Publishers Weekly
06/01/2020
Conkling (Heroism Begins with Her) provides a comprehensive biography of Gloria Steinem, often shining psychological insight onto the actions and writings of this icon of American feminism. Born in 1934 to parents who divorced when she was 10, Steinem’s childhood was difficult, dominated by poverty and her mentally ill mother’s need for care. After graduating from Smith College and spending time in India, Steinem pursued a journalism career. While supporting herself primarily as a writer, Steinem’s activism in political arenas—Vietnam War protests, migrant workers’ rights—gradually crystallized into a focus on feminist issues. Steinem consciously dedicated herself to feminism in 1969; since then, she has remained a leader of this movement, as a cofounder of Ms. magazine, as a speaker and essayist, and as a campaigner for women’s rights and representation. Though Steinem attributes her independence and feminist leanings to parental influences, experience and intellectual rigor contribute equally to her status. Conkling provides a clear, sensitive portrayal of one of the foremost feminists of the modern age. Back matter highlights the Ms. Foundation, provides timelines of Steinem’s life and American feminism, and more. Ages 12–up. (June)
From the Publisher
"An enlightening, high-quality narrative history of a woman and her work as a leader of American feminism." —School Library Journal, on Ms. Gloria Steinem, starred review
"This wonderfully detailed biography provides insights into the events that shaped Gloria Steinem's life and turned her into a groundbreaking advocate for women's rights." —Booklist on Ms. Gloria Steinem
"Conkling provides a clear, sensitive portrayal of one of the foremost feminists of the modern age." —Publishers Weekly on Ms. Gloria Steinem
"insightful . . . readers will come away with a deeper appreciation for how much has changed for women during Steinem’s lifetime and how much of that change was forged by Steinem herself. Extensive back matter includes timelines of Steinem’s life and of feminism in America, a “Who’s Who” list, source notes, and a bibliography." —Horn Book on Ms. Gloria Steinem
Praise for Votes for Women!:
"Almost a century after women's right to vote was secured, Conkling delivers a tour de force—fairly neutral, at times infuriating, occasionally graphic, and reminiscent of disturbing news today." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"This is a fascinating account of the bumpy road to women's suffrage in the U.S. ... Well-chosen black-and-white archival reproductions and photographs ably support the text, which makes excellent use of primary sources, including excerpts from letters and writings to bring key personalities to life." —The Horn Book, starred review
"This comprehensive history chronicles the almost-80-year battle for women's suffrage. Conkling (Radioactive!) effectively sketches the complex personalities of the women who fought for women's right to vote, beginning with Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony and including subsequent leaders Carrie Chapman Catt and the more radical Alice Paul. ... A commanding and relevant account of sweeping, hard-won social reform and action." —Publishers Weekly, starred review
School Library Journal
★ 05/01/2020
Gr 9 Up—Conkling's biography describes the life of feminist icon Gloria Steinem. Steinem's unconventional childhood allowed her to view traditional gender roles in Western society through a different lens. By the time she was in college in the 1950s, Steinem realized she didn't want to be known as just someone's wife or mother, but as a complex individual. She became one of the leaders in the second wave of feminism; she continues to fight for civil rights today. With an easy-to-read narrative style, Conkling provides context to Steinem's desire for women to have the power to make their own choices. Readers will find Conkling's portrayal of Steinem to be authentic and relevant as she fights for equality for women, people of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and marginalized groups. Some of the traumas described (pet death, abortion, rape) could be unsettling for some readers. Though the chapters about Ms. magazine feel slow at times, Steinem's life is fascinating until the last page. Back matter includes details of the Ms. Foundation, a time line, "Partners in Justice," a glossary of feminists, a bibliography, and comprehensive source notes. VERDICT An enlightening, high-quality narrative history of a woman and her work as a leader of American feminism. Recommended for fans of Conkling's Votes for Women!: American Suffragists and the Battle for the Ballot, Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly, and Galaxy Girls: 50 Amazing Stories of Women in Space by Libby Jackson.—Hilary Tufo, Columbus Metropolitan Library-Reynoldsburg, OH
OCTOBER 2020 - AudioFile
Narrator Christine Kiphart brings a steady confidence to this biography of noted feminist and journalist Gloria Steinem. This audiobook moves through Steinem’s life—from her difficult childhood through her development as a feminist to her iconic stature as a major figure in modern American feminism. Kiphart’s tone is light and pleasant, in keeping with the straightforward style of a young adult biography. She creates specific voices when quoting Steinem or others, making clear distinctions between those lines and the overall narrative. During times of particular triumph or distress, Kiphart allows the natural emotions of the moment to color her narration and add authenticity. The appended back matter includes a timeline of American feminism and a Who’s Who that complements the biography. N.M. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine
