Customer Reviews

Amelia to Zora: Twenty-Six Women Who Changed the World

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There's the familiar, expected, notable women--the flier Amelia Earhart, the black author Zora Neale Hurston, the artist Frida Kahlo, the philanthropist Eleanor Roosevelt. But there's also a number of accomplished lesser-known women and ones who have achieved recognition in recent years who are not yet seen as regulars in the circle of historically significant women. Thus, one finds the architect Maya Lin and the figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi. Outstanding women from diverse ethnic backgrounds and active in diverse fields, from labor unions to science to entertainment, are included in the twenty-six for each letter of the alphabet. Each woman is pictured in a collage-like illustration with objects representing what she is recognized for.

When planning for elementary grades, it's been difficult for me to unearth well-written picture books about women who have made a difference in the world as we know it. I hit pay dirt when someone gave me this book to use as a resource for a unit studying the changes people make in the social world. The women depicted in this alphabet book are from many nations, many eras, and many cultures. They've all led different lives and have made unique contributions to entire societies around the globe: art, science, literature, aviation, politics...the list goes on. The illustrations are playful yet respectful and the concise stories on each page give the reader insight into the woman's personal and professional life. The author's note gives the reader a glimpse into the making of the book and the selected bibliography is arranged according to the alphabetical order of the featured women. Teachers and parents should not pass by this rich and rare glimpse of truly phenomenal women.

Interesting book with great pictures. 8 and under will enjoy this.

We love this book! Cynthia makes it really enjoyable. Sean and Megan make the book come alive. We are HUGE SEAN ADDY FANS! Check out his work on "Cars: Rushing! Honking! Zooming!", he is truly an amazing artist. Cannot wait for his next book and to someday meet him.