Gloria Takes a Stand: How Gloria Steinem Listened, Wrote, and Changed the World

Gr 2–5—Born in the mid-1930s, Gloria Steinem began her life in an era when rights for various classes of people were limited. As her father was an itinerant antiques dealer, Steinem yearned for a permanent home so she could make friends and go to school, which became possible only after her parents divorced. She distinguished herself as a student and after graduating from Smith College, began a career in journalism. From that point on, Steinem pursued a life working toward social justice. The author skillfully conveys Steinem's endeavors and the qualities that have undergirded her drive. Every few pages, in bold italic font, the author summarizes a period in Steinem's life with three short sentences, such as "Gloria listened. She watched. And wrote," often preceded or followed by a popular quote. The artwork, done in watercolor and accented with black sumi ink, conveys what the illustrator explains in the back matter as, "bright skies…during marches and protests, as if the universe champions her work amid the struggle." This is a great read for younger kids who want to be inspired to make positive change in the world. Pair it with Debbie Levy's I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark (Steinem and Ginsburg were born a year apart).