She Represents

July 1, 2020
Women in the United States and around the world have taken different paths to political involvement and power. This look at 44 individuals explores the ways women have made a difference in the political lives of their communities. Donohue has chosen past and current elected officials, primarily from the United States but also from other countries and including women with varying political points of view. Many of the subjects make headlines regularly, such as Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and former vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin; others do not. On the international front, women such as Jacinda Ardern, the prime minister of New Zealand who drew attention for taking family leave while in office, and Camila Vallejo Dowling, a Communist member of the National Congress of Chile's Chamber of Deputies, are featured. The sobering story of Marielle Franco, an openly queer black city councilor from Rio de Janeiro who grew up in a favela and was killed because of her activism, demonstrates the price some women have paid for speaking out. Sidebars define important terminology, and nestled among the bright portraits of many of the subjects are lists of distinguished women leaders. The tone of this richly diverse and well-sourced work is conversational and lively. Each short biography contains the subject's life story, their primary causes, significant achievements, and quotes; despite the brevity, the coverage provides keen insight into each subject. A must-have title. (source notes) (Nonfiction. 12-18)

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August 1, 2020

Gr 7 Up-This alphabetically organized collection highlights a variety of prominent, international women leaders who have made major political and social contributions to their countries. In her introduction, Donohue stresses that the book was not written "for fangirls"; rather, her goal is to help readers "learn about them to understand them." Each profile includes the subheadings "Life Story," "What's on Her Agenda," "Awesome Achievements," and "Quotables." The text does not focus solely on the positive aspects of these women's careers; it also features moments where the women and their policies have been criticized. This balanced approach offers a fuller, more realistic view of these individuals. In addition to the larger spreads on women currently in politics, there are smaller sections labeled "Historic Heavyweights," "Fix What Ain't Right," "History's Firsts," "Noteworthy First Ladies," and "Women Judges and Justices." These sections offer short, detailed paragraphs describing important figures in history such as Benazir Bhutto, Aya Kamikawa, and Shirley Chisholm. Liberals and conservatives are included. Illustrations of many but not all of the women are shown. Boxes that highlight important terms, such as filibuster and constituency, are also included throughout the book. Back matter contains source notes organized by the profiled individual. VERDICT An approachable resource that is especially useful for school projects or for those interested in politics. Recommended for purchase.-Kristyn Dorfman, The Nightingale-Bamford Sch., New York City

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

August 1, 2020
Grades 7-10 Presumably playing on the feminist motto Nevertheless, she persisted, both with the title and in spirit, this looks at 44 influential female political leaders. From Kamala Harris and Nancy Pelosi to Elaine Chao and Betsy DeVos, the book strikes a political balance while integrating diverse figures, such as Mia Love, the first Black Republican woman elected to Congress, and Danica Roem, the first elected openly transgender state representative. Although the majority of the women are from the U.S., others, like Ethiopian president Sahle-Work Zewde and German chancellor Angela Merkell, show female strength worldwide. With a few exceptions, most are still currently serving in office. Profiles comprise a vibrant, digitally created headshot; political facts (e.g., political positions with dates); and a short overview of the leader's influences and rise in politics. Each profile also includes its subject's agenda or top political priorities, notable achievements, and memorable quotes. Where relevant, sidebars define caucuses, super PACs, and other terms, while interspersed spreads introduce Supreme Court justices and additional important women from history. A timely introduction for budding feminists.Women in Focus: The 19th in 2020(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)