Bolden, Tonya. 2002. 33 THINGS EVERY GIRL SHOULD KNOW ABOUT WOMEN'S HISTORY. New York: Crown Publisher. ISBN 9780375911224
2. Plot Summary
Tonya Bolden has compiled 33 informational facts that every girl should know that are in chronological order. The author starts with the first fact a poem by Elizabeth Johnson called PAST IS PROLOGUE. The book continues with a letter from Abigail Adams to her husband John Adams while he was working on the Declaration of Independence. "I long to hear that you have declared an independancy-and by the way in the new Code of Laws which I suppose it will be necessary for you to make I desire you would Remember the Ladies, and be more generous and favorable to them than your ancestors" (12). But the ladies were not remembered until the 1920's when they received the right to vote. This is a wonderful book filled with facts that all women should know.
3. Critical Analysis
The author has created a wonderful book filled with information about women to meet the curiosity and reading level of young adults. The text is at the appropriate level for adolescents to understand the context of the book. This book would interest young adult woman who want to learn more about the woman that made their life and rights possible today. "33 THINGS EVERY GIRL SHOULD KNOW ABOUT WOMEN'S HISTORY is hardly the whole story. It is a point of entry, a beginning, to the true (and quite intense) tale of women's woes and women's winnings in America, from the eighteenth through the twentieth century" (8).
The text uses high quality writing to convey the information. The use of the English language is professional and educational for the reader. There is a variety of words that convey the knowledge in a fun and informative manner. The author alters the text and style of the information to fit the time period that is being shared with in each number. The writing blends and conveys the time period that is is from sending the reader to that time period. "The Declaration of Sentiments contained the following words in its opening: we hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men and women are created equal; that they are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit if happiness" (18).
The book provides a table of contents to find each number 1 through 33. A title of that chapter is listed and the page it can be found on. The book contains an index in the back for quick reference. There is also a glossary help the reader understand some of the words in the text. An example from the glossary is "Feminism: the theory that women deserve an equal place in society alongside men" (211). The cover of the book portrays a young woman with her face painted. On her check is an American flag and a peace sign encompasses her whole face. A the top of the cover names are listed from the great woman of history for example, Sue Macy, Abigail Adams, and Nancy Gruver. The organization of the text makes it easy for the reader to find information on topics they are seeking and the cover shows what is in the book.
The author uses a variety of illustrations to appear with the text. There are black and white photographs from the past and black and white drawings. Each illustration matches the information it accompanies. If it is not obvious what the picture goes with there is a caption by it to provide more information. The photographs are used in the book to go with the text. They do not take away from text has some very colorful pictures would they only go with the text. In this book the author wants the reader to understand the knowledge contained within the pages the pictures are not important and should not take away from the words.
Tonya Bolden is the editor of the book. She has help published more than a dozen books for children, young adults and adults. Some of the other books she is known for are: AND NOT AFRAID TO DARE: THE STORIES OF TEN AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMEN; STRONG MEN KEEP COMING: THE BOOK OF AFRICAN AMERICAN MEN; ROCK OF THE AGES: A TRIBUTE TO THE BLACK CHURCH; AND TELL ALL THE CHILDREN OUR STORY: MEMORIES AND MEMENTOS OF BEING YOUNG AND BLACK IN AMERICA.
The author has provided a well written book with information that is not commonly taught in school. "The tone throughout is positive and informative, empowering teens with neglected facts about and contributions of women to the history of the United States" (School Library Journal). There is not any errors in the text to take away from its credibility. The info is up to date and current. There is an acknowledgment in the back of the book to share with the reader where Bolden found all of her information for such a wonderful book. "And I hope what you've learned right here will inspire you..." (199).
4. Review Excerpts
PUBLISHER WEEKLY remarks that "The impressive, chronologically organized 33 Things Every Girl Should Know About Women's History: From Suffragettes to Skirt Lengths to the E.R.A., edited by Tonya Bolden, begins with Abigail Adams's 1776 letter to her husband, "Remember the Ladies," proceeds through Charlotte Perkins Gilman's groundbreaking "The Yellow Wallpaper" (excerpted) and includes thoughtful reflections on other leading women, such as Patricia McKissack's fictional essay narrated by Charlotte Woodward (the only woman in attendance at the Seneca Falls convention still alive to exercise her right to vote). Period photographs, quotes, timelines, bios and varied typography give the volume an attractive, accessible feel."
BOOKLIST: "A chart shows the ways women's fashions have changed and a time line follows the progress (and lack thereof) of the women's rights movement. There are also bibliographies, biographical profiles, and poetry, with everything set down in a format that cleverly uses typeface and photographs to draw readers in. This is a very strong, highly readable offering that gives context to the feminist movement--and demystifies that controversial term
ALA Best Book For Young Adults
5. Connections
Other books about women's history:
Bolden, Tonya. 33 THINGS EVERY GIRL SHOULD KNOW STORIES, SONGS, POEMS, AND SMART TALK BY 33 EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN. ISBN 9780517709368
Kendell, Martha. FAILURE IS IMPOSSIBLE! THE HISTORY OF AMERICAN WOMENS'S RIGHTS. ISBN 0833517442
Waisman, Charlotte S. HER STORY: A TIMELINE OF THE WOMEN WHO CHANGED AMERICAN. ISBN 978076124517
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