Extraordinary Women of the American West

Extraordinary Women of the American West

Written by: Judy Alter

"This book chronicles the exploits and achievements of more than fifty women in the past and present of America's West, including the guide and interpreter Sacajawea, journalist Jessie Benton Fremont, and author Willa Cather."

Product Description

Online Resources:
http://www.judyalter.com/
http://www.prs.tcu.edu/staff_judy.html

Sarah Emma Edmonds Was a Great Pretender: The True Story of a Civil War Spy

Sarah Emma Edmonds Was a Great Pretender: The True Story of a Civil War Spy

Written by: Carrie Jones
Illustrated by: Mark Oldroid

"Sarah Emma Edmonds started pretending at a very early age. Her father only wanted sons, so Sarah pretended to be one. Unlike most kids, though, Sarah never really stopped pretending. In 1861, during the U.S. Civil War, Sarah pretended her way into the Union Army, becoming a male nurse named Frank Thompson. Being a nurse didn't quite satisfy "Frank," though. She wanted to keep her fellow soldiers from getting hurt. So when the Union Army needed a spy, she leapt at the chance. While still pretending to be Frank, Sarah also pretended to be a male African American slave, a female Irish peddler, and a female African American laundress. She slipped behind enemy lines time after time, spied on the Confederate Army, and brought back valuable intelligence to the Union. Sarah was not only good at pretending; she was also very brave. Later in life, Sarah Emma Edmonds wrote a book to tell her story. She explained, "I am naturally fond of adventure, a little ambitious, and a good deal romantic." She was also truly a great pretender."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.carriejonesbooks.com/my-books/sarah-emma-edmonds/

Seeds of Change: Wangari's Gift to the World

Seeds of Change: Wangari's Gift to the World

Written by: Jen Cullerton Johnson
Illustrated by: Sonia Lynn Sadler

**2011 Coretta Scott Award Winner**

"As a young girl in Kenya, Wangari was taught to respect nature. She grew up loving the land, plants, and animals that surrounded her -from the giant mugumo trees her people, the Kikuyu, revered to the tiny tadpoles that swam in the river. Although most Kenyan girls were not educated, Wangari, curious and hardworking, was allowed to go to school. There, her mind sprouted like a seed. She excelled at science and went on to study in the United States. After returning home, Wangari blazed a trail across Kenya, using her knowledge and compassion to promote the rights of her countrywomen and to help save the land, one tree at a time. Seeds of Change: Planting a Path to Peace brings to life the empowering story of Wangari Maathai, the first African woman, and environmentalist, to win a Nobel Peace Prize. Engaging narrative and vibrant images paint a robust portrait of this inspiring champion of the land and of women's rights."

Product Description

Online Resources:
http://www.jencullertonjohnson.com/Jen_Cullerton_Johnson/Seeds_of_Change.html

Margaret Chase Smith: A Woman for President

Margaret Chase Smith: A Woman for President

Written by: Lynn Plourde
Illustrated by: David McPhail

"Experience the compelling story of Senator Margaret Chase Smith, who decided to run for president in 1964. The author uses a timeline of key events in history and important in- formation about our nation to make connections to this woman’s passions and accomplishments"

www.socialstudies.org/notable

Online Resources:
http://www.mcslibrary.org/bio/biog.htm
http://www.teachervision.fen.com/elections/printable/56828.html?detoured=1

Elizabeth Leads the Way: Elizabeth Cady Stanton and the Right to Vote

Elizabeth Leads the Way: Elizabeth Cady Stanton and the Right to Vote

Written by: Tanya Lee Stone
Illustrated by: Rebecca Gibbon

"Meet Elizabeth Cady Stanton, a woman who stood up and fought for what she believed in. In nineteenth-century America, women were not allowed to go to college, own property, or vote. But rather than accept her lesser status, Elizabeth went to college and gathered other like-minded women to challenge the right to vote. Here is the inspiring story of an extraordinary woman who changed America forever because she wouldn’t take no for an answer."

Publishers Synopsis

Online Resources:
*download reading guide here*
http://www.tanyastone.com/index.php?id=25

Our County's First Ladies

Our Country's First Ladies

Written by: Ann Bausum

"Step inside the White House and meet the women who have played the roles of partners, confidantes, hostesses, and activists in the midst of American history. Read of fascinating lives led by the wives (and sometimes daughters, nieces, and friends) of our country's leaders. Ann Bausum introduces us to a private side of each First Lady, and connects each personality with the public persona to produce a book of uniquely revealing portraits.

Each profile is accompanied by a full-page portrait and a Fact Box detailing information such as education, special interests, and children. Timelines set each tenure in the context of the course of women's history, and a Facts-at-a-Glance section is a valuable resource for trivia lovers and report writers alike.

The narrative comes alive through the multi-faceted natures of the First Ladies: the legend of Dolley Madison's rescue of White House treasures in the war of 1812 crackles with drama; the description of Julia Grant's 29-course White House dinner will give you indigestion; the account of Eleanor Roosevelt's tireless public service and activism is awe-inspiring. Hers is one of many stories of First Ladies who embraced causes to make a difference: Lady Bird Johnson campaigned for the beautification of American cities and highways; Hillary Clinton championed the rights of children; while the librarian Laura Bush has been a tireless advocate of literacy."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.firstladies.org/

http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/first-ladies

Patience Wright: America's First Sculptor and Revolutionary Spy

Patience Wright: America's First Sculptor and Revolutionary Spy

Written by: Pegi Deitz Shea
Illustrated by: Bethanne Andersen

"Born in 1725 in the American colonies, Patience Wright discovered her talent for art at an early age. As an adult, she joined her sister in a wax-sculpting business and later moved on her own to England. There, Patience became a spy for the colonies, hiding messages in the sculpted busts she sent to her sister's waxworks in America. Here is the story of a woman who lived an extraordinary life, full of art and intrigue."

Publishers Synopsis

Online Resources:
http://www.womenhistoryblog.com/2009/01/patience-lovell-wright.html
http://bordentownhistory.org/Current_Exhibits/PatielceWright/index.html

Jeanette Rankin: Political Pioneer

Jeanette Rankin: Political Pioneer

Written by: Gretchen Woelfle

"By any measure, Jeannette Rankin was a woman ahead of her time. She was Montana's representative in Congress before women in other states even had the right to vote. Woelfle does a terrific job introducing Rankin, beginning an attention-grabbing story in which an elderly Rankin, a lifelong pacifist, leads an antiwar protest during the 1970s. Woelfle then moves back in time, restarting the story with an anecdote about young Jeannette sewing up an injured horse on her father's ranch. Readers' interest level will stay high throughout as Rankin finds satisfaction in working as a social worker and then discovers her calling as a crusader for women's rights.

Even during her two short tenures in Congress, Rankin never abandoned her core beliefs; she voted against both World War I and II declarations of war (in the case of the latter, standing alone). The high standard of writing is matched by the book's format. Informative sidebars are well integrated, and from the intense portrait on the cover to the well-chosen photos and historical material, the volume offers interesting things to look at on every page. A time line, a bibliography, and source notes bolster this robust introduction to a fascinating figure."

Booklist Starred Review

Online Resources:
http://www.gretchenwoelfle.com/jeannette_rankin__political_pioneer_60457.htm

Thank you, Sarah! The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving

Thank you, Sarah! The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving

Written by: Laurie Halse Anderson
Illustrated by: Matt Faulkner

"We the people of the United States… almost lost Thanksgiving? Yes. That’s right!
Way back when “skirts were long and hats were tall” Americans were forgetting Thanksgiving, and nobody seemed to care! Thankfully, Sarah Hale appeared. More steadfast than Plymouth Rock, this lady editor knew the holiday needed saving. But would her recipe for rescue ever convince Congress and the presidents?

Join Laurie on a journey of a woman and a pen that spanned four decades, the Civil War, and five presidents, all so you could have your turkey and eat it too!"
1s
Product Description

Online Resources:
http://madwomanintheforest.com/youngreaders-thank-you-sarah/

Independent Dames: What You Never Knew About the Women and Girls of the American Revolution

Independent Dames: What You Never Knew About the Women and Girls of the American Revolution

Written by: Laurie Halse Anderson
Illustrated by: Mark Faulkner

"Listen up! You've all heard about the great men who led and fought during the American Revolution; but did you know that the guys only make up part of the story? What about the women? The girls? The dames? Didn't they play a part?

Of course they did, and with page after page of superbly researched information and thoughtfully detailed illustrations, acclaimed novelist and picture-book author Laurie Halse Anderson and charismatic illustrator Matt Faulkner prove the case in this entertaining, informative, and long overdue homage to those independent dames!"

Product Description

Online Resources:
http://madwomanintheforest.com/youngreaders-independent-dames/

The Tragic Tale of Narcissa Whitman and a Faithful History of the Oregon Trail

The Tragic Tale of Narcissa Whitman and a Faithful History of the Oregon Trail

Written by: Cheryl Harness

"When she was a young girl, Narcissa loved nothing better than to read heroic tales about brave men and women risking their lives to bring Christian ideas to "barbarians" in far-off places. In 1831, her dream of doing the same was about to come true. That's when some Indians arrived in St. Louis, Missouri, looking for the "White Man's Book of Heaven." Their quest was the answer to Narcissa's prayers: She would bring salvation to "those wandering sons of our native forests. "

Narcissa married Marcus Whitman, another missionary want-to-be, and they headed West. She spent her honeymoon riding side-saddle some 2,000 miles across the vast, often perilous trail to Oregon Country—something no other white woman had ever done. Then she and Marcus lived happily ever after singing hymns and teaching the Indians about the Bible, right? Wrong! Readers will find out what really happened when East met West at the end of the real-life, legendary Oregon Trail."

Product Description

Online Resources:
http://www.pbs.org/weta/thewest/people/s_z/whitman.htm
http://www.pbs.org/weta/thewest/resources/archives/two/whitman0.htm

Those Remarkable Women of the American Revolution

Those Remarkable Women of the American Revolution

Written by: Karen Zeinert

"Zeinert chronicles the many contributions made by women during the Revolutionary War. She describes the role of both patriots and loyalists; black and Indian women; Northern women as well as those on Southern plantations, showing how the war forced them to assume nontraditional roles, such as protecting the homefront and taking on men's duties like farming and keeping the books."

School Library Journal Review

Online Resources:
http://score.rims.k12.ca.us/score_lessons/women_american_revolution/
http://userpages.aug.com/captbarb/femvets.html

The Secret Soldier: The Story of Deborah Sampson

The Secret Soldier: The Story of Deborah Sampson

Written by: Ann McGovern

"When "Robert Shurtliff" enlists as a common soldier in the Continental army, no one suspects there is anything unusual about him. The new soldier serves bravely for a year and a half. It is not until he is hospitalized with fever that his secret is discovered. Private Shurtliff is really a woman - 23 year-old Deborah Sampson! Deborah longs for a life of her own. When she leaves the Thomas family at the age of eighteen, she is not ready to settle down and get married. She wants to see a bit of the wold first - to travel to big cities like Boston, Philadelphia, and New York.

If she were a man, she could find adventure by joining the army... How Deborah keeps her identity a secret during long, exhausting marches and bloody raids against the Tories, and how her bravery brings the admiration of her fellow soldiers, her commanding general, and finally her county, makes exciting, suspenseful reading."

Product Description

Online Resources:
http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/collateral.jsp?id=1003

Miss Lady Bird's Wildflowers: How a First Lady Changed America

Miss Lady Bird's Wildflowers: How a First Lady Changed America

Written by: Kathy Appelt
Illustrated by: Joy Fisher Hein

"From a lonely childhood in the Piney Woods of East Texas to an exciting life in the White House, Lady Bird Johnson loved these wildflowers with all her heart. They were her companions in her youth, greeting her everywhere as she explored wild forests, bayous, and hills. Later, as First Lady, she sought to bring the beauty of wildflowers to America's cities and highways. She wanted to make sure every child could enjoy the splendor of wildflowers.

In this warm, engaging look at the life of a great First Lady, Kathi Appelt tells the story behind Lady Bird Johnson's environmental vision. Joy Fisher Hein's colorful wildflowers burst from every page, inviting us to share in Lady Bird's love for natural beauty."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.wildflower.org/teachers/
http://www.lone-star.net/wildflowers/flowers.htm

Jane Long: Choosing Texas

Jane Long: Choosing Texas

Written by: Mary Dodson Wade
Illustrated by: Virginia Roeder

"The great achievements and fascinating life of Jane Long, "Mother of Texas," are celebrated in this captivating biography. Readers will learn how Jane, orphaned as a young child and widowed at an early age, raises three children on her own and opened and operated a successful boarding house in Brazoria, the main port of Texas. The biography details how Jane's hotel became the central hub of activity for many of the major figures in the Texas Revolution, including William Barret Travis and Sam Houston, and how Jane used her domestic skills to serve her country in a time when other doors were shut for women. Designed with age-appropriate illustrations and language, this inspirational story of a strong, independent, and ground-breaking woman informs and enlightens beginning readers, revealing that people can overcome significant hardships to ultimately succeed."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.utexas.edu/gtw/long.php

Jane Wilkinson Long: Texas Pioneer

Jane Wilkinson Long: Texas Pioneer

Written by: Neila Petrick
Illustrated by: Joyce Haynes

"Often called the "Mother of Texas," Jane Wilkinson Long led an eventful life on the Texas frontier. Her life as a pioneer, mother, widow, businesswoman, and revolutionary is brought to life for children in "Jane Wilkinson Long: Texas Pioneer." After being orphaned at a young age, Jane married Dr. James Long when she was only sixteen. Dr. Long dreamed of conquering "Tejas" and used his wife’s fortune to build an army. Jane and her family soon joined him on the Bolivar Peninsula, only to be left again as Dr. Long attempted to conquer Mexico. Alone on the frontier with only her slave to help her, Jane endured a brutal winter. With the coming of spring, Jane learned of her husband’s death in Mexico. Now a widow, Jane joined Stephen Austin’s pioneers in the Austin colony and obtained a land grant. She built an inn in Brazoria that soon became a meeting place for revolutionaries like Stephen Austin, William Barret Travis, and Sam Houston. Jane’s unflagging spirit helped her to build a life for herself and her family despite numerous setbacks."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.lsjunction.com/people/long.htm
http://www.womenintexashistory.org/bio/

My Name is Gabriela/Me llamo Gabriela: The Life of Gabriela Mistral/la vida de Gabriela Mistral

My Name is Gabriela/Me llamo Gabriela: The Life of Gabriela Mistral/la vida de Gabriela Mistral

Written and Illustrated by: Monica Brown

"Gabriela Mistral loved words and sounds and stories. Born in Chile, she would grow to become the first Nobel Prize-winning Latina woman in the world. As a poet and a teacher, she inspired children across many countries to let their voices be heard. This beautifully crafted story, where words literally come to life, is told with the rhythm and melody of a poem. The second in Luna Rising's bilingual storybook biography series. My Name is Gabriela/Me llamo Gabriela is beautiful tribute to a woman who taught us the power of words and the importance of following our dreams. The story of Gabriela Mistral will continue to inspire children everywhere."

Publishers Synopsis

Online Resources:
http://www.monicabrown.net/books/gabriela.html
http://pdfs.nbnbooks.com/NB/N_S/NBN_SM_0873588592.pdf

That's Not Fair! / No Es Justo!: Emma Tenayuca's Struggle for Justice/La lucha de Emma Tenayuca por la justicia

That's Not Fair! / No Es Justo!: Emma Tenayuca's Struggle for Justice/La lucha de Emma Tenayuca por la justicia

Written by: Carmen Tafolla and Sharyll Teneyuca
Illustrated by: Terry Ybanez

"This handsome picture-book biography in English and Spanish relates the struggle of Mexican American farmworkers in the early twentieth century through the perspectiive of Emma Tenayuca, who became a labor activist. Growing up in San Antonio, Texas, in the early twentieth century, Tenayuca was shocked by the gross inequality around her, comparing her comfortable home to the extreme poverty of the many families of factory and farmworkers. As a smart, kind teenager, she spoke in public about the plight of the pecan shellers in the factories, and at 21, in 1938, she led 12,000 workers in a strike that forced factory owners to raise wages. Co-authored by the late Tenayuca’s niece and one of the activist’s friends, the story is heavy on exclamatory messages. Yet the stirring, unfamiliar chapter in labor history and the humanitarian efforts of Tenayuca herself will intrigue children, who will also like the bold, mural-like illustrations, which show a child confronting suffering and growing up to make a difference."

Booklist Review

Online Resources:
http://www.houstonculture.org/hispanic/tenayuca.html

Talkin About Bessie: The Story of Aviator Elizabeth Coleman

Talkin About Bessie: The Story of Aviator Elizabeth Coleman

Written by: Nikki Grimes
Illustrated by: E.B. Lewis

"In a volume that looks like a picture book...Grimes offers a many-sided portrait of the first African-American aviatrix, Bessie Coleman...The speakers range from mother to sister to field hand to flight instructor to news reporter to preacher, but teller by teller, the story moves chronologically and builds emotionally to last entry, where Bessie speaks of the joy of flying...The verse reads aloud beautifully, making this book a good choice for readers' theater or for reading aloud in conjunction with the artwork, which shows up to good advantage from a distance. Although there have been other books about Coleman, this is a fine, original portrayal."

Booklist Starred Review

Web Resources:
http://www.nikkigrimes.com/teacher.html

Bring Me Some Apples and I'll Make You a Pie: A Story About Edna Lewis

Bring Me Some Apples and I'll Make You a Pie: A Story About Edna Lewis

Written and Illustrated by: Robbin Gourley

"Edna Lewis, the granddaughter of an emancipated slave who founded Freetown, Virginia, grew up to become a famous chef of southern cuisine. Inspired by Lewis’ childhood, this debut children’s book by an artist and cookbook author celebrates the growing seasons and the irreplaceable pleasure of fresh food shared with family."

Booklist Review

Web Resources:
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/14/national/14lewis.html?_r=1