Leading the Way: Women in Power

Gr 5 Up--This book provides brief biographies of 50 women who made a difference as leaders, advisors to presidents, political trailblazers, or congresswomen. A few acted outside of government but advocated for those with less power, such as Wilma Mankiller, the first female principal chief of the Cherokee Nation, and Ida B. Wells-Barnett, who reported on lynching. The book is organized in alphabetical order; each woman receives two pages that feature an oversize illustration and quote. Readers may recognize some of the women, like the five first ladies, Elizabeth Warren, and Kamala Harris. Most interesting are less familiar subjects, such as Crystal Bird Fauset, the first African American woman elected to the state legislature in the United States. Back matter provides names of additional women who might have been included, and sources from speeches and the press. There is an instruction guide on how to stand up, speak out, and make a difference. VERDICT A book that deserves to be read front to back. Girls will feel inspired by this diverse and accomplished group who made their voices heard in order to incite real change. Researchers will find a variety of heroes to study and admire.--Patricia Aakre, P.S. 89, New York

Virginia senator Janet Howell and her daughter, Theresa Howell (Maybe Something Beautiful), offer a hearty tribute to American women leaders in this handsomely designed anthology published to coincide with the centennial anniversary of the passage of national women's suffrage in the U.S. Hillary Rodham Clinton contributes a motivational foreword, urging girls to "dream big, work hard, and be persistent" while emphasizing that "sometimes it's the little things you do that can make a big difference." Both tenets are exemplified by the 50 women featured in this compilation of taut, fact-filled biographical profiles peppered with first-person quotations. Visionaries, politicians, and activists throughout history are represented, including Abigail Adams, Soledad Chávez Chacón, Barbara Jordan, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, as well as a robust roster of luminaries in today's headlines, among them Dianne Feinstein, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Kamala Harris, Nancy Pelosi, and Elizabeth Warren. Superfluous "Power Symbols" denoting specific character attributes (diligence, courage, empathy) appear within each profile; more effective visuals are the illustrators' expressive, lifelike portraits of each leader. A concise "Take-Action Guide" rounds up tips for readers inspired to act on their beliefs. Ages 10-up. Agent: Adriana Dominguez, Full Circle Literary. (Oct.)