picture book biography – Nonfiction Monday

October 18, 2021November 13, 2021

Secrets of the Sea: The Story of Jeanne Power, Revolutionary Marine Scientist

Looking for a new picture book biography? Look no further than Secrets of the Sea: The Story of Jeanne Power, Revolutionary Marine Scientist by Evan Griffith and illustrated by Joanie Stone.

Jeanne Power was born in France, but moved to Sicily with her husband in 1818 when she was 23. Formerly a busy seamstress, she was likely not used to staying at home. To pass the time, she began to study the animals and plants of her new surroundings. The ocean intrigued her the most, but how could she observe what was going on in the water? Build one of the first glass-sided aquariums of course!

During her studies, Jeanne Power concentrated on the paper nautilus, which is a type of octopus. At the time, no one was sure whether the nautilus borrowed the delicate shells they carried from other creatures or whether they grew them. Jeanne Power figured out the answer. It wasn’t always smooth sailing, but she was able to publish her findings.

Matching the compelling story, Joanie Stone’s beautiful digital illustrations, from the bubbling water of the end papers to last pages of the text, reflect the vibrant blue palette of the ocean Jeanne Power loved so much. Gorgeous!

The back matter is extensive, including notes about “Jeanne’s Life and Legacy,” “The Paper Nautilus,” information about “Marine Biology and Conservation,” a “Note on Historical Research,” and a “Bibliography.”

As the compelling story of a remarkable woman, Secrets of the Sea would be a great choice for a science unit on oceans or for Women’s History Month. Explore a copy today!

For our full review and activity suggestions, visit Wrapped in Foil blog.

January 14, 2019January 13, 2019

Struttin’ with Some Barbecue

9781580897402 Struttin’ with Some Barbecue: Lil Har din Armstrong becomes the First Lady of Jazz

by Patricia Hruby Powell

Illustrated by Rachel Himes

Charlesbridge, 2018

Almost everyone has heard of jazz trumpet player Louis Armstrong, but what of his wife, Lil Hardin? In this illustrated, novel-in-verse, Patricia Hruby Powell introduces us to the the talented piano player and composer, Lil Hardin. She was Louis Armstrong’s wife, his early manager, and the composer of several famous jazz hits of the day, including “Struttin’ with Some Barbecue.” With or without her famous husband, Lil Hardin was destined to be a star.

Short chapters in chronological order start with Liz’s upbringing with her strict mother—a staunch foe of “race music,” as jazz was called at the time. However, Liz’s talent, drive, and ability to make money, finally won over her disapproving mother. Lil began dating the shy Louis Armstrong in 1922. Together they played music, married, and rose to the top,

Lil and Louis

were struttin’ high on the hog

right there in Chicago,

up from the South,

makin’

raw and raucous

rompin’, rollickin’

music.

Dang, they were musical royalty—

inventing

a new kind of sound—

makin’

jazz.

After reading Struttin’ with Some Barbecue, you won’t be able to look up
a recording of Lil’s music fast enough. I’ve saved you the trouble.
A link to listen to “Struttin’ with Some Barbecue” is on my blog, Shelf-employed.

In addition to a glossary, bibliography, index, etc., back matter includes additional information on Lil, jazz, and racial conditions of the era.

My copy of Struttin’ with Some Barbecue was provided by the publisher.

You can read all of my reviews on my blog, Shelf-employed.

nonfiction.monday

It’s Nonfiction Monday!

November 5, 2018November 2, 2018

Two Pioneering Women Athletes

In alphabetical order, today we have two picture book biographies about pioneering women athletes. Their stories are remarkably similar, unfortunately. They were both told they couldn’t participate in their sport of choice because of their gender, and they went ahead and took part anyway.

First up at bat is Anybody’s Game: Kathryn Johnston, the First Girl to Play Little League Baseball by by Heather Lang and illustrated by Cecilia Puglesi.

Kathryn Johnston loved baseball and she wanted to play for a Little League team. The only problem was it was 1950 and girls were not allowed. Kathryn cut her hair and and tried out for the team anyway, saying her name was “Tubby” Johnston. She made the team!

The back matter contains very cool black and white photographs of Kathryn at bat in her Little League uniform. Lang also includes a timeline of “Women and Girls in Baseball,” as well as more information about the events that occurred in the years after Kathryn played.

Anybody’s Game will play to young athletes, but it is inspirational for anyone who is brave enough to dream big.

Not far behind is Girl Running: Bobbi Gibb and the Boston Marathon by Annette Bay Pimentel and illustrated by Micha Archer.

Bobbi Gibb was a long distance runner. She lived near the route for the Boston Marathon, so decided to enter officially. The year was 1966, however, and women weren’t allowed to run. She knew she could do it, so she decided to run the course during the race anyway. Although Bobbi Gibb proved women could finish the race, ahead of many men, it would be several years before women were allowed to run officially.

Pimental includes many specifics that make the story personal, like the fact that stores do not carry running shoes for women so Bobbi has to by men’s shoes.

Girl Running just might leave young readers breathless.

See more at Wrapped in Foil blog.

October 22, 2018October 16, 2018

What Do You Do with a Voice Like That?

Let’s take a look at the new picture book biography, What Do You Do with a Voice Like That? The Story of Extraordinary Congresswoman Barbara Jordan by Chris Barton and illustrated by Ekua Holmes.

Barbara Charline Jordan was born in Houston, Texas in 1936. Before long, she was known for her oratory skills. She recited poetry and gave speeches in school. After she graduated from law school, her speaking skills led her into politics. Eventually, she was elected to the U. S. Congress where she fought against discrimination.

You can hear Barbara Jordan’s voice in the rhythm of Chris Barton’s brilliant text.

That voice
That big, bold, booming, crisp, clear, confident voice.
It caused folks to sit right up, stand up straight, and take notice.

The alliteration of the adjectives adds to the effect. He also repeats the title throughout for emphasis:

“What do you do with a voice like that?

Ekua Holmes’s mixed media illustrations capture the time, which was the late 1960s and early 1970s. They are as bright and bold as Barton’s text.

What Do You Do with a Voice Like That? begs to be read aloud. Pull it out for Black History Month, for Women’s History Month, and for all the months of the year. Barbara Jordan’s voice should be remembered.

Full review at Wrapped in Foil blog (where we love picture book biographies.)