Speak Up, Speak Out! The Extraordinary Life of "Fighting Shirley Chisholm"

 Speak Up, Speak Out! The Extraordinary Life of "Fighting Shirley Chisholm" 

by Tonya Bolden

Published Jan. 4, 2022

National Geographic for Kids

Hardcover

144 pages

Narrative Nonfiction

Review copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary

From award-winning author Tonya Bolden comes a biography of the first Black woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and the first Black woman to run for president with a major political party: Shirley Chisholm.
Before there was Barack Obama, before there was Kamala Harris, there was Fighting Shirley Chisholm. A daughter of Barbadian immigrants, Chisholm developed her political chops in Brooklyn in the 1950s and went on to become the first Black woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. This “pepper pot,” as she was known, was not afraid to speak up for what she thought was right. While fighting for a better life for her constituents in New York’s 12th Congressional District, Chisholm routinely fought against sexism and racism in her own life and defied the norms of the time. As the first Black woman in the House and the first Black woman to seek the presidential nomination from a major political party, Shirley Chisholm laid the groundwork for those who would come after her.
Extensively researched and reviewed by experts, this inspiring biography traces Chisholm’s journey from her childhood in a small flat in Brooklyn where she read books with her sisters to Brooklyn College where she got her first taste of politics. Readers will cheer Chisholm on to victory from the campaign trail to the hallowed halls of the U.S. Capitol, where she fought for fair wages, equal rights, and an end to the Vietnam War. And while the presidential campaign trail in 1972 did not end in victory, Shirley Chisholm shows us how you can change a country when you speak up and speak out.

My Thoughts

This book chronicles Shirley Chisholm's life from childhood to her death in 2005. It is a fascinating and important story of this iconic woman. Bolden's exceptional research combined with the narrative style makes you feel like you are beside her every step of the way. 

This book would appeal most to students in middle school and up. It does not provide support from photographs or text features. While this does not impact the information presented, I do wish there were a few photos sprinkled in. 

Shirley Chisholm was a prolific and powerful speaker. Reading this book, as often happens with good nonfiction, made me want to learn more. Below is a recording of her 1972 speech announcing her campaign to run and the first black woman for president of the United States. 

It's Monday, What Are you Reading? July 20, 2020

Please visit the amazing blogs: Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers who host this terrific meme each week.

Here are a few books I read last week. Click on the covers to go to the book's page on Goodreads.

Loved it! Full Review tomorrow. 

Alan Katz writes silly books and poems and this series is no exception. None of the information is actually true and the events never happened. There is a very short (factual) biographical section at the end. It has fun illustrations and kids may like it, but it was not my cup of tea.

I LOVE books about lesser-known, but super-important people. German born Emmy Noether was a gifted mathematician in a time when women were barely allowed to attend college. Her research was vital and she even helped Einstein with his Theory of Relativity. Of course, men took all the credit for her work. This book would make a nice companion to science units and to examine gender stereotypes and fairness. 

Currently Reading

Still Listening

Next Up

What Are You Reading Friends?

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? July 17, 2017

Please visit the amazing blogs: Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers who host this terrific meme each week.

Here are some books I have enjoyed this week. Click on the cover for more info. 

Sweet and sad, but mostly sweet. Prek-2

I will review this excellent middle grade adventure story near its release date in November.

LOVED this one! Great for fans of The Goldfish Boy. 

Get this one. Trust me.

Currently Reading

Listening to...

Continuing to read and participate in #cyberpd2017

Here are my posts if you care to read them.

Week 1

Week 2

What are you reading friends? 

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? May 1, 2017

Please visit the amazing blogs: Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers who host this terrific meme each week.

Click on the book covers to learn more. 

LOVED this nonfiction biography!

Grades 3+

2nd in the Calpurnia Tate, Girl Vet series. 

Nice easy chapter book for animal lovers.

Grades 2-4

Interesting story, but just ok for me. 

Graphic novel grades 4-7

Enjoyed this graphic novel. 

Grades 4-8

Started Listening to...

Yes, it is as good as you have heard and the audio is amazing!

Currently Reading

Today is the last day to enter the giveaway to win a copy of Share, Big Bear, Share. Click here to go to the post. 

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? November 7, 2016

Please visit the amazing blogs: Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers who host this terrific meme each week.

Click on the covers to learn more about each book.

An important story to share with children to build 

empathy and spark their desire to help others.

Just beautiful! Deborah Freeman is amazing! 

Share this with all your shy little ones. 

There is so much to read and examine in this 160 page biography of E.B.White. A must-have for your biography collection. 

What are you reading friends? 

Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday-For The Right to Learn: Malala Yousafzai's Story

My Friend Alyson Beecher at Kid Lit Frenzy hosts a weekly link up to share Nonfiction Picture Books. Please visit her amazing website.

For The Right to Learn: Malala Yousafzai's Story
by Rebecca Langston George
Illustrated by Janna Bock
Available September 2015
Capstone Press
Nonfiction Picture Book
42 pages
Digital Review copy obtained by Netgalley




Goodreads Summary
She grew up in a world where women were supposed to be quiet. But Malala Yousafzai refused to be silent. She defied the Taliban's rules, spoke out for education for every girl, and was almost killed for her beliefs. This powerful true story of how one brave girl named Malala changed the world proves that one person really can make a difference.

My Thoughts

Many people are familiar with Malala's story. This book provides information about her story for younger readers in a matter of fact and informative way. The book opens with Malala receiving her Nobel Peace Prize and then flashes back to her early educational experiences. I love how the importance of education and the determination of Malala and her friends to receive an education is at the forefront of this story. The author scaffolds the information in bite-sized pieces that make it easier to understand. Original quotes are woven into the narration and add to the authenticity of the story. The illustrations really bring the story to life and have a soft Disney-like feel to them. I loved the muted earth tones of the desert scenes. Children in America often take their freedoms for granted because they are unaware of the struggles of people in other countries. Of course her shooting and the Taliban is discussed so you will need to be prepared to talk about it. I will definitely be sharing Malala's powerful story with my class this fall. 

Further Reading

  

It's Monday, What Are You Reading-September 22, 2014

Please visit the amazing blogs: Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers who host this terrific meme each week.

Bramble and Maggie: Spooky Season
by Jessie Haas
Illustrated by Alison Friend

A cute early chapter book series for girls who love horses. 

A more detailed review to come. 

Finished...

Sisters

by Raina Telgemeier

Another terrific graphic novel based on Raina's early life. 

Sure to be a hit with fans of Smile and Drama. 

Finished Listening...

The Fault in Our Stars

by John Green

Ok, now I get it. This is a book that stays with you. Unfortunately, I listened to it in the car on the way to work so I had to pull myself together before entering the building. 

Currently Reading...

Currently Listening...

What are YOU Reading Friends?

Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday-March 19

My Friend Alyson Beecher at Kid Lit Frenzy hosts a weekly link up to share Nonfiction Picture Books. Please visit her amazing website. 

This week my picture books focus on two important women who love nature. 

Me... Jane

by Patrick McDonnell

This is a biographical book about a very young Jane Goodall. As a girl, Goodall had a toy chimpanzee named Jubilee. Even as a child, she loved to be outside in nature and dreamed of growing up to help animals. Well, you know how that turned out.  

I love how this book takes a very important woman and looks at her as a child. After all, every influential person started out as a child with a dream. With simplistic text and lovely pictures, this book is great for children in grades K-2. 

The Tree Lady

by H. Joseph Hopkins

Illustrated by Jill McElmurry

I had never heard of Kate Sessions before reading this book. She grew up surrounded by trees and never imagined that she would live in a place that did not have many trees. Then she moved to San Diego. With its intense heat and dry climate, SanDiego was not an ideal place for trees to thrive. Kate made it her mission to research trees that could grow in such conditions and soon began planting trees in parks throughout San Diego. Several years, and many trees later, she had organized efforts to plant almost a million trees. 

I love Kate's determination and her passion for nature. She serves as an important role model for us today about the difference one person can make in the world. 

Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday- Rachel Carson and her Book that Changed the World

My Friend Alyson Beecher at Kid Lit Frenzy hosts a weekly link up to share Nonfiction Picture Books. Please visit her amazing website. 

Rachel Carson and Her Book 
That Changed the World
by Laurie Lawlor
Illustrated by Laura Beingessner
Published 2012 by Holiday House
Copy obtained from public library

If you don't know anything about Rachel Carson, this book gives a great overview of her journey to becoming a biologist and changing how people look at the environment. After writing two books about the ocean: The Edge of the Sea and The Sea Around Us, she began to notice disturbing trends in the environment. Determined to show the government and the American people how toxins were affecting the environment, she wrote perhaps her most important book: Silent Spring. This book detailed how poisons like pesticides were polluting the air and water and what it meant for people and all living things. The epilogue describes the changes in environmental policy were put in place after Carson's death as a result of Silent Spring.  This book is written in a manner that is appropriate for grades 2-5. 

Here are some of the most interesting tidbits:

*When she was eleven, Carson had a story published in a children's magazine. This is when she decided to become a writer.

*She was a shy person who had trouble fitting in socially at college. She would much rather go to the science lab than a party or dance.

*Rachel was inspired to become a biologist because of a biology professor named Mary Scott Skinker. 

*Although she never married, she adopted her niece's 5-year-old son. 

*She wrote Silent Spring while bedridden with cancer and never lived to see the effects of her book. 
*Sadly, Rachel Carson died at the very young age of 56. 

This book could be used.....

As part of a unit on biographies.

As part of a science/ecology unit.

To discuss how writing can change the world. 

More Information

Rachelcarson.org

Kid Scoop

Teacher Tube Biography

Nonfiction Wednesday Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers' strike of 1909

Please visit the host of this weekly nonfiction book event: Alyson Beecher at Kid Lit Frenzy

Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers' Strike of 1909

by Michelle Markel
Illustrated by Melissa Sweet

Published in 2013 by Balzer and Bray
32 pages
Format: Picture book
Genre: Nonfiction
Disclosure: Book obtained from library
I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.


Summary
Ukranian immigrant Clara Lemich and her family have come to the US in search of a better life. Clara becomes a garment worker, sewing shirts with 300 other girls and women.  The working conditions are horrible, the hours are long and the pay is terrible. This was not the life Clara imagined she would have in America so she decided to do something about it. Through perseverance and determination, Clara works to get New York Garment workers to go on strike.  The strike succeeded in making hundreds of bosses raise pay, shorten work weeks and improve working conditions.  

My Thoughts
Clara is a fantastic example of girl power! She exhibits the qualities of determination and grit. The book contains very nice watercolor and mixed media illustrations.  I just love the message that one girl can make such a difference. 

Use this book....
In a biography unit.
As part of a history unit of the Industrial Revolution
To discuss strong female characters.
To discuss immigration. 

Possible Companion Texts

   Hattie Ever After by Kirby Larsen. Another feisty shirtmaker. 

Resources
Article written by Clara- Primary resource
Fact Monster-Industrial Revolution

Nonfiction Wednesday The Beatles were Fab (and They Were Funny)

Please visit the host of this weekly nonfiction book event: Alyson Beecher at Kid Lit Frenzy

The Beatles Were Fab (and They Were Funny)
by Kathleen Krull and Paul Brewer
Illustrated by Stacey Innerst

Published in 2013 by HMH Boks for Young Readers
40 pages
Format: Picture Book
Genre: Nonfiction Biography
I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Summary
This book briefly summarizes the Beatles band from beginning to end.  The reader will learn about how the band came together, and chronicles their rise to fame. It offers a bit more of a look into their personalities and how they interacted with one another. They were a very silly and fun-loving bunch. 

My Thoughts
I was born just after the Beatlemania craze so I did not know much about The Beatles other than a few of their songs until reading this book.  I found it to be entertaining and informative. I really loved the whimsical style of the illustrations. 

Students who enjoy music or have an interest in the 1960's may enjoy this book.