lostinausten's review
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
5.0
The story of Frances Perkins and how she fought to keep Americans safe.
I am embarrassed to say that I've never heard of Frances Perkins before. I had heard of some of the incredible advancements that were included in the New Deal, but had no idea SHE was the one responsible for creating them. She was a true trailblazer who fought for what was right, even when men didn't believe in her. This book also provides a lot of history on what working conditions were like for many Americans, ie, the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire. The history that is weaved into this story gives context to how much Perkins fought for those without a voice. It is a very inspiring story and one I can't believe I never knew about.
I am embarrassed to say that I've never heard of Frances Perkins before. I had heard of some of the incredible advancements that were included in the New Deal, but had no idea SHE was the one responsible for creating them. She was a true trailblazer who fought for what was right, even when men didn't believe in her. This book also provides a lot of history on what working conditions were like for many Americans, ie, the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire. The history that is weaved into this story gives context to how much Perkins fought for those without a voice. It is a very inspiring story and one I can't believe I never knew about.
msgabbythelibrarian's review
5.0
As a woman and someone who prides herself on knowing American history, I am ashamed to admit that I had no idea who Frances Perkins was. But to discover that she was the first female cabinet member (under FDR and labor department) and the woman responsible for the Civilian Conversation Corps and social security (public policies that frankly, I feel always get attributed to a man--FDR)..I was stunned. This woman was sweet, kind, and compassionate. She never sought to domineer a man. She just wanted to make a difference wherever she could in. In her words:
"The door might not be opened to a woman again for a long, long, time. And I had a kind of duty to walk in and sit down in the chair that was offered."
THIS is true feminism. People associate it with radicalism. But it was far from that. Instead we have a woman who was terrified of speaking in public yet when it mattered most, to people she cared about and those underrepresented....she did it. What a role model!
"The door might not be opened to a woman again for a long, long, time. And I had a kind of duty to walk in and sit down in the chair that was offered."
THIS is true feminism. People associate it with radicalism. But it was far from that. Instead we have a woman who was terrified of speaking in public yet when it mattered most, to people she cared about and those underrepresented....she did it. What a role model!
derby5's review
5.0
Wow! I really enjoyed learning about Frances Perkins. Most people know about President FDR, but do you know the woman who created his groundbreaking New Deal? I wish that kids and adults knew that she was such a vital part of our everyday life now. Did you know that she was the first woman ever to serve in a US Cabinet? Did you know that she is mainly responsible for Social Security, safety laws, and workplace regulations? She is such an important part of history that I feel isn't taught.
5elementknitr's review
5.0
Another well-done book about another amazing woman.
Another person I need to find a grown-up version of her life story!
I loved the creative way they used fancy fonts when displaying Ms. Perkins' quotes.
Another person I need to find a grown-up version of her life story!
I loved the creative way they used fancy fonts when displaying Ms. Perkins' quotes.
tschmitty's review
4.0
I enjoyed learning about Frances Perkins, she overcome shyness to stand up for the working class and fought for better working conditions. She also was the first woman to sit in a presidential cabinet during FDR's presidency.
abigailbat's review
You've heard of FDR, but have you ever heard of Frances Perkins? Perkins was a shy girl who grew up wanting to protect and help people. She found her voice and used it to speak out against unfair labor practices and was eventually hired by FDR as his Secretary of Labor. She helped develop the New Deal of the 1930s with many programs that helped protect Americans, like Social Security and getting people back to work. In determined text and with quotable stylized sections that emphasize quotes from Perkins and her inspirational grandmother, this is a book that shows that women can bring about change.
michelle_neuwirth_gray9311's review
5.0
I love reading about people I am unfamiliar with and this was a delightful book. My favorite illustration is the last one where Frances is looking back at the reader, almost asking what we think we can do next.
okiecozyreader's review
4.0
A beautifully illustrated book about the woman who fought for building safety and helped FDR create the Social Security Administration. Her care for working families led her to fought for betterment of their working conditions. I’m glad that now more people can know about Frances Perkins and her work for them. Text is interesting and illustrations are appealing to middle grade students.