, big hair governor of Texas, a woman who was inspired by Eleanor Roosevelt, and in turn became an inspiration to Hillary Clinton and countless others.
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Publishers Weekly
Utilizing the refrain "just wait, you'll see," this detailed picture book biography by a Texan team centers the life of Ann Richards (1933-2006), the 45th governor of Texas. Debut picture book author Browne maintains interest with approachable prose and vivid figurative language as she follows Richards from her birth "outside a lonely Texas prairie town" to her persistence in balancing politics with parenthood: "She listened to the people: a colorful patchwork of Texans sewn tightly together by their desire for change." Realistic ink and gouache illustrations by Whitt employ a softly retro palette, portraying Ann on nearly every page amid a cast of variously inclusive figures. An inspiring, feminist-leaning look at a trailblazing woman in politics. Back matter includes more about Richards. Ages 4-8. (June)
Copyright 2021 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.School Library Journal
Gr 4-6—This biography of Ann Richards uses the tone and structure of a tall-tale to pack a lifetime of the legendary Texas activist and politician's accomplishments and exploits into a picture book length text. Whitt's beautifully rendered drawings convey an energy and sense of motion that echoes Richards's dynamic, no-nonsense personality. Browne's narrative, while struggling to balance the complexity of language needed to convey the ups and downs of a historic political life, does tend to gloss over specific dates and details. Also, as somewhat expected in the telling of a folk heroine's daring deeds, there's quite a bit of hyperbolic praise and very little discussion of the low points or missteps of this larger-than-life lady. An afterword offers a more traditional brief biography and an explication of Richards's impact as a woman of amazing achievements who did a great deal of good for a great many people over the course of her extraordinary life and inspired others to do the same. VERDICT This exciting, sunny biography is as real and rollicking as the late governor herself, and is highly recommended for elementary and junior high nonfiction collections.—Kelly Kingrey-Edwards, Blinn Junior Coll., Brenham, TX
Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
JNF007070 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Biography & Autobiography | Political
JNF025180 - Juvenile Nonfiction | History | United States/State & Local
Picture books
Women
Texas
Women politicians
Governors
Richards, Ann
Women governors
