A IS FOR ABIGAIL: An Almanac of Amazing American Women
by Lynne Cheney; illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser
Simon & Schuster
ISBN: 0689858191
Ages 4-8
48 pages

• Read an Excerpt

"Remember the Ladies," Abigail Adams told her husband in a 1776 letter. In fact she went so far as to warn him, "If particular care and attention is not paid to the ladies, we are determined to foment a rebellion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any laws in which we have no voice or representation." Unfortunately it was not until the 1900s before women were able to vote. Still, they found many ways to make their mark, have their say, and get their way.

Presented in the format of an alphabet book, A IS FOR ABIGAIL is a remarkable collection of stories about women who have made a difference in the history of the United States. Each beautifully illustrated, often annotated, page is packed with information and quotes. We are shown how women have been able to make a difference in various aspects of life, despite opposition. They have been fliers, artists, business people and inventors, to name only a few occupations.

Robin Preiss Glasser finds the most extraordinary ways to present this information. For example, the letter F stands for "First Ladies." Portraits of them are shown on teacups, milk jugs, sugar bowls, coffee pots, and teapots. The women who made their mark in the press are shown on the front of a newspaper, while those ladies who gained fame as performers are shown on a stage.

By the time we close this extraordinary book we feel empowered, knowing that women have achieved so much in a world that has not always been hospitable to their successes. We should all be proud of and grateful to Lynne Cheney and her wonderful illustrator for creating such a lovely and meaningful book.

   --- Reviewed by Marya Jansen-Gruber (mjansengruber@mindspring.com)

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