Elizabeth Warren: Nevertheless, She Persisted

by Susan Wood, Sarah Green (Illustrator)

Overview

Author Susan Wood and illustrator Sarah Green’s picture book Elizabeth Warren: Nevertheless, She Persistedshares the incredible story of the first female senator of Massachusetts, a “useful and accessible addition to the growing group of biographies about women politicians” (School Library Journal).

ILA CBC Children’s Choices List
NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People

Elizabeth came from a struggling middle-class family in Oklahoma City. After a heart attack put Elizabeth’s father out of work, she helped out by babysitting, waitressing, and sewing, all while shining as a star member of her school’s debate team. Debate taught Elizabeth how to fight with her words, a skill that eventually won her a state championship and a college scholarship.

As a lawyer and law professor, Elizabeth learned why it was so difficult for working-class families like her own to advance economically, and today she continues to fight (with her words) for the poor and middle class in her role as a senator.

Elizabeth Warren emphasizes the importance of being outspoken—of using your words to fight for both yourself and for those who need your help.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781419731624
Publisher:	Abrams Books for Young Readers
Publication date:	08/07/2018
Pages:	48
Product dimensions:	9.10(w) x 10.60(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	6 - 9 Years

About the Author

Susan Wood is the author of many picture books, including American Gothic and Esquivel! She lives in Norfolk, Virginia.



Sarah Green is an illustrator and designer based in San Francisco. She illustrated a book on Dorothea Lange that Kirkus Reviews called “brilliant” in a starred review.

Editorial Reviews

07/09/2018
In this picture book biography of the senior Massachusetts senator, Wood offers a cogent perspective on Warren’s life. She traces Warren’s concerns over financial and social inequity to her childhood, citing her family’s economic downturn after her father had a heart attack: “Her middle-class family was no longer getting by. They were poor, on the edge of losing everything, even their house.” Wood describes Warren’s increasing motivation to bring about social change, first as an attorney and law professor, then as a senator, including the highly publicized event that would result in the titular “Nevertheless, she persisted” rallying cry. Green subtly captures Warren’s likeness in gentle, matte art featuring soft peach, rose, and plum tones. A fond tribute to a politician whose story is very much still being written. Ages 6–9. (Aug.)

Publishers Weekly

"The story-like text flows, keeping readers engaged. This is a good choice for both reports and inspirational reading aloud."

Booklist

"Affectionate . . . A strong, upbeat introduction to a bold figure."—Kirkus Reviews

"Affectionate . . . A strong, upbeat introduction to a bold figure."—Kirkus Reviews

"A fond tribute to a politician whose story is very much still being written."—Publishers Weekly

"A fond tribute to a politician whose story is very much still being written."—Publishers Weekly

"The story-like text flows, keeping readers engaged. This is a good choice for both reports and inspirational reading aloud."—Booklist

"The story-like text flows, keeping readers engaged. This is a good choice for both reports and inspirational reading aloud."—Booklist

"Useful and accessible addition to the growing group of biographies about women politicians."—School Library Journal

"Useful and accessible addition to the growing group of biographies about women politicians."—School Library Journal

From the Publisher

"The story-like text flows, keeping readers engaged. This is a good choice for both reports and inspirational reading aloud."

Booklist

2018-06-25
An affectionate picture-book biography of Massachusetts senator Elizabeth Warren.Elizabeth Warren has always had a passionate drive for equity and justice, Wood begins. Because of her awareness of class differentials and the sexism she experienced as a working mother, Elizabeth decided to use her passion for debating and her strong sense of justice to become a lawyer, starting her own one-woman practice out of her home after graduating from law school. Prompted by her personal experiences, she seized her moment as she ran for and won a seat in the United States Senate, becoming both the first woman senator from Massachusetts and a fighter for women and working people across the country. Wood's bookended use of the refrain "She insisted. / She resisted. / She persisted" emphasizes Warren's fortitude and frames the rest of the narrative. Wood does mention that Warren claims "Native American ancestry" in an author's note but does not interrogate this, simply noting that her claim "came into question" during her campaign and citing Warren's response. With a colorful but muted palette, full-bleed spreads, and clear lines, Green's illustrations feel calm and steadfast, matching Wood's portrayal of Warren. Background characters are shown with diverse skin tones, hair, body types, family structures, and gender expressions.A strong, upbeat introduction to a bold figure. (author's note) (Picture book/biography. 6-10)

Kirkus Reviews

Amy Rubinate narrates this children’s biography of Senator Elizabeth Warren with feeling, helping children understand Warren’s story and persistence. Sound effects and heartfelt music help set the scenes for young listeners, with honking cars, hammering gavels, and classroom noises bringing the story to life. Rubinate’s clear narration highlights the harder times faced by Warren’s family, her love of debate and of using her voice to fight for herself and others, and the influence her experiences had on her ideas of leadership in law and politics. Her story is a good one for teaching young listeners about sexism, classism, inequality, and justice. An author’s note read by Rubinate at the end of the audiobook goes into more depth on some key moments in Warren’s story. E.E.C. © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine

AUGUST 2018 - AudioFile