THE ABCS OF WOMEN’S HISTORY, by Rio Cortez and Lauren Semmer, Workman Kids, Jan. 14, 2025, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 5 and up)
Learn the about the women who blazed a path forward for everyone The ABCs of Women’s History, by Rio Cortez and Lauren Semmer.
In a picture book brimming with G for Groundbreaking women, National Book Award nominee Rio Cortez and illustrator Lauren Semmer celebrate all the joys, challenges, and historic forward movement of women’s history in the United States, with a special focus on the Black women, brown women, transwomen, and others who make change happen. This is a book about Artists, Activists and Allies, about Civil Rights and Choice, about Freedom Fighters, Headliners, Labor — and Librarians! It’s about historic moments—Kamala Harris being sworn in as the first African-American and first Asian-American Vice President of the United States; Title IX passing through Congress; Seneca Falls, where the first women’s rights convention was held; the Riot Grrrls movement; and so much more.
The ABCs of Women’s History is a story of persistence. It’s a story of pride. And it’s a story of progress. This book celebrates the disruptors, the dreamers, the determined, and the do-it-yourself-ers who continue to inspire the next generation of women to build a brighter, better tomorrow. —Synopsis provided by Workman Kids
The ABCs of Women’s History is not your typical ABC book. The bulk of the book features a letter with a brief rhythmic explanation:
“Q is for question. Don’s ever stop asking. Every detail deserves your attention. The who, what, where, when, how, and why with reflection, will always help point us in the right direction.”
At the end, a “terms and figures” section goes into much more detail. Bright, inviting illustrations bring each concept to life. At 64 pages, The ABCs of Women’s History is about twice as long as your standard picture book. It’s fun to read front-to-back or jump around in.
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