Rad American Women A-Z: Rebels, Trailblazers, and Visionaries who Shaped Our History … and Our Future! by Kate Schatz (Author) and Miriam Klein Stahl (Illustrator)
Summary: Like all A – Z books, this one illustrates the alphabet–but instead of “A is for Apple,” A is for Angela–as in Angela Davis, the iconic political activist. And the list of great women continues, spanning several centuries, multiple professions, and 26 diverse individuals. There are artists and abolitionists, scientists and suffragettes, rock stars and rabble-rousers, and agents of change of all kinds.
She is Me
Although I was familiar with a number of the women in the book, I was pleased to learn about new women and their amazing accomplishments. The really awesome aspect of Rad American Women was how often I saw a part of myself in so many of these phenomenal women. I hope this happens to all the young women and girls who reads this book. Of course, I see myself in heroic and smart Black women like Angela Davis, Queen Bessie Coleman, and Zora Neale Hurston. I also see myself in the Grimke Sisters who believed in the liberation of all people regardless of race or gender. I see a kindred soul in Nellie Bly whose adventurous spirit and determination could not be tamed or deterred.
Read Then Do
Another feature of Rad American Women I appreciated was the authors wanting to inspire the reader. They want to inspire rad girls to become rad women They want rad women to inspire other rad women. Readers can learn what being a rad woman means with the 26 Things That YOU Can Do To Be Rad. The challenge is featured at the end of the book. Activities include drawing a picture of your favorite rad woman and supporting organizations that promote rad women. Readers are even encouraged to read more about the women in this book, or even write their own book!
Overall Opinion
I LOVED Rad American Women so much! I can’t wait to share this book with all the young people in my life. Both girls and boys can benefit from learning more about the women who helped improve life for all Americans. Every parent needs to add Rad American Women to their bookshelf! Put it next to The Berenstain Bears and The Cat in the Hat. Add this awesome book into the bedtime reading rotation at least once a month. Inspire your own rad girl to become a rad woman. Change the world for better. Rating: Carpe Librum