From: Beth Martin <BMartin>
Date: Wed, 17 Nov 2004 09:30:09 -0600

Thanks Megan for pulling us back to this month's topic of Women's history in children's and young adult books. I have two picture books that I just purchased for my Middle School library that I would like to mention.

First, A Woman For President: The Story of Victoria Woodhull by Kathleen Krull. Born in poverty, Victoria made her way in the world by communicating with the dead. When she moved to New York city, she sought out Cornelius Vanderbilt and made a million dollars by providing financial advise to him from the spirit world. She broke many stereotypes by starting her own newspaper, speaking before congress for the women's right to vote, and being the first woman with a seat on the New York Stock Exchange. In 1872 she ran for president of the United States as a candidate from the Equal Rights Party. How did this woman get erased from the history books? Bring her interesting story back by reading this beautiful picture book to students of all ages. P.S. Her clash with the famous family of Harriet Beecher Stowe is quite interesting.

My second choice is Thank You, Sarah: The Woman Who Saved Thansgiving by Laurie Halse Anderson. This is the story of Sarah Hale who used the power of her pen and wrote letters to members of congress and three presidents over a period of 38 years until finally Abraham Lincoln made Thanksgiving a national holiday. The story tells of some of her other accomplishments as well, they were not small, and encourages readers not to underestimate dainty little ladies. Great for showing the power of perseverance as well.

Beth Martin Librarian DC Everest Middle School Schofield, WI
Received on Wed 17 Nov 2004 09:30:09 AM CST