Sturdy for Common Things

Review: A Woman in the House (And Senate)

A Woman in the House (and Senate): How Women Came to the United States Congress, Broke Down Barriers, and Changed the Country

By Ilene Cooper, Illustrated by Elizabeth Baddeley

Find it at: Your Local Library | Your Local Bookstore

Published: Harry N. Abrams (March 11, 2014)

Recommended Reading Age: 8-14

I will never forget my 7th grade civics class and how confusing it was for me. A predominant portion was devoted to the United States government and it just didn’t click, I think partly because I didn’t find it interesting. It would have been an entirely different story if I had read A Woman in the House (and Senate). Written in a colloquial style that was both inviting and entertaining for upper elementary and middle school readers, this book recounts the famous women throughout American history, who, despite social norms or obstacles, served in the House of Representatives or the Senate. The opening introduction of the book gives a breakdown of how the US government is organized and why it took so long (128 years!) for women to hold office. Following this introductor rundown, the book is broken into time periods highlighting the women who did serve, their hardships and accomplishments, and why it’s important that women continue to serve, balancing this male dominated profession. Colored with illustrations, black & white and color photographs, and hand lettering throughout that brilliantly enhances the text, my 7th-grade-self wishes there was an engaging book like this when I was in middle school. Thankfully, this once reluctant student now has a fascinating resource to put it in the hands of both kids and educators.

Also included is an appendix, endnotes, bibliography, and further information and reading. A Woman in the House (and Senate) is an inspiring account of the woman who have made history and continue to do so, have shaken things up in political office, and willfully and passionately advocate for others.

Be sure to check back here soon for an interview with the illustrator, Elizabeth Baddeley!

Extras: A timeline and resources for Women’s Milestones in US Government.

March is Woman’s History Month!

Visit author Ilene Cooper’s website.

Visit illustrator Elizabeth Baddeley’s website.

Source of book reviewed: Provided by the illustrator who you will learn more about very soon!