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In recognition of Women’s History Month, we spoke with seven authors of picture book biographies who have brought to light the stories of remarkable women in history who have often gone unrecognized.
Exploring Unsung Female Heroes
Josie James
How did you first learn about Marjory Stoneman Douglas?
My curiosity about Marjory Stoneman Douglas began during a visit to Florida’s Everglades National Park in April 2015 with my family. As we searched for local wildlife, including wood storks and manatees, I was captivated by the park’s striking landscape. It contrasted sharply with the urban development surrounding it. The expansive sawgrass and the wild breeze sparked a desire to understand more about the park and its champions, particularly Douglas, who safeguarded this vital ecosystem for posterity.
What contributions or achievements did you want to highlight in your book?
In my book, I wanted to showcase Marjory Stoneman Douglas as a dedicated advocate for the Everglades. Wearing her iconic hat and pearls, she embodied a fierce connection to nature. Her influential book, River of Grass, along with her poetry and essays, provided early warnings about environmental issues. She played a crucial role in the establishment of the Everglades National Park and founded the Friends of the Everglades to continue the fight for its preservation, marking her legacy as a formidable environmentalist.
What did you discover during your research that surprised you?
I was amazed to find out that shortly before her passing, a significant portion of the Everglades was designated as the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Wilderness Area. Upon her death at 108, her ashes were scattered in a section of the park she cherished. Douglas was relentless in her commitment to research and often collaborated with various scientists and experts to inform her writing, connecting ecological concerns with the history of its original inhabitants.
In our current cultural climate, why is it important for young readers to see influential women in history?
Introducing young readers to the remarkable life of Marjory Stoneman Douglas is vital. She exemplified the strength and determination of women. Her story illustrates that women can assert their visions and achieve their dreams, become conservationists, and inspire future generations. It emphasizes that women’s contributions shape our world, encouraging young readers to recognize and celebrate the legacies of powerful women.
Marjory’s River of Grass: Marjory Stoneman Douglas, Fierce Protector of the Everglades by Josie James. Little, Brown/Ottaviano, April. $18.99 ISBN 978-0-316-44691-4
Caroline McAlister
How did you first learn about Ruth Asawa?
I discovered Ruth Asawa when I stumbled upon her obituary in the New York Times in 2013. The images and stories about her childhood experiences of making lines in the dirt fascinated me. Her background resonated, particularly as my college had connections to Japanese American students from WWII. This exploration paved the way for a picture book celebrating her life and contributions.
What contributions or achievements did you want to highlight in your book?
My goal was to illuminate Asawa’s resilient artistic vision and her staunch advocacy for inclusive art education. I sought to captivate readers with the beauty of her sculptures as well and entrusted illustrator Jamie Green to do so with grace and originality.
What did you discover during your research that surprised you?
I learned that students in the incarceration camps during World War II resisted by pledging allegiance to the flag with the words “except for us.” The injustices faced by Asawa’s family, including the separation from her father and her sister’s evacuation to Japan, were heartbreaking revelations that added depth to her story.
In our current cultural climate, why is it important for young readers to see influential women in history?
In a time when women’s accomplishments are often downplayed, it’s vital for young readers to be aware of women’s significant contributions to the arts and other fields. Asawa’s work in San Francisco is a testament to the impact women have made throughout history, reinforcing that women’s roles have been vital to culture and society.
A Line Can Go Anywhere: The Brilliant, Resilient Life of Artist Ruth Asawa by Caroline McAlister, illus. by Jamie Green. Roaring Brook, February. $19.99 ISBN 978-1-250-31037-8
Jen McCartney
How did you first learn about Mary Katharine Goddard?
My journey to uncover the story of Mary Katharine Goddard started when my late mother began researching her for a book. She was captivated by the fact that a woman had signed the Declaration of Independence, a story that resonated with our family’s shared fascination with overlooked historical figures. After her passing, I felt compelled to complete the project as a tribute to her work and legacy.
What contributions or achievements did you want to highlight in your book?
I aimed to shine a light on Mary’s pivotal role in the Revolutionary War, particularly her act of printing the Declaration of Independence. Choosing to sign it with her full name was a powerful assertion of her identity and contribution, showcasing her bravery during a tumultuous time.
What did you discover during your research that surprised you?
One astonishing discovery was Goddard’s tenure as Baltimore’s postmaster, where she was ultimately replaced due to gender discrimination, despite her qualifications. She even wrote a letter to George Washington to assert her position, but unfortunately, she did not regain her role.
In our current cultural climate, why is it important for young readers to see influential women in history?
Highlighting women’s historical contributions empowers young readers to appreciate the diverse narratives that have shaped America. Goddard’s story showcases that patriotism is inclusive and that everyone plays a crucial role in history, encouraging future generations to carve their own paths.
Revolutionary Mary: The True Story of One Woman, the Declaration of Independence, and America’s Fight for Freedom by Karen Blumenthal and Jen McCartney, illus. by Elizabeth Baddeley. Roaring Brook, February. $18.99 ISBN 978-1-62672-311-5
Laura Obuobi
How did you first learn about Michaela Mabinty DePrince?
My interest in Michaela DePrince ignited while browsing a bookstore in New York. I recognized her unique biography linked to the Sierra Leonean civil war, a topic I had previously researched in high school. Her transition from a war-torn background to a celebrated ballerina both intrigued and inspired me.
What contributions or achievements did you want to highlight in your book?
Michaela’s journey of resilience and the struggles she faced as a Black ballerina are pivotal themes in my book. Her relentless pursuit of her dancing dream while defying societal expectations creates a powerful narrative about fighting for one’s beliefs.
What did you discover during your research that surprised you?
I was astonished to learn that many ballerinas with darker skin tones historically had to artificially match their skin color with makeup for their shoes, a practice that only recently started changing. The late arrival of brown pointe shoes demonstrates the persistence of systemic inequities in the arts.
In our current cultural climate, why is it important for young readers to see influential women in history?
Representing figures like Michaela in ballet encourages young readers to envision themselves within the arts and recognize the diversity that exists in the ballet community. Her story reinforces the idea that struggles don’t define us but rather our ability to overcome them.
Becoming a Ballerina: The Story of Michaela Mabinty DePrince by Laura Obuobi, illus. by Olivia Duchess. HarperCollins, January, $19.99; ISBN 978-0-06-322246-5
Susan Goldman Rubin
How did you first learn about Clara Driscoll?
During the pandemic, I found inspiration for a new project while sifting through my bookshelf. I recalled having picked up a novel featuring the character Clara Driscoll at a conference. Further research into her story revealed her crucial role in designing the admired Tiffany lamps, making her an ideal subject for a children’s book.
What contributions or achievements did you want to highlight in your book?
I sought to highlight Clara Driscoll’s groundbreaking achievements in glass design, showcasing her skills during an era when few women pursued careers in the arts. Her leadership at the Tiffany Studios in designing glass lamps was both innovative and inspiring, marking her as a significant figure in women’s artistic history.
What did you discover during your research that surprised you?
I was genuinely surprised by the intricate techniques Clara employed to create her designs, requiring an impressive mastery of the craft. Additionally, I learned that Tiffany paid his male and female employees equally, a notable practice at the time, although Clara had to temporarily leave her role after marrying.
In our current cultural climate, why is it important for young readers to see influential women in history?
It’s crucial for young girls to see women who have excelled in their careers, as it encourages them to envision their potential. Clara’s story, filled with creativity and determination, serves as a reminder that women can achieve greatness, even in challenging circumstances.
Dragonflies of Glass: The Story of Clara Driscoll and the Tiffany Girls by Susan Goldman Rubin, Susanna Chapman. Abrams, February, $19.99; ISBN 978-1-4197-5436-4
Allen R. Wells
How did you first learn about Yvonne Clark?
I had the privilege of being a student of Yvonne “Y.Y.” Clark, a trailblazing engineer who made a profound impact on me during my time at Tennessee State University. Her welcoming mentorship and inspiring career in engineering encouraged me to appreciate both her contributions and the representation of women in STEM.
What contributions or achievements did you want to highlight in your book?
While writing about Y.Y. Clark, I realized her legacy extended beyond her technical expertise. I focused on her commitment to making engineering accessible to youth, showcasing her as a role model who utilized curiosity and determination to solve complex problems, thereby inspiring the next generation.
What did you discover during your research that surprised you?
Research revealed significant challenges that Y.Y. faced as one of the few women in her field during the 1950s. Her commitment to mentorship allowed countless aspiring engineers to pursue their dreams, and I gained a deeper appreciation for how she laid the groundwork for future generations.
In our current cultural climate, why is it important for young readers to see influential women in history?
For today’s youth, recognizing the achievements of women like Yvonne “Y.Y.” Clark can profoundly influence their self-perception and ambitions. These narratives confront outdated notions that only men shape history and empower all children to recognize their potential as leaders.
Yvonne Clark and Her Engineering Spark by Allen R. Wells, illus. by DeAndra Hodge. FSG, January, $19.99 ISBN 978-0-374-39135-5
Julie Winterbottom
How did you first learn about Ruth Patrick?
I discovered Ruth Patrick while researching women in science. Her childhood fascination with diatoms sparked my curiosity, leading me to explore her remarkable contributions as a botanist and ecology advocate.
What contributions or achievements did you want to highlight in your book?
I specifically wanted to focus on her pioneering research on stream ecology, showing how her findings linked biodiversity to pollution levels—an early recognition that has significant implications today. Additionally, her commitment to environmental advocacy parallels that of well-known figures like Rachel Carson.
What did you discover during your research that surprised you?
One particularly fascinating moment was when Ruth helped the Navy identify German submarines during WWII using diatom analysis. Her role demonstrated the practical application of her scientific expertise in real-world military efforts.
In our current cultural climate, why is it important for young readers to see influential women in history?
Given ongoing challenges related to gender equity in STEM fields, it’s crucial for young people to read the stories of women who persevered despite adversity. Each woman’s journey serves as a beacon of resilience and inspiration, encouraging young readers to pursue their passions without fear of societal limitations.
Magic in a Drop of Water: How Ruth Patrick Taught the World About Water Pollution by Julie Winterbottom, illus. by Susan Reagan. Rocky Pond, March, $19.99 ISBN 978-0-593-62022-9
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