The Fabulous Fannie Farmer: Kitchen Scientist and America's Cook Emma Bland Smith

The Fabulous Fannie Farmer: Kitchen Scientist and America's Cook

Emma Bland Smith; Pictures by Susan Reagan

Calkins Creek, an Imprint of Astra Books for Young Readers. 2024

In the 1800's, when Fannie was little, she learned to cook from her mother with recipes that were passed down generation to generation. Directions were not like now. Instead, they were pretty vague. "If Fannie had asked, "How much salt should I put in this soup? her mother might have answered, "Oh, a goodly amount." 

Though she loved to good, and she was quite good at it, her dream was to attend college and become a teacher. Unfortunately, at age sixteen, Fannie contracted polio. She lost the use of her legs and had to lay in bed for several years. Unable to fulfill her dreams, as a way to keep busy Fannie took up cooking. "Her passion for cooking and baking rose up like a severn-layer cake."

This picture book biography follows Fannie as she attends the Boston Cooking School and, eventually, becomes a teacher and the head of the school. Her scientific mind had her realizing that using precise measurements instead of the vague directions she grew up with, were absolutely necessary to insure a recipe would come out the same each time you made it. 

Fannie didn't stop with the publishing of her cookbook. She started her own cooking school, lectured all over the country, and taught at Harvard Medical School. 

Paired with the engaging narrative are Reagan's very colorful, historically accurate illustrations that combines traditional watercolor with digital drawing. Peppered throughout the book are quotes by Fannie set off in a larger font. 

A great read aloud to all ages (I really believe middle and high school students can benefit from reading picture books), share with anyone who has an interest in cooking. 

Backmatter includes how to research nonfiction, Fannie's influence on today's cooks, (think Julia Child), a timeline, resources for more information, and a bibliography.

You'll want to be sure you have something yummy to snack on while reading. 

Click here to watch an interview with Emma Bland Smith.

The Women Who Built Hollywood by Susan Goldman Rubin

The Women Who Built Hollywood: 12 Trailblazers in Front Of and Behind the Camera

Susan Goldman Rubin

Calkins Creek. An Imprint of Astra Books for Young Readers. 2023

From 1900 until 1920’s, the movie industry was new and possibilities for women to be directors, screen writers, performers, costume designers, stunt performers, and owners of their own companies was wide open. 

Nonfiction writer, Susan Goldman Rubin, traces the careers of 12 influential women who blazed a trail for other female filmmakers: Mary Pickford, Lillian Gish, Frances Marion, Louise Beavers, Fredi Washington, Hattie McDaniel, Marion Wong, Anna My Wong, Dorothy Arzner, Margaret Booth, Clare West, Helen Holmes.

“They were among the firsts in their fields and did everything from acting, writing and directing, to performing their own stunts. 

Each entry is a brief biography of each woman that highlights their careers. The writing is interesting and engaging. Accompanying each entry are black & white photos that are well-captioned.

Rubin delves into the challenges the women faced, such as sexism, racism, and prejudice. These 12 trailblazers were not afraid to speak out and have their voices heard. 

Included is an afterword, author’s note, bibliography, source notes, and index. There is also a listing of where to see early Hollywood films. 

A great read for those seeking short biographies or a perfect introduction to some of classic silent movies. For all ages.

Holding Her Own: the Exceptional Life of Jackie Ormes. Words by Traci N. Todd; Pictures by Shannon Wright

Holding Her Own: the Exceptional Life of Jackie Ormes 

Words by Traci N. Todd; Pictures by Shannon Wright

Orchard Books. An Imprint of Scholastic Inc. 2023

“This story begins — as many stories do — with a blank page, an empty space waiting to be filled…”

And, so begins this captivating picture book biography on the life of Jackie Ormes, the first Black cartoonist to be syndicated in the United States.

The illustrations, created digitally, resemble a collage that are placed alongside the colorful double-page spreads of the comic characters created by Ormes. 

Jackie Ormes (named Zelda) was born in 1911 outside Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In 1945, Ormes created the comic, Patty-jo’ n’ Ginger. It was Ormes platform to comment on Black life, the war and its aftermath, and the fight for social justice. Patty-Jo’ n’ Ginger would run until 1956.

Included is an author’s note, a note from the artist, and a selected bibliography.

This powerful biography, for all ages, especially high schoolers, is a reminder that readers can use their voices to speak out about injustices and use their talents to bring about positive change. 

Click here to see a short video by Todd and Wright promoting this book. 

The Brilliant Calculator: How Mathematician Edith Clarke Helped Electrify America by Jan Lower and Susan Reagan

The Brilliant Calculator: How Mathematician Edith Clarke Helped Electrify America
Written by Jan Lower;
Illustrated by Susan Reagan
Calkins Creek. An Imprint of Astra Books for Young Readers. 2023

Edith Clarke was born in 1883, in Howard County, Maryland. From a very young age she devoured anything relating to numbers. She dreamed of building railroads, dams, bridges, and hoped to one day travel the world. In 1908, Edith earned a degree in mathematics and astronomy from Vassar College. Fascinated by electricity, Edith went on to be the first woman to graduate from MIT with a masters of science in electrical engineer. 

After graduating from MIT, Edith went to work at General Electric (GE) Turbine Engineering Department as director of women computors. 

Edith would go on to be the first female hired as an electrical engineer at GE, and patents her creation, the Clarke Calculator.

This picture book biography is a charming and exciting read. Partnered with Reagan's full-page, colorful illustrations, done in watercolor with digital drawings, bring the book to life. Quotes from Clarke are presented throughout.

Included is an author's note, timeline (my favorite addition to any nonfiction title), glossary, short biographies of other women mathematicians, engineers, and inventors, and extensive bibliography.

A great addition to any STEM display.

The Woman Who Split the Atom Written and Illustrated by Marissa Moss

The Woman Who Split the Atom: the Life of Lise Meitner
Written and illustrated by Marissa Moss
Abrams Books for Young Readers. 2022

The Woman Who Split the Atom is the fascinating story of Lise Meitner, a Jewish female physicist working in a male dominated field, and who struggles to be recognized and honored for her ground-breaking work throughout her career. If that were not enough to make a riveting narrative, toss into the mix the rise of anti-Semitism in Hitler’s Germany. This page-turner biography propels readers into Meitner’s life making the book difficult to put down. 

Lise Meitner was born in Vienna, Austria in 1878. She was the first woman to enroll at the University of Vienna in physics and the second woman in the world to earn a PhD in physics in 1906. With little job opportunities for women, but with a passion to work in her field, Meitner moves to Berlin and becomes an unpaid lab assistant at the Kaiser Wilhelm Institute (KWI). A young chemist, Dr. Otto Hahn, was eager in collaborating with Meitner after reading her one published article on radioactivity. The two would work together until 1945, when Hahn wins the Noble Prize for the discovery of nuclear fission, something that Meitner herself had discovered. The two break ties when Hahn refuses to acknowledge that it was Meitner who made the discovery. 

After her discovery of nuclear fission, Moss weaves into Meitner’s story the race to build the atomic bomb. Like Einstein, Meitner, a pacifist was horrified to be associated with such a weapon of mass destruction, refused to participate. 

Meitner’s story is captivating from page one as readers are drawn into the many frustrations that prevented her from receiving the recognition she deserved. Not only was she ignored by her male colleagues, she was nominated for the Noble Prize in Chemistry and Physics fourteen times, yet, never wins. With the rise of anti-Semitism during WW2 in Germany, Meitner will barely escape Berlin. 

Graphic panels open every chapter, which will be a draw for graphic novel fans. Also included is an afterward, author’s note, timeline of Meitner’s life and achievements, glossary of select terms in physics, profiles of scientists mentioned throughout the book, source notes, bibliography, and index.

Click here to watch a short video on Meitner's life.

Mary Who Wrote Frankenstein by Linda Bailey

Mary Who Wrote Frankenstein

by Linda Bailey; Illustrated by Julia Sarda

tundra books. 2018

Grades 4 up

Mary Shelley was only eighteen when she wrote Frankenstein. First published anonymously in 1818, Shelley’s name would appear on the second edition published in 1823.

Bailey focuses this picture book biography on “the story-behind-the-story;” on Mary Shelley and how this horror & science fiction novel came to be written.

"How does a story begin? Sometimes it begins with a dream."

Complementing the engaging text are Sarda’s gothic-type illustrations rendered digitally and in watercolor. Using dark tones, her art creates a sense of brooding and mystery. 

A perfect book to use to highlight a remarkable woman whose perseverance created a classic piece of literature.

Back matter includes a lengthy, very interesting author’s note, and source notes.

May I also recommend those interested in Mary Shelley, read, “The Strange and Twisted Life of “Frankenstein”” by Jill Lepore in the February 12 & 19 issue of The New Yorker Magazine. (available at your local public library, either in print, or possibly, digitally)

P.S. There is no invented dialogue in this book! Yeah!

To pen this review, I borrowed a copy of the book from my local public library. 

Writing Radar by Jack Gantos

Writing Radar: Using Your Journal to Snoop Out and Craft Great Stories
by Jack Gantos
Macmillan. 2017
ISBN: 9781427291226
All ages
Note: While Cathy Potter is on Sabbatical, Louise is writing all the reviews. Cathy will return February, 2018.

In his new book, Jack Gantos, the hilarious, Newbery-Award winning author, offers his knowledge of writing in this creative writing guide that encourages any aspiring writer to find story ideas in their own lives. His step-by-step guide offers useful advice so that anyone can become a brilliant writer. Don't we all dream of seeing our name on the spine of a book?  

I could go on and on about this fabulous book, but let's listen to Gantos, who is one of the best storytellers around, promote his book,

https://youtu.

       ttps://youtu.be/RsUA11I6cww

"More than just a how-to guide, Writing Radar is a celebration of the power of storytelling and an ode to the characters who—many unwittingly—inspired Gantos’s own writing career." from Macmillan.

From adult to children, I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to be a writer. Be sure to have it on your library shelves. Teachers, use it as a guide when teaching creative writing. Like Gantos himself, Writing Radar is a gem. If only Writing Radar had been available when I was a kid maybe my parents might have understood my obsession and used this excellent writing handbook to channel my creativity.

To write this review, I borrowed the book from my local public library.

P.S. I am going to be hearing Jack Gantos speak today (Monday, October 2), at the Maine Library Conference. I am beyond excited.

Rolling Blackouts Dispatches from Turkey, Syria, and Iraq Written and illustrated by Sarah Glidden

Rolling Blackouts  Dispatches from Turkey, Syria, and Iraq

Written and illustrated by Sarah Glidden

Drawn & Quarterly. 2016

ISBN: 9781770462557

The publisher gave me a copy of this book at ALA Midwinter 2017.

Grades 9 and up

In her second comic nonfiction, "a narratoon", cartoonist Sarah Glidden (How to Understand Israel in 60 Days or Less) gives readers a behind the scenes look at the job of creating stories for news outlets. Glidden tags along with two friends, Sarah Stuteville and Alex Stonehill, reporters from the Seattle Globalist, a nonprofit journalism collective, as they travel to Turkey, Syria, and Iraq to research potential stories on the effects of the Iraq War and its impact on the war’s refugees. The idea was that Glidden would watch and listen as Sarah Stuteville and Alex gathered stories. Woven into the narrative is how difficult it is to sell these stories to big media organizations who are reluctant to pay for expensive-to-produce foreign news, especially from free-lance journalists. 

Glidden states in her introduction:

I spent two months with the people portrayed in this book, observing and documenting them and capturing as much as I could with my little digital recorder. I recorded our conversations as we ate our meals, walked around cities, conducted interviews, and unwound at the end of the day with a beer or three. This means what when I returned home, I had hundreds of hours of recorded conversation to transcribe and sift through. It also means that almost all the dialogue in this book is taken directly from these recording, with some minimal cleanup done for grammar or clarity. 

Glidden further explains that conversations were edited and condensed to make this comic readable (and not a thousand pages long). Quite a feat, but the outcome is a smooth documentation of her travels in an area that now are off limits because of conflict.

Another element to this engrossing narrative is Dan O'Brien. A childhood friend of Sarah Stuteville, Dan, an X-Marine who served in the Iraq War travels with them and his reasons for returning to the Middle East makes for an compelling counterpoint to the storyline.

Glidden’s drawings are rendered in soft, muted watercolors. Her writing is honest with a touch of self-effacing humor. 

The story of the refugees, those individuals displaced by the war, is haunting. The stories of lost family members, jobs, a whole way of life that they will never get back is heartbreaking. Many have been stuck in refugee camps for five, ten years. Waiting for asylum. For some refugees they will live anywhere, while others hate the U.S. for invading their country.

The book does not shy away from some tough questions, especially how these countries changed, both good and bad, since the Iraq War. 

At the close of the book, before Glidden leaves to go back to Seattle, during an interview an Iraqi woman says, "I not like your government. She applied for asylum and "will go anywhere but the U.S". 

She says to Sarah Stuteville, "from an Iraqi to an American, she just wants to ask this one question. What is the benefit of your army coming to Iraq?" 

Sarah Stuteville answers, "There is none".

Rolling Blackouts is a eye-opening, emotionally charged tome that everyone should make time to read. 

To learn more about Sarah Glidden, visit her website. 

More reviews about Rolling Blackouts and Sarah Glidden: The Guardian, Public Radio International, and Rolling Stone.

Louise

The Impossibly True Story of Tricky Vic: the man who sold the Eiffel Tower By Greg Pizzoli

The Impossibly True Story of Tricky Vic: the man who sold the Eiffel Tower

By Greg Pizzoli

Viking. 2015

ISBN: 9780670016525

Grades 4-8

I borrowed a copy of this book from my local public library.

Stories about famous criminals seem to be a hot topic in my library right now. Maybe it’s because the theme for this year’s Collaborative Summer Library Program is all about heroes. (Every Hero Has a Story). Whatever the reason, National Geographic’s Weird but true! Stupid Criminals is one of the most popular books in my library. Where Stupid Criminals is a collection of humorous stories about criminals that did really stupid things that led to their capture, gifted writer Greg Pizzoli’s story is about a crook who was pretty smart. It must take a gifted mind to come up with the clever scam of selling the Eiffel Tower.

So who is this master criminal? Let’s find out.

In 1890, Robert Miller was born in what is now the Czech Republic. Smart and fluent in several languages, Miller left the University of Paris before completing a degree to become an artist…a con artist. He started by playing poker but after a run in with a jealous husband, Miller fled dry land to begin working on a transatlantic ocean liner. There he created his alias of Count Victor Lustig.

“Victor” was a convincing count: exceedlingly well dressed, soft spoken, and always with lots of money to spare at the game tables. Once the ship docked and the passengers disembarked, “Count Lustig” would disaapear, along with their money.

After conning Al Capone, fooling many with his Romanian Money Box hoax, Lustig left the U.S. for Paris. There he came up with the crazy scheme of selling the Eiffel Tower. Vic was convinced that if he could pull this off he could make enough money to secret his future for years. It was a very clever plan.

The book’s design is very appealing; the lively and highly engaging text is combined with full-page illustrations created using pencil, ink, rubber stamps, halftone photographs, silkscreen, Zipatone, and Photoshop. Throughout the book are sidebars that offer more details about topics mentioned in the text.  I liked how Pizzoi cleverly used prints of fingers and thumbs in place of showing Tricky Vic's face.

Was Tricky Vic ever captured? Yes! Twice. The first time he escaped but was quickly recaptured and sent to prison in Alcatraz. After serving twelve years, Vic became seriously ill and died in 1947 of pneumonia.

Pizzoli’s droll sense of humor makes reading The Impossible True Story of Tricky Vic an illustrious summer read.

The Amazing Age of John Roy Lynch written by Chris Barton; illustrated by Don Tate

The Amazing Age of John Roy Lynch
Written by Chris Barton; Illustrated by Don Tate
Eerdmans Books for Young Readers. 2015
ISBN: 9780802853790
Grades 4-8
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

The Amazing Story of John Roy Lynch is about a man who went from a teenage field slave to U.S. Congressman in just ten years. It was quite a journey and Barton highlights Lynch's ingenuity, focus, and luck. 

John Roy Lynch was born in 1847, in Louisiana. His father was Irish and his mother was enslaved. His father worked as an overseer and hoped, one day, to save enough to buy his wife and children's freedom. Unfortunately, he died and John Roy, his mother and brother were sold.

Until he was fifteen, John Roy worked as a house slave, but after insulting the woman of the house he was sent to labor in the cotton fields. When the Civil War began, Lynch worked for the Union Army until the period we call Reconstruction. From 1865-1877, the U.S. government tried to figure out how to work with those southern states that chose succession; they attempted to convince all Americans to see African Americans as citizens with rights equal to white folks. By 1870, John Roy Lynch was one of sixteen African Americans from former Confederate States who served in the U.S. Congress.

Between 1902 and 1972, there were no African Americans in the U.S. Congress. Barton states in the historical notes. Put simply, white Southerners resisted and then reversed --through legislation and violence--the extensions of freedom to their black neighbors. And as Reconstruction neared its end, the U.S. government did not keep up its efforts to protect its African American citizens in those states.

Don Tate's mixed media full-page illustrations show a determined Lynch as he moves from childhood to congressman. Tate successfully balances the cheerfulness of Lynch's accomplishments with the dark times of violence. Readers see that even while Lynch was serving his country in Washington, D.C., back in the southern states the rise of violence towards African American escalated. Back home, white terrorists burn black schools and black churches. They armed themselves on Election Day to keep blacks away. They even committed murder. 

The story of John Roy Lynch begins the dialogue about the period of Reconstruction and why it is so important to our understanding of the courage and dedication needed for the Civil Rights Movement to succeed. Back matter includes a historical note, timeline, author and illustrator note, suggestions for further reading, and a map of the Reconstructed United States in 1870.

The book closes with these words from Lynch that resonates today.

When every man, woman, and child can feel and know that his, her, and their rights are fully protected by the strong arm of a generous and grateful Republic, then we can all truthfully say that this land of ours, over which the Star Spangled Banner so triumphantly waves, is, in truth and in fact, the "land of the free and the home of the brave."

For more information about this book that includes a book trailer, go here.

Women Heroes of World War I & Reporting Under Fire

Women Heroes of World War 1: 16 remarkable resisters, soldiers, spies, and medics 
by Kathryn J. Atwood
Women in Action series
Chicago Review Press. 2014
ISBN: 9781613746868
 -- and
Reporting Under Fire: 16 daring women war correspondents and photojournalists
by Kerrie Logan Hollihan
Women in Action series
Chicago Review Press. 2014
ISBN: 9781613747100
Grades 8 and up
This reviewer used copies that were sent by the publisher.

We all know war is dangerous. Not only for the soldiers doing the fighting, but also for those who go underground to work as spies or resistance fighters to being on the front lines as a reporter. Though I have only seen these two entries in the Women in Action series, I was impressed with how well the books cover the topics in an engaging writing style that immediately draws readers in.

Using dialogue, direct quotes, document and diary experts, Women Heroes of World War I tells the true stories of 16 women from around the world who served their countries during their time of war. The book is divided into four sections: Resisters and Spies, Medical Personnel, Soldiers, and Journalists. At the beginning for each section, Atwood includes historical background information that gives readers a full understanding of what was happening at the time. Though most names will be unfamiliar to many, they were to me -- Edith Cavell, Marthe Cnockaert, Louise de Bettignies, Flora Sandes -- I did recognize American mystery writer Mary Roberts Rinehart. The fast-paced narratives recounts the suspense-filled stories of these exceptional women, many who would be caught and executed, fighting for freedom. 

Reporting Under Fire is similar in format as it recounts the remarkable exploits of 16 women who risked their lives to bring back the scoops from the front lines. The book is divided into six sections: World War I, 1914-1918; Between World Wars, 1920-1939; A Second World War, 1939-1945; A Cold War, 1945-1989; Ancient Peoples, Modern Wars, 1955-1985; A Challenge That Never Ends, 1990-Present. Some of the women included are Henrietta Goodnough, aka Peggy Hull, Louise Bryant(her time with husband John Reed is the story of the film, Reds), Dorothy Thompson, Janine di Giovanni, Robin Wright, and Martha Raddatz. Also, Martha Gellhorn, considered one of the greatest war correspondents of the 20th century, and photographer Margaret Bourke-White.  

Hollihan's narrative is exciting and sheds light on not only the dangers these women faced, but their struggles to be accepted in a field historically dominated by men. 

Back matter for these books include maps, historical black & white photographs, epilogue, glossary, notes, sidebars, bibliography, and index.

Each of the women portrayed in these books were as different as they could be. Some might have been more clever or more gifted in their field, yet their commitment to their ideals is inspiring. Their stories are worth reading, both for they role in our history, and for the opportunities they made possible for the next generation of adventurous young women.

The Story of Silk by Richard Sobol

The Story of Silk: from worm spit to woven scarves
Richard Sobol
Candlewick Press. 2013
ISBN: 9780763641658
Grades 3 and up
I borrowed this book from my local public library.

Richard Sobol calls himself “the Traveling Photographer” because he travels the globe looking for stories. One will agree as you scroll down and read the descriptions of the topics covered in his books. (Breakfast in the Rainforest, Elephant in the Backyard). My introduction to Sobol was while serving as a first-round judge for the 2011 Cybils Awards. His book, Mysteries of Anykor Wat was one of the nominees. Besides his stunning photography, what I love about Sobol’s books is how he seamlessly incorporates an interesting narrative along with historical details , or as in The Story of Silk, how this sturdy and beautiful fabric is made: from worm spit to woven scarves.

For The Story of Silk: from worm spit to woven scarves, Sobol returned to the remote village Huai Thalaeng located in the Issan Province.(the scene of his book The Life of Rice) He wanted to find out how the farmers spent their time “until the rainy season began the rice growing process started up again.” The farmers answered him with one word: “Worms!”
“Worms?” “Yes, worms! the farmers replied. “Millions and millions of worms!” For in this tiny village, during the dry season, they make silk.

Sobol takes us along as he explains every aspect of the production of silk, from hatching the caterpillar eggs to boiling the cocoons to releasing the silk. The tone of the writing captures the gentle rhythm of the village and how everyone, young and old, work together to create the silk that is essential to their survival. The silk is woven into fabric that is used for their clothing, but also when needed, a product to sell.

In all his books Sobol captures the children going about their day. Whether meditating at the temple, playing jump rope, cleaning off the poop from the cocoons or helping with the weaving, we see their smiling faces.

There is a glossary and facts about silk. The end papers show a map of the world with Thailand colored in red. The color photographs that grace every page are exquisite; I just wish the book designer had placed the captions directly under the photos, instead of at the top of each page. 

Pair The Story of Silk with Project Mulberry by Linda Sue Park, a fiction title I recommend all the time. The two books make a perfect match. Other great fiction titles include Red Butterfly: how a princess smuggled the secret of silk out of China by Deborah Noyes and Dragons of Silk by Laurence Yep.

Doctors to the Rescue

Doctors to the Rescue
The Work of Heroes: First Responders in Action series
by Meish Goldish
Bearport Publishing, 2012
ISBN: 978-161772-285-1
Gr. 3-6

The reviewer received a copy of the book from the publisher. 

One of the areas of my school library that needs updating is the occupation section. In the past few years I have weeded many out-dated books about police officers, doctors and even librarians. Bearport Publishing has released a new series of nonfiction titles about first responders that will fit a niche in many library collections.

Doctors to the Rescue provides readers with a glimpse into the world of emergency room doctors and first responders. The first chapter follows a patient from the emergency room to the operating table as he undergoes heart surgery. Physicians are also shown at work treating earthquake victims in Haiti and at work on the battlefields in Iraq and Afghanistan. Up-close photographs show the demanding work of first responders.

Many children will be interested to learn how doctors help patients during natural disasters, emergencies and war. However, the book is not for the faint of heart. In one photograph, a group of medical students work on a cadaver. Another photograph shows a Buffalo Sabres goalie grasping his wounded neck as he sits over a pool of blood on the ice. Between chapters Goldish includes information about the training required to become a physician. Back matter includes photographs of medical tools, a glossary of terms, and a suggested reading list. Readers interested in a career in medicine will enjoy learning about the many ways doctors respond to emergencies and disasters. Other titles in the series include Paramedics to the Rescue, Firefighters to the Rescue, and Police Officers to the Rescue.