Scan barcode
suzannedix's review
5.0
Written with a middle school reading level in mind, this collection of “sheroes” in the political arena is sure to offer many young girls inspiration and motivation. Chapters are short and mainly dedicated to one or two women. Several chapters are grouped into sections pertaining to the most important decades or movements (suffrage, World War II, civil rights, etc). The tone is light and more difficult vocabulary or concepts are well defined with easy to follow examples. The book has both black & white and color photography along with a colorful page layout, resembling more a picture book than a biography compilation. The appendix offers an excellent overview of our government’s legislative design and function as well as a complete list of all women who have served in Congress. While students may not choose to read this book cover to cover, the table of contents and index will allow them to jump around through time to learn about the great women who shaped or are shaping our nation.
Highly recommended, grades 6-9.
Highly recommended, grades 6-9.
misspentdays's review
A selection of the Junior Library Guild, A Woman in the House (and the Senate) is a colorful history of the women who have served in Congress. The stories of the women are placed chronologically into categories such as “Flash and Crash” and “A Change is Gonna Come”.
It is fascinating to see the way the women’s reasons for serving differ from woman to woman, even within the same era. From the one day senator, holding the seat for a political ally at home, to women who filled in for a dead father or husband, to those who ran on their own; there are as many reasons as there are women.
Cooper uses the chapters to feature various stand outs among the women, such as Clare Luce Booth—a celebrity before coming to Congress or Shirley Chisolm, who went on to become the first black woman to run for the presidential nomination of a major party. She also includes excellent information in the appendix, such as a review of the three branches of government, a brief history of women’s suffrage, the Democrats and the Republicans, how a bill becomes law and the Equal Right’s Amendment. There is also a complete list of women who have served in Congress and five pages of sources and endnotes.
The set-up of the book make this an ideal candidate for a classroom library. The short stories about the women are conducive to being read in short bursts, such as those an early finisher might enjoy. The attractive illustrations are engaging and help the book have a lighter tone than a history of women in Congress might otherwise carry.
This is a great resource for students studying American History or Civics, as well as those interested in women’s history. The style is entertaining, but it is also quite informative.
It is fascinating to see the way the women’s reasons for serving differ from woman to woman, even within the same era. From the one day senator, holding the seat for a political ally at home, to women who filled in for a dead father or husband, to those who ran on their own; there are as many reasons as there are women.
Cooper uses the chapters to feature various stand outs among the women, such as Clare Luce Booth—a celebrity before coming to Congress or Shirley Chisolm, who went on to become the first black woman to run for the presidential nomination of a major party. She also includes excellent information in the appendix, such as a review of the three branches of government, a brief history of women’s suffrage, the Democrats and the Republicans, how a bill becomes law and the Equal Right’s Amendment. There is also a complete list of women who have served in Congress and five pages of sources and endnotes.
The set-up of the book make this an ideal candidate for a classroom library. The short stories about the women are conducive to being read in short bursts, such as those an early finisher might enjoy. The attractive illustrations are engaging and help the book have a lighter tone than a history of women in Congress might otherwise carry.
This is a great resource for students studying American History or Civics, as well as those interested in women’s history. The style is entertaining, but it is also quite informative.
nerfherder86's review
4.0
Excellent brief biographical sketches of just about every woman who's ever been in Congress. Chapters are ordered chronologically by decades, beginning with the suffrage years. Then they're also organized into themes, like "Widows (Mostly)" or "Daughters;" sometimes certain states had a group of women representatives all at one time, so that was a logical grouping for a chapter. Big names get a longer bio in a solo chapter. Black and white or color illustration head-shots of each woman, and cute colorful spot illustrations of various moments (such as Ruth Hanna on her father's knee as he recites a quote; Pat Schroeder and a black male representative having to share an actual chair when the white males wouldn't accommodate them!) Appendix explains political terms and procedures in a clear manner; index; complete list of female representatives and senators; sources and notes. Fair and unbiased when discussing the accomplishments of women of either political party, although most of the women elected happened to be Democrats. Very inspirational for girls.
kait2lyn's review
4.0
NONFICTION
A Woman in the House (and in the Senate) was a fantastic and easily readable history of women in congress. The book highlights the pioneering and groundbreaking women who worked hard to make their country a better place, even before they had the right to vote. What impressed me about this history written for young adults, was how politically neutral it was. The book refrains from being overly didactic or partisan, and praises women in politics on both sides of the aisle. A Woman in the House is a beautiful book, with fantastic photos and illustrations. I highly recommend it to young adults of both sexes. Inspiring...I won't say how many times it made me tear up.
A Woman in the House (and in the Senate) was a fantastic and easily readable history of women in congress. The book highlights the pioneering and groundbreaking women who worked hard to make their country a better place, even before they had the right to vote. What impressed me about this history written for young adults, was how politically neutral it was. The book refrains from being overly didactic or partisan, and praises women in politics on both sides of the aisle. A Woman in the House is a beautiful book, with fantastic photos and illustrations. I highly recommend it to young adults of both sexes. Inspiring...I won't say how many times it made me tear up.
juliaegreene's review
2.0
really dry, tbh. not going to review because it was so boring, wanted some hype feminism and was super bored
couillac's review
3.0
Taking a chronological approach, Cooper presents brief portraits of some of the notable women who have served in Congress over the years. Readers will easily follow the timeline presented, and Cooper's decision to focus on the ebb and flow of women in Congress based on greater social and political movements provides essential historical context while also illustrating the evolution of women's rights in the 20th century. By necessity, historical moments are touched on only briefly, and some readers may need to seek additional information elsewhere, but as an inspiring look at the women who have fought for the right to work for change on everything from racial issues to voting rights, this is an excellent introduction.
hrmason's review
4.0
Teacher notes: A biography collection designed to show the influence women have had on our national Congress. The authors do an excellent job showcases women from both political parties in a positive light.
libscote's review
3.0
It wasn't quite as good as I had hoped. Not quite as in-depth as I wanted, a little bit too much emphasis on appearance. I wish that had been addressed. However, I learned some stuff about past female representatives and senators that I didn't know already, and that's always good.
More...