Noisemakers

February 3, 2020
Compiled by Kazoo magazine, this tasting menu of short biographical comics, each by a different female or nonbinary artist, serves up enticing bits of history for an array of readers with varying interests. Part encyclopedia, part girl-power scrapbook, the collection of biographical vignettes showcases frequently lauded women, such as Julia Child and Frida Kahlo, alongside lesser-known figures such as Kate Warne, the Pinkerton detective who foiled an early attempt to assassinate President Lincoln, and Ray Montague, the first person “to design a ship using a computer.” Lesser-known backstories of household names are also detailed, such as actress Hedy Lamarr’s frequency-hopping code system that paved the way for Wi-Fi, and performer Josephine Baker’s work as a spy. Each profile begins with a brief epithet (“The World Explorer” describes sailor Jeanne Baret), a photograph, and a list of things the reader might have in common with each person (e.g. “I want to see the world”). The wide range of illustration styles—among them MariNaomi’s flat, playful take on mountain climber Junko Tabei; Weshoyot Alvitre’s moody depiction of ballerina Maria Tallchief; and Emil Ferris’s sketchbook-esque story of Mary Shelley—offers another way to take in the various stories. In addition to possessing intelligence and perseverance, nearly every subject finds a way to build a life she’s told is off-limits. Though many American girls have more opportunities today, these stories remain extremely relevant. Ages 8–12.

April 1, 2020

Gr 3-7-The creators of kids' magazine Kazoo present a remarkable collection about 25 women who changed the world, from shark scientist Eugenie Clark to entrepreneur Madam C.J. Walker to reporter Nelly Bly to author Mary Shelley. Each entry starts with a brief summary of the subject and a list of traits (readers are encouraged to "count all the things you have in common with" the women), followed by a brief comic, each by a different artist (Maris Wicks, Lucy Knisley, and Rosemary Valero-O'Connell are among those who lend their talents). Each account of a historical "noisemaking" woman is short but powerful, and encourages young readers to draw connections between these figures and their own lives. Though the list of women is somewhat diverse, the creators could have included lesser-known women or those who are currently working to change the world. Still, the work is accessible and the design is eye-catching. Biographies of the featured comics creators add interest and are a perfect gateway for readers to discover additional graphic works. VERDICT A wonderful teaching tool for history lessons, and a solid addition to public or school libraries.-DeHanza Kwong, Butte Public Library, MT

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