Send a Girl!

January 1, 2021
She's the best woman for the job! Growing up in the 1950s, Brenda Berkman had to find ways to play the sports she loved even though they were not considered appropriate for girls. When she decided to take the test to become a firefighter in 1977, she was no stranger to going against the grain and embarked on a landmark court case to level the playing field, correct the bias skewing the tests, and allow women to enter the New York City Fire Department. Contextualizing descriptions of the sexist beliefs of the time are interwoven with Berkman's story, which focuses on her will to fight discrimination legally, in the court of public opinion and inside the fire department, as well as her love of and dedication to firefighting. Casually rendered cartoon illustrations are tied closely to the text and show the drama and importance of both fighting for equal rights and fighting fires. While there is no explanation of the use of the word girl in the title and why it is insulting for women to be referred to as such, overall this selection is a positive addition to the growing collection of social justice books for children and will appeal to future firefighters of any gender. This tale of the first official NYC female firefighter holds quality and feminism at its core (author's note, biographical note, bibliography, websites) (Picture book/biography. 5-9)

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December 15, 2020
Grades 2-5 In the 1970s, firefighting was firmly closed to women, and in this expressively illustrated picture book, Rinker (Gloria Takes a Stand, 2019) tells the story of Brenda Berkman, a former law student who fought to change that. When Berkman found that the New York Fire Department's (FDNY) physical test was unrelated to the job, and when women were given men's equipment that was too big and got in the way, she had the test changed and powered through the equipment issue. Once in the job, she formed United Women Firefighters and became an FDNY chief. This gratifying story is told in cheerful, accessible, inclusive language--firefighting is not described as "men's work," for example, but as a job "men usually did." Engaging, realistic illustrations of Berkman and her colleagues, created in India ink and black and gray acrylics with digital coloring, complement the positive tone of the text. Back matter includes details about Berkman and her perseverance and lists several sources for readers who want to investigate further. Recommended for both school and public library shelves.

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