Kristen Fulton, Children's Author
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Some Girls Are Born To Lead by Michelle Markel

1/28/2016

13 Comments

 
Picture
Published by Balzer & Bray 2016
Publisher's Description: In the spirit of Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope and Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride comes an inspiring portrait of Hillary Rodham Clinton: a girl who fought to make a difference—and paved the way for women everywhere—from Michelle Markel and LeUyen Pham.

In the 1950s, it was a man’s world. Girls weren’t supposed to act smart, tough, or ambitious. Even though, deep inside, they may have felt that way. And then along came Hillary. Brave, brilliant, and unstoppable, she was out to change the world.

They said a woman couldn’t be a mother and a lawyer. Hillary was both. They said a woman shouldn’t be too strong or too smart. Hillary was fearlessly herself.

It didn’t matter what people said—she was born to lead.

With illustrations packed full of historical figures and details, this gorgeous and informative picture book biography is perfect for every budding leader. Includes a timeline, artist’s note, and bibliography.

Nugget: The closest any woman has ever gotten to being President is Hillary Clinton. With 2016 Presidential campaign running strong, it is the perfect time to introduce a biography.

Need Enticement: In the 1950s, it was a man's world. Only boys could grow up to have powerful jobs. Only boys had no ceilings on their dreams. Girls weren't supposed to act smart, tough, or ambitious. Even though, deep inside, they may have felt that way. But in the town of Park Ridge, Illinois along came Hillary,

Michelle's hook grabbed me. She set it up as foreshadowing- this book was not going to focus on politics but on the fact, "girls can do anything." I was hooked. She quickly stated what America was like for boys (my only complaint, America not the world. There are many countries where not even boys get to chose their lot in life) and then introduced Hillary and her differences.

Escalation: This was not a defined beginning, middle and end escalation but rather a scene by scene of parts of Hillary's life.

Upstaging the boys in school, hearing Martin Luther King as a teenager, College, graduation, law school, rallies, and protest demonstrations. On summer breaks, Hillary investigated injustices (not quite sure why) then fell in love and got married. She now helped her husband. People made fun of her plain dowdy looks. But, Hillary trudged through. She used her position as First Lady to give a voice to women. After her husband was President, she decided to move into politics. And, of course, that is where she is today. 

Satisfying Ending: No matter what Hillary does next, if she wants to change the world, she'll find a way.
***Overall I was satisfied with the ending. It does bring the "world" back into the close.

Sources: I loved their sources. Throughout the book, the illustrator draws people that look familiar. In the back matter, they tell you who each famous person was in each picture. There are a timeline and impressive bibliography.

Show Words: This book will encourage a lot of future discussion with words like Vietnam, United Nations, Senator, Congress, Concession, and glass-ceiling.

Why:  I must admit, at first, I was somewhat nervous about this book. I have never seen tempers so heated over an election. It is what makes our country fabulous, the ability to like and dislike, the ability to choose those in the power. But, whether you are for or against Hillary is making strides that no woman has made toward the Presidency.

Need & Want: This one was tricky because it involves the author and the story as something happens.
The want: To see Hillary from a woman's perspective and all she has done for women.
Need: The author needs the reader to see Hillary as vulnerable, choosing scenes such as the headband, how Hillary heard heartbreaking stories of other women, and Hillary falling madly deeply in love and putting her life on hold for Bill. The book makes Hillary an ordinary woman, emotions, tenderness, and not the tough cookie she portrays on television.

13 Comments
Nicole Popel link
1/28/2016 08:19:40 pm

Hillary broke the glass ceiling and this empowers girls everywhere that they can do anything. I'll add this book to my Little Free Library Walnut for others to enjoy.

Reply
Kristen
1/28/2016 08:41:11 pm

I am glad that you stopped by.

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Donna Cangelosi link
1/28/2016 09:11:21 pm

Thank you for a wonderful summary, Kristin. I'll definitely be looking for this picture book at my library.

Reply
Kristen
1/29/2016 07:59:47 am

It was nicely done.

Reply
Colleen Paeff link
1/28/2016 09:46:39 pm

I love that this book focuses on perseverance rather than politics. :)

Reply
Kristen
1/29/2016 07:58:52 am

Me too Colleen.

Reply
Jarm Del Boccio link
1/28/2016 10:59:49 pm

Hilary was raised in my suburb, and attended our local HS. Our claim to fame. 😉 Thanks for this series, Kristen. Such a help with writing NF picture books!

Reply
Kristen
1/29/2016 08:00:16 am

I am sure it will be in all of your libraries.

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Carrie Pearson link
1/29/2016 08:47:38 am

I heard Hillary speak at a conference when I was in college and I've never forgotten the intensity with which she believed in the village approach to raising children and in children's welfare. Looking forward to having this book in my personal library.

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Jilanne Hoffmann
1/29/2016 02:58:30 pm

Sweet analysis. I, too, would like to know why she spent her summers investigating injustices. I loved besting the boys when I was getting my engineering degree, but I didn't have the fire in the belly for engineering. That's how I ended up as a writer. So it would be interesting to see a partner book that explores the fire that drives Hilary. Where did that desire to investigate injustices come from? Is it as strong or stronger now?

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Kristi Veitenheimer link
1/29/2016 05:59:12 pm

Wonderful examination of this book, Kristen!

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Darshana link
2/12/2016 10:41:37 am

Just read this book loved it. I remember reading LIVING HISTORY years ago and being so inspiring and impressed. Will be recommending this book to our school library.

Reply
Kristen
2/12/2016 07:25:08 pm

It it typical Michelle and well written.

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    Kristen is the author of several up coming nonfiction picture books. Following the simple points on a compass rose, Kristen finds direction in nonfiction writing.

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