She Persisted: Deb Haaland

Starred review from May 29, 2017
Mitch McConnell’s dismissal of Elizabeth Warren during a Senate confirmation hearing immediately became a feminist rallying cry. Clinton (It’s Your World) and Boiger (Max and Marla) further transform it into a lovely, moving work of children’s literature that might even win over those cynical about celebrity efforts in that space. Clinton succinctly summarizes the lives of women who “did not take no for an answer”; each story reiterates “she persisted” in bold type and is paired with an inspiring quote. Familiar figures (Helen Keller, Sally Ride) join ones who may be new to some readers, like union activist Clara Lemlich and Claudette Colvin, the teenager whose courageous decision to keep her seat on a Montgomery bus helped “inspire Rosa Parks to make the same choice nine months later.” Boiger’s celebratory watercolors effortlessly mix drama and playfulness: a luminous Harriet Tubman guides escaped slaves to freedom; a few pages later, babies beatifically float around Virginia Apgar as she examines an infant. Clinton’s mother isn’t profiled, but readers will spot her portrait in a gallery scene that opens this polished introduction to a diverse and accomplished group of women. Ages 4–8.

Starred review from January 11, 2021
In this chapter book series opener expanding upon Chelsea Clinton and Alexandra Boiger’s She Persisted picture book series, Coretta Scott King Award winner Pinkney (The Red Pencil) presents an accessible portrait of American abolitionist, activist, nurse, and spy Harriet Tubman. In a brief introduction, Clinton explains that she “wanted all of us to see examples of persistence in the face of different challenges to help inspire us in our own lives”; Boiger provides cover art that embodies this sentiment. Pinkney then launches into how Harriet Tubman, born enslaved, persevered not only to gain her own freedom, but helped many others gain liberation through the Underground Railroad. Pinkney’s six-chapter narrative spans from Tubman’s birth until her later years as a spy for the Union Army, allowing readers an in-depth review of Tubman’s life, while interior artist Flint delivers powerfully tender black-and-white mixed media images of Tubman’s journey. With activities and resources “to honor Harriet Tubman’s determination and bravery,” an interactive final section titled “How You Can Persist” challenges young readers to think about how they too can persist beyond the pages of this luminous first installment. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 6–9. Agent: (for Pinkney) Rebecca Sherman, Writers House; (for Flint) James Burns, the Bright Agency.

September 6, 2021
In six accessible chapters, Day (who is Upper Skagit), deftly parallels the struggles of the Osage Nation with those of Elizabeth Marie Tall Chief (1925–2013), one of the first American ballet stars. Born in Oklahoma to an Osage father and white mother, Maria Tall Chief faced a variety of hurdles after starting to dance at three years old, including having to learn about her heritage in secret, since Native ceremonies and gatherings were outlawed by the U.S. government until 1978. She also faced racist bullying from classmates and, as a professional dancer, was asked to make her name more sound Russian. Tallchief nevertheless rose to dance solos with the Ballet de Monte Carlos, the New York City Ballet, and American Ballet Theatre, becoming a major star with George Balanchine’s Firebird and receiving prestigious recognitions. Flint contributes simple, appealing b&w ink-and-wash spot illustrations throughout this rich, clear picture of how one iconic Native dancer persisted. Back matter includes a How You Can Persist guide and references. Ages 6–9.

September 1, 2023

Gr 3-7-Deb Haaland, the first Native American woman to be appointed to the President's Cabinet, is portrayed for young readers with an empowering message of perseverance. The title delves into Haaland's childhood, as a military brat and the grandchild of Native Americans who cherished and passed on their heritage and traditions. The author spends time on Haaland's relationship with her grandparents and their influence on her choices in adulthood. The work uses clear sentence structure to help readers grasp these encouraging ideas; the authors explain difficult concepts without talking down to the audience. Black and white drawings are peppered throughout the book and further references are listed in the back matter. VERDICT This is a worthy addition to an already successful series.-Esther Keller

Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 15, 2024
Grades 2-4 The She Persisted series (3 new titles) of middle-grade biographies honors women who excelled in their endeavors, sometimes after overcoming obstacles such as poverty and discrimination. With attractive covers, wide-spaced lines of type, and pleasing grayscale illustrations on many of the double-page spreads, these volumes have an inviting look, particularly for children who can handle chapter books but aren't ready for full-scale biographies. Not every woman profiled is widely known, but each has an interesting story, written and presented with a young audience in mind. Deb Haaland profiles the determined public servant who became one of the first two Native American women elected to the U.S. Congress and the first Native person to head a federal executive department (Interior). In each book, the back matter includes a section entitled "How You Can Persist," which includes ideas for action that are relevant to the interests, practices, and achievements of the person discussed in that volume. This biography series honors the successes of women in various fields and encourages children to strive for greatness.

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