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

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

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.)

Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

We learn and become inspired by example, and what better examples for girls than the brave and barrier-breaking women in Leading the Way: Women in Power? The women profiled here were once girls who not only dreamed big but went big. These women from different backgrounds, in different circumstances, chose to lead, and I hope the young readers of this book do the same!
—Former Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano

Inspiring more young women to be politically active makes this book important to our future!
—U.S. Senator Tim Kaine

It is so important that we inspire young people to become active in politics. The fifty women in this book are groundbreaking role models for our kids.
—U.S. Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton

Focusing more on each woman's achievements and major areas of interest than party affiliation or political lean, the authors offer a good mix of players on state and local as well as national stages, with a conscious eye to diversity...younger activists and public servants in search of courageous, tough-minded role models will be spoiled for choice even before they get to the concluding list of 30 "more leaders to discover." Makes a strong case that where "she persisted," others really can follow.
—Kirkus Reviews

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.
—School Library Journal

There are many books today that deal with women's history, and this one...stands out for the breadth of its coverage, its attractive format, and the "power symbols" that accompany each two-page feature on each subject....the strong portraits of each woman, the crisp page layouts, and the wealth of information will draw in readers. The foreword by Hillary Clinton, which discusses "forging change and leading the way," makes for a strong entry to this inspiring book.
—Booklist

Virginia senator Janet Howell and...Theresa Howell 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....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.
—Publishers Weekly Online