The 5th annual #NF10for10 hosted by Mandy Robek and Cathy Mere is finally here.
From Cathy's Website:
What is #nf10for10
In 2010 Mandy Robek and I hosted our first picture book event. In 2013, Julie Balen suggested we add a nonfiction picture book event that worked the same. Participants choose 10 - well, usually 10 (they're a crafty bunch) - nonfiction picture books to share. On the day of the event, we'll ask that you visit the Google Community site to add your nonfiction link to the 2017 #nf10for10 tab.
What: 10 nonfiction picture books you can't live without.
Hashtag: #nf10for10
Who: Anyone interested --- educators, media specialists, librarians, parents, and book lovers. When: Friday, February 10th
Where: All posts will be linked on the 2017 #nf10for10 page of our Picture Book 10 for 10 Google Community Site.
How: Stop by our community site, join the community, and share your favorites on February 10th.
Originally, I had a different post planned for today. However, after Tuesday evening, when the Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell attempted to silence Senator Elizabeth Warren for wanting to read a letter from Corretta Scott King from 1986 regarding Senator Jeff Session, who was up for the Attorney General's position, I knew I had to change my post. McConnell's words had an opposite effect than he anticipated by becoming a new battlecry for women everywhere.
In honor of women who #neverthelessshepersisted, I have selected ten of my favorite picture book biographies about women that I admire. I am thankful for their contributions to the their communities, countries and the world. They have shown us what it means to be women and to make a difference.
Coretta Scott by Ntozake Shange; Illustrated by Kadir Nelson (Katherine Tegen Books, 2009) - I could not have a list without including a biography about Coretta Scott King given that it was her words that Senator Warren was trying to read on Tuesday night. You can read her letter here.
Hillary Rodham Clinton: Some Girls Are Born to Lead by Michelle Markel; Illustrated by LeUyen Pham (Balzer & Bray, 2016) - Hillary will always be "my president" and I will continue to admire her and the work that she has done over the years and will continue to do.
Rosa by Nikki Giovanni; Illustrated by Bryan Collier (Henry Holt & Co, 2005) - Rosa Parks did not likely realize that she would become one of the most well known faces of the Civil Rights Era but she continues to serve as a reminder and a model.
Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom by Carole Boston Weatherford; Illustrated by Kadir Nelson (Hyperion, 2006) - With faith and conviction, Tubman worked to lead slaves out of the south by the Underground Railroad.
Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers' Strike of 1909 by Michelle Markel; Illustrated by Melissa Sweet (Balzer & Bray, 2013) - In a time, when there was little protection for any employees especially women, Clara Limlich organized a protest for better work conditions for women. She would have been leading the charge at the Women's March on January 21st if she were still alive.
Who Says Women Can't Be Dotors? The Story of Elizabeth Blackwell by Tanya Lee Stone; Illustrated by Marjorie Priceman (Henry Holt & Co., 2013) - Despite discrimination and opposition against women becoming medical doctors, Blackwell persevered and paved the way for other women to become doctors.
Solving the Puzzle Under the Sea: Marie Tharp Maps the Ocean Floor by Robert Burleigh; Illustrated by Raúl Colón (Simon & Schuster, 2016) - Marie Tharp faced significant prejudice as a woman in the field of science research. Also, it wasn't until years later that her contributions were truly acknowledge.
For the Right to Learn: Malala Yousafzai's Story by Rebecca Langston-George; Illustrated by Janna Brock (Capstone Press, 2015) - Malala was just a teenager when she bravely took on the fight for the right to an education in a country where girls are commonly denied education.
Wangari Maathai: The Woman Who Planted Millions of Trees by Franck Prévot; Illustrated by Aurélia Fronty (Charlesbridge, 2015) - Wangari Maathai won a Nobel Peace Prize for her work in changing the lives of women and in bringing peace and democracy to Africa through reforestation.
Eleanor, Quiet No More by Doreen Rappaport; Illustrated by Gary Kelley (Disney-Hyperion, 2009) - Eleanor Roosevelt is another role model. Given the time period in which she lived she truly did amazing work as the First Lady of the United States.
There are many more women and books that I could feature but here are some of my favorite strong, courageous, brave and influential women. "She was warned. She was given an explanation. Nevertheless, she persisted."