Gloria's Voice

February 15, 2018
In an era of renewed attention to feminism comes a biography of the co-founder (along with Dorothy Pitman Hughes) of Ms. magazine.Author/illustrator Lewis portrays Steinem's consciousness-raising journey to adulthood using short declarative sentences in the present tense ("This is Gloria. She has big dreams"), striking a decidedly young narrative tone. Pink predominates in the flowery illustrations, beginning with a young Gloria dancing across a pink typewriter's keys. Later, after having "a big idea," she stands, arms akimbo, on the same machine, with the unfortunate result that the scale makes her look like a Barbie. Such infantilization of Steinem and her cause permeates the book, from the persistent use of her first name to text that oversimplifies social concepts. Hearing about the "women's liberation movement[, ] Gloria is curious!" Lack of context will puzzle uninformed children. Underutilized as a journalist, "Gloria feels like a typewriter without a ribbon." What's a typewriter ribbon? What does "Ms." mean, and why was it chosen as a magazine title? Steinem also comes across as a white woman rushing to the rescue, both in India and with her "fearless friend Dorothy," a black woman, posing next to her with raised fist. The only clue to the sophistication of the subject is backmatter with unsourced biographical detail and "page-by-page notes" that are themselves simplistic: "She learned that change comes from the people and in order to learn, you must listen."Well-intentioned but misses the mark. (Picture book/biography. 6-9)

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February 19, 2018
Debut author-illustrator Lewis focuses on Gloria Steinem’s early life and career. Even in childhood, Steinem understood the limitations imposed upon women: “as a wife and mother, Gloria’s mama had to stay home and take care of the family. That’s what women are expected to do.” Reporting on the women’s liberation movement helps Steinem to find her calling; founding Ms. magazine gives voice to millions: “The magazines fly off the newsstands! People want to hear what women have to say.” Lewis’s watercolor and mixed-media art features glowing rose and tangerine shades, with compositions and fonts that call to mind 1960s-era graphic design. On one surreal spread, Steinem stands triumphantly on the keys of her typewriter, hands on her hips, red hair flowing. Endnotes hint at Steinem’s many more accomplishments. It’s a subtle ode to an iconic figure of quiet “strength and enormous influence.” Ages 4–up.

April 1, 2018

Gr 1-3-Gloria Steinem had big dreams for her life and many of them concerned helping others. Steinem moved to New York City and became a journalist, hoping "to report on people and their struggles." Frustrated by the usual fluff assignments given to her by male bosses, Steinem jumped at the opportunity to cover a rally about women's liberation. Hearing the speeches, Gloria realized she could support other women by sharing messages of feminism and equality. In 1971, Steinem cofounded Ms. magazine. Lewis portrays the activist as caring and creative, and the message that education, tenacity, and hope will result in realized dreams is clear. The watercolor and gouache illustrations utilize a highly pastel palette, which occasionally seems at odds with Steinem's strength of character and action. Varying font sizes draw attention to milestones in her thinking and the use of white space will appeal to younger readers. The cover, featuring Steinem's trademark aviator glasses, is eye-catching. A biographical note, recommended book list, and page notes are included and provide many important and explanatory details not in the main text. Unfortunately, the revolutionary meaning and impact of Ms. isn't really fleshed out. VERDICT A reasonable introduction to Steinem's life and work. This should be considered for picture book biography collections.-Sara-Jo Lupo Sites, George F. Johnson Memorial Library, Endicott, NY

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 1, 2018
Grades K-2 Steinem is introduced to primary-age students in this quick tour through the feminist's life. Young Gloria has big dreams, but her life becomes more difficult when her parents divorce and her mother experiences mental issues. As she grows up, Gloria's dreams sharpen as she travels to India on a fellowship and forges a career in journalism (her famous Playboy Bunny expos� goes unmentioned). After Steinem becomes attuned to the prejudices and barriers women face, she begins speaking out about women's rights and goes on to start Ms. magazine. Noting Steinem is a self-proclaimed hope-a-holic, the book ends with a brief mention of her continued efforts. Those who want more details about Steinem's storied career will find the back matter useful. There are page-by-page notes?short but informative?as well as an author's overview. The airy, often charming watercolor, gouache, and digital illustrations sometimes have a lightness that doesn't always suit the hard-driving Steinem, but the cover art featuring Gloria in her trademark shades works just fine. One of the few youth books available on this groundbreaker.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)