Isabella: Girl in Charge

PreS-Gr 2—In this latest series installment, Isabella, the purple-haired girl with the big imagination, is eager to begin another adventure. She enthusiastically wakes her mother at six o'clock in the morning, cheering, "I'm ready! Let's go!" This time, Isabella is ready to hit the campaign trail, imagining herself as several groundbreaking female American politicians. First, she is Susanna Salter, the first elected female U.S. mayor. Then, she becomes Jeannette Rankin, the first woman elected to Congress. Next, she's Nellie Tayloe Ross, the country's first female governor, and on to Frances Perkins, the first female cabinet member. Lastly, she becomes Sandra Day O'Connor, the first female Supreme Court justice. As Isabella morphs into each of these women, she and her family pack up their hotel room, eat breakfast, and walk to their destination: the presidential inauguration of an unidentified African American woman. Mike Litwin's colorful mixed-media illustrations complement Isabella's vibrant personality, and viewers will love watching Isabella take on every new identity. Cris Dukehart's expressive narration echoes Isabella's fun personality, and upbeat instrumental background music rounds out the production. A detailed bonus feature titled "It's Time: A Time Line of Women in U.S. Politics" highlights additional trailblazing women and their achievements. While the female politicians Isabella introduces will be new to many viewers, their accomplishments should not be forgotten.