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A Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People

Amelia Bloomer List

Reviews

  Bangor Daily News - February 4, 2008

Hillary Rodham Clinton is not the first woman from a major political party to run for president. That distinction goes to Maine Sen. Margaret Chase Smith. While they differ in the size of their campaign war chests--Smith spent only $85 on her campaign vs. multimillions for Clinton in 2008--each wanted to be known as a candidate, not a woman.

Voters have yet to speak on how far Clinton takes her run for the nation's top job, while Smith's run ended when the Republican Party failed to nominate her. Yet, "what a president she would have been," said beloved children's author Lynne Plourde of Winthrop who makes the case in her new book, which is both an homage to Smith and an inspiration for girls everywhere.

This timely biography comes alive through spirited illustrations by David McPhail. Engaging time lines chronicle key events that occurred during Smith's lifetime, during which she proved that the Senate is indeed a place for a woman.

Still, memories of even the most notorious and notable people fade. That won't happen on Plourde's watch, however. Her new picture book sends a message for girls to dream big. "Margaret Chase Smith bent the rules. But there were no rules for what she did," Plourde said in a recent phone interview. "That pint-size, gray-haired lady was a powerful person. She was amazing."

Sen. Smith was famous for doing the unexpected. "As a woman in Congress, Margaret was not expected to be a leader on military issues," Plourde wrote.

Defying convention, she championed legislation that helped military women gain the same pay and status as men. Her support for space exploration led the U.S. to send an astronaut to the moon. "What an adventurer she was."

"Young girls today need role models, and writing this book reminded me of what an impact Margaret Chase Smith had," Plourde said. "Girls need to know they can do whatever they want to do, but they must let the dream be there."

In her day, Smith carefully cultivated her constituents, some of whom were too young to vote. The senator's namesake library, attached to her Skohegan home, often served as a laboratory for schoolchildren, who came to learn about public service and discuss their dreams. Plourde's book, geared toward elementary-school girls, complements Smith's legacy. It is a fitting tribute to one of Maine's most vaunted residents, and a must for all girls' bookcases and for school libraries in Maine and beyond.

  Kelley McDaniel, Librarian, King Middle School, Portland, Maine - January 31, 2008

In this picture book biography, Lynn Plourde--a Skowhegan native, like Smith--introduces this extraordinary woman to the young people of today. This Time Line Biography introduces a wonderful format for picture book biographies: each page captures an episode in Smith's life--her humble roots, the poverty of her childhood, her profound sense of responsibility, her commitment to learning. The lefthand page presents the text and the righthand page features a soft, pen and ink and watercolor picture, framed in the center of the page, and depicting a moment from that episode in Smith's life.
In the design and format of this book, everything fits--the framed picture, the episodic text, the timeline, and the poetic statement. Simultaneous publication in paperback and hardcover make this book an ideal purchase for school and home libraries. Plourde has provided an extended biography in the end, filling in the gaps and providing interesting details that did not fit in the body of the book. The book also contains a bibliography of sources, including places to visit, for more information. This is Lynn Plourde's first foray into non-fiction and she has done a fine job. We can only hope that she will find other famous Mainers who inspire her to produce more outstanding picture book biogrpahies like this one.

  Martha Stepp, Grandmother and Retired Teacher - January 31, 2008

I am simply delighted to include Margaret Chase Smith: A Woman for President in our library. Yes, we really do have a "library" located at the top of our stairs in a hallway. My grandchildren love books! Though even my older granddaughter is too young for the full book, I'll start with the last sentences on each page. They alone make a wonderful books of character about Mrs. Smith. And there are so many ideas to talk with her about from the timeline. Mackenzie, at four and a half, is interested in what used to be and asks wonderful questions. A younger granddaughter and grandson will also grow up enjoying this book. It's one we'll read over many years. Thank you for writing it. I have a favorite sentence... the last one in the text that tells of her purse in which she always carried our Constitution being beside her deathbed. I read it several times because I loved the sound of it as well as what it told of Mrs. Smith. What a woman she was.

  School Library Journal - April 1, 2008

In 1964, Smith became the first woman from a major political party to run for President of the United States, and her career in politics featured other highlights as well. Clear, well-paced writing traces her eventful 97 years chronologically with two or three paragraphs of text per spread. Opposite each page of text, McPhail’s warm pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations feature Smith prominently and provide appealing visual references to the various stages of her life. Plourde touches on Smith’s commitment to the military and to space exploration, her courage in speaking out against McCarthyism, and her lifelong dedication to her work and values. Readers don’t learn of her political party until close to the end, and there is not much background regarding her presidential bid, but that fits the scope of this biography for younger readers. Each page of text ends with a laudatory sentence highlighting one of her many roles: “What a leader she was–one who dared to speak the truth.” Time lines along the bottom of each spread offer brief notes on related topics. A life expectancy time line, for example, provides perspective on the early deaths of Margaret’s brothers, and a Cold War chronology complements the description of her famous “Declaration of Conscience” speech. A solid addition to biography shelves.
–Steven Engelfried, Multnomah County Library, OR

  Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Review - March 20, 2008

This excellent book not only tells the story of Margaret Chase Smith’s life in an engaging way, but it also supplies the reader with lots of additional information. At the bottom of every double page spread there are timeline tables which show readers how the U.S. life expectancy has changed over time, who were the first women congresswomen, who set records in Congress, what took place in the Cold War, and more. In addition there is a “More About Margaret Chase Smith” section at the book where readers can learn more about this exceptional woman.

  Katie House, Martel School Library, Lewiston, Maine - April 1, 2008

I just wanted to tell you how much everyone at Martel is enjoying your Margaret Chase Smith bio. it is beautifully writen and such a great tribute to a remarkable woman. My parents were friends years ago, and I have a TELEGRAM ( what is that the kids say ? !! ) from MCS on the occasion of my birth. I am dating myself...52 years ago !!
The timelines are super..very informative, and such fun to read.
Teachers have actually taken it home for THEIR parents to read, so you have certainly spanned many generations of interest.

  Booklist - April 28, 2008

Hillary Clinton is not the first woman to run for president; one of those who came before her is Margaret Chase Smith, best known as the senator from Maine at a time when women in Congress were in scarce supply. But Smith also showed her mettle in many other ways. The book begins with Chase's modest Maine upbringing and moves swiftly through her school days. Unable to afford college, she tried several jobs and considered her involvement in women's organizations as her education. When her husband, U.S. representative died, Smith took his seat and then, for the next 32 years, won her own elections and became a strong advocate for space exploration. One of her strongest moments came in 1950 when she spoke out against McCarthyism. Pleasant, if occasionally stiff watercolor-and-ink illustrations face each page of text, and helpful time lines ribbon the page bottoms. Plourde keeps the text brief and interesting, while an informative afterword fleshes out the biography.

  LM_NET and Maine Libraries Discussion List - July 1, 2008

Politics has come upon a new day in this election year, with a Democratic presidential nomination race between an African American and a well-known woman, both running strong and inspiring campaigns and causing new members of the electorate to get actively involved in supporting these ground-breaking candidates. What a perfect year to introduce Margaret Chase Smith--the Senator from Maine and first female presidential candidate for a major party--to young readers! As the presidential race heats up this fall, you’ll want to share this fine biography with both teachers and students. The book is impeccably organized, with an enormous amount of information packed into its 32 pages without compromising its open and appealing feel. The biographical text for children appears on the left page with a portrait style illustration by McPhail accompanying it. Each page of text ends with a perfect summation of Chase’s role, in her family, in her profession, in her country. For example, “What a candidate she was?a truly historic one.” The text reads smoothly from start to finish and is loaded with important details about Smith’s life and work. As an added feature, Plourde also includes a series of a dozen timelines, from dates and facts highlighting women in U.S. politics to an extensive timeline of Smith’s life (perfect for young researchers!). The book closes with a four page in-depth biography of Smith written for adults and older readers, making it a book that extends to middle schools. Highly recommended. Look for the downloadable mock election guide on the publisher Web site as well. [Grades 3-7] ~ Toni Buzzeo, MA, MLIS

  Curriculum Connections - October 1, 2008

In Margaret Chase Smith: A Woman for President, Lynn Plourde describes this New Englander's childhood, formal and informal education, married life, and long political career, including her famous "Declaration of Conscience" speech in Congress at the height of the Red Scare. In 1964, Smith ran for President. A time line marking rates, dates, and milestones in U.S. history (graduation rates, female congressional members, women working outside the home) runs along the bottom of each page. David McPhail's watercolor-and-pencil illustrations complement the author's straighforward prose and fascinating detail. The fact that Smith's parents chaperoned all of her dates with her future husband, even though at the time Smith was an adult and he was 20 years her senior, offers an amusing contrast to the information that the woman had a penchant for adventure: as a senator, she flew in an F-100F Super Sabre jet as it broke the sound barrier.

  Parent Wise: Austin - November 1, 2008

With the election this month some children may wonder why a woman has never been elected to our country's highest office. This picture biography, with illustrations by David McPhail (Edward and the Pirates) traces the life of the first woman to declare herself as a candidate for President on a major party's ticket. Widowed at 41, Smith won a special election to finish her husband's term in Congress. Her dedication and hard work stand in testimony to her abilities as she did things that were, at least for the times, unexpected of a woman. Although she was unsuccessful in her bid for the Presidency, Smith made history. Each page of textual information is mirrored by an illustration of events in her life and a timeline runs along the bottom of each page spotlighting a relevant aspect of history. Although McPhail is best known for his picture books for preschoolers, this is a biography for independent readers in grades 3 through 6.

  Family Magazine - March 1, 2009

As a leader in the development of space exploration, Senator and former Congresswoman Margaret Chase Smith, believed its significant achievement was to stimulate young people to explore the sciences as career and educational choices. Her leadership was also demonstrated by hard work, attention to details, commitment to being present in Congress for votes on important issues, legislation giving equal status to women in the military, and a courageous speech denouncing the unjust communist accusations against innocent people by then-Senator Joseph McCarthy. Author Lynn Plourde's clear well-written incidents lend themselves to acclaimed illustrator David McPhail's chosen pen, ink, and watercolor style for easy-to-read double page spreads.