The Only Woman in the Photo

November 1, 2019
"When someone opens a door to you, go forward." From shy child to keen observer, vocal activist to highly effective political adviser, Frances Perkins led a life of tremendous worth, helping others as a volunteer, social worker, expert investigator, workplace-safety regulator, industrial commissioner, and, ultimately, the first woman Secretary of Labor. Brimming with realistic detail about the difficulties of pursuing one's goals and making a difference while functioning as a woman in the first half of the 20th century, this appealing volume features colorful and appealing animation-inflected illustrations peppered with ideas that inspired Perkins; these appear as banners, headlines, and signposts throughout the story. Krull smoothly describes Perkins' influences and motivations, her sensitivity to and awareness of injustice, how she overcame some of the fears and constraints she faced, her development as an advocate, and her many accomplishments--including her major contributions to (some say authorship of) FDR's New Deal and the adoption of the Social Security Act--in a kid-friendly and accessible manner, focusing almost entirely on Perkins' professional accomplishments. As for Perkins' personal life, the afterword briefly refers to her husband and daughter within the context of their "significant health problems" (both experienced mental illness), but the text is silent on Perkins' same-sex relationship following her husband's institutionalization. Overall, an appealing, informative picture-book biography that showcases the accomplishments of a great American heroine. (Picture book/biography. 6-10)

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January 6, 2020
“When someone opens a door to you, go forward.” Advice from Frances Perkins’s grandmother guided her life. Before she became “the first woman ever to join a presidential cabinet,” Perkins had transformed herself from a quiet observer to an effective activist, building a career on righting wrongs—operating as a social worker, speaking out for suffrage, reporting on hazardous workplaces, and advocating for fire safety after the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire. When FDR asks Perkins to serve as secretary of labor, she agrees—as long as “FDR allowed her to do it her way.” In 1935, Perkins achieved “her most far-reaching dream... the life-changing Social Security Act.” Weaving in quotes from Perkins, Krull crafts a deft introduction to the achievements of a remarkable woman. Bye’s snappy illustrations are notable for crisp lines and stylized period flair. Supplemental materials included. Ages 4–8.

January 1, 2020

Gr 3-6-Before she became a member of Franklin Roosevelt's cabinet, Frances Perkins was a shy girl who loved literature. While a college student at Mount Holyoke in the late 1800s and early 1900s, Perkins was required to observe the working conditions at local textile and paper mills. The treatment of the adult and children factory workers was horrifying to witness. She wrote articles about the terrible working environments and then earned a job documenting these conditions. After the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, Perkins advocated for many of the fire safety features that are available today in every public building, like glass cases with fire extinguishers, fire exits, fire drills, and water sprinklers. She became the first woman to serve as a cabinet secretary for FDR and was a crucial part of the New Deal. The illustrations are detailed without being too dense and help move the narrative forward. The text also contains details about the sexism Perkins faced and could start discussions about how society's attitudes toward gender have changed or stayed the same over the course of history. VERDICT This would be a serviceable biographical addition to any library collection. A resource for anyone who wishes to learn more about the women who helped shape the United States.-Debbie Tanner, S D Spady Montessori Elementary, FL

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from November 15, 2019
Grades 1-4 *Starred Review* Frances Perkins is credited with creating the U.S. Social Security system, so she's long overdue for some attention. This handsome picture-book biography traces her life as a soft-spoken young girl through her 14-year stint as Secretary of Labor during the FDR administration. The accessible text relates how Perkins came from a long line of strong women and how she was not shy about breaking barriers, whether pursuing college studies, forging a career in the nascent field of social work, exposing unsafe, unsanitary working conditions in New York City, or becoming the first woman ever to hold an executive cabinet post. The title refers to her unique status, and the narrative addresses the blatant discrimination she faced throughout her career. Vignettes show how she managed to win over her exclusively male colleagues through her soft but determined manner and sense of humor. Well-chosen quotes appear in oversize, swirling fonts, and the nuanced digital illustrations provide period details. Age-appropriate resources about this remarkable woman are scarce, which is a shame, because Perkins' story is compelling. The book's presentation is appealing, the content is suitable for reading aloud, and the back matter and list of sources will be appreciated by researchers. This is a fitting tribute for an inspirational role model.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)