Description
An inspiring picture book biography of Jane Addams—the groundbreaking social activist who went from the FBI’s “Most Dangerous Woman in America” to Nobel Peace Prize winner.
“Hand to readers looking to make a difference in the world.” —School Library Journal
From the time she was a child, Jane Addams’s heart ached for others—for those who were sad, hungry, and hopeless. When she grew up, Jane created Hull House, a settlement house in Chicago where she worked eighteen hours a day, providing whatever her immigrant neighbors needed: English lessons, childcare, steady work—as well as friendship, dignity, and hope.
Then World War I broke out. Jane had helped people from different countries live in peace at Hull House, but what could she do to stop a war?
This energetic, inspiring picture book biography focuses on the peace work that helped Jane Addams go from FBI’s “Most Dangerous Woman in America” to the first American woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize. Suzanne Slade’s powerful text, written in free verse, is brought to life with Alice Ratterree’s stunning, period-perfect illustrations.
Reviews
“Slade tells the purposively inspiring story with a poetic flair, and Ratterree’s pale, evocatively washed-out watercolor illustrations are richly detailed… An attractive volume introducing an important American to young readers.” ―Kirkus Reviews
“Slade continues her line of outstanding nonfiction picture books with her latest offering, about Jane Addams…. This short biography emphasizes the value of doing what is right despite criticism…. In Slade’s and Ratterree’s hands, Addams’s legacy shines brightly for the next generation of advocates…. A stirring addition to any school or public library’s biography section.” ―School Library Journal
“A straightforward introduction to the dedication and purpose of an American heroine.” ―Booklist
“An inspiring testament to the power of activism.… An afterword and timeline round out a solid introduction to a woman who ‘kept doing what she’d always done: helping people. No matter where they were from. No matter what others thought. No matter the cost.’” ―Publishers Weekly
Awards
Best Children’s Books of the Year (Starred) ―Bank Street College of Education, 2018
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People ―National Council for the Social Studies/Children’s Book Council, 2018
CCBC Choices (Biography and Autobiography) ―Cooperative Children’s Book Center, 2018
Illinois Reads (3-5) ―Illinois Reading Council, 2019
Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Intermediate) ―Kansas National Education Association, 2018
Alabama Camellia Award (Nominee, Grades 4-5 Non-fiction) ―Alabama Department of Education, 2018-2019
More Details
AR Level: 4.3
F&P: S, Gr 4, Genre B
Lexile: 770L
Themes: History, Jane Addams, Peace, Poverty, World War I
BISAC 1: JNF007110 JUVENILE NONFICTION / Biography & Autobiography / Social Activists
BISAC 2: JNF007120 JUVENILE NONFICTION / Biography & Autobiography / Women
BISAC 3: JNF025210 JUVENILE NONFICTION / History / United States / 20th Century
