Review by Booklist Review
It takes three words to say, "It isn't fair," but in the law known as Title IX, it took the 37 words to change America. While earlier historical documents had ensured certain rights, until Title IX was passed in 1972, women who married or became pregnant could be fired from certain jobs. Women were seldom considered for careers in fields such as medicine, science, and higher education. And most schools offered girls few opportunities in sports. To its credit, this picture book underscores that the legislation's effect has been greater equality of opportunities in schools, universities, and workplaces as well as in athletics. From the writer and illustrator of Counting on Katherine (2018), this attractive picture book portrays some of the injustices faced by girls and women 50 years ago and shows changes brought about by Title IX. Appended notes explain the law more fully. The simply worded, well-crafted main text makes its points effectively, while the art, combining digital and traditional elements, illustrates the words with quiet dignity. An intriguing, early introduction to women's rights.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Three girls in contemporary clothing peer, dismayed, at founding U.S. documents, seeing firsthand how protection against sex-based discrimination was lacking until Title IX: 1972 civil rights legislation, today known largely for its contribution to sports, that also offers girls and women equal access to jobs and educational opportunities. Becker's concise prose is both informative and accessible ("Title IX's thirty-seven words taught us a simple truth: Words have power"). Phumiruk's digital art spotlights graceful, slim-limbed figures with differing skin tones engaging in a range of professions and physical activities. While the conclusion is overly idealistic ("Today, no American can be held back from living out their dream because of their gender"), this book serves as a solid starting point for anyone interested in the groundbreaking law. Back matter includes four biographies of significant female architects of the legislation, effects of the law both past and present, "More Work to Do," and additional resources. Ages 4--8. (Feb.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 4--There are a few previously published books about Title IX for children, but they focused on the impact of the law on expanding girls' participation in sports. In this picture book, Becker explains that Title IX applies to all aspects of education. The law ensures that everyone has an equal opportunity to pursue an education, training, and a job in the field of their choice. The text notes that the 37 words that encapsulate the law were not included in earlier pivotal documents, such as the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. The colorful, full-page illustrations depict the fight for the ratification of the law and young people enjoying the opportunities that it provides on the athletic field, in the classroom, and beyond. The illustrations present girls from a variety of races and ethnicities. The straightforward text provides a look at the fundamental nature of the law. The back matter features additional information, including portraits of the heroes in Congress who fought for the passage of Title IX, details regarding the progress made and the work to be done for full equality, and resources for further exploration. Incorporating more of the information in the back matter into the main text would have enhanced the book, especially for older readers. VERDICT A recommended addition that expands awareness of the full impact of Title IX.--Theresa Muraski, Univ. of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Lib.
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Review by Horn Book Review
Before Title IX became law in 1972, girls and women could be excluded from sports programs, fired from jobs, and denied educational opportunities -- all "on the basis of sex." In a simple, direct narrative, Becker highlights what life was like pre-Title IX and how the law ushered in opportunities for everyone. Phumiruk's understated digitally created illustrations let the concepts expressed in the text take center stage. Two pages at book's end briefly profile the women (three lawmakers, one academic) who were instrumental in the law's passage. More details on what changed, progress made since, and the work ahead are appended, as is a reading list. (c) Copyright 2023. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
It took only 37 words to change the United States forever. When certain words were omitted from the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Gettysburg Address, and the Emancipation Proclamation, 37 had to be written in 1972 to grant girls and women the same opportunities as boys and men. Before that, girls and women could be denied jobs, the chance to play sports, and educational opportunities--things that boys and men took for granted. Writing simply, Becker ably explains to readers that Title IX is about more than just giving girls and women the ability to play sports, which is often the aspect of the law most discussed; Title IX continues to allow girls and women access to every aspect of education, which provides them with the same training as boys and men to become experts in all fields. This account of Title IX, though, shines in the backmatter. Here, Becker names the women credited with crafting the law's language and discusses how the law looked in the past and looks today, taking care to explain that inequity persists. There are some hiccups: Becker uses "America" when she means the United States, and Phumiruk's casually diverse illustrations suggest that White and Black women always walked together in the fight for women's rights. But her endpapers are delightful, and all illustrations are clean and clear. (This book was reviewed digitally with 9-by-22-inch double-page spreads viewed at 25% of actual size.) Both an easy-to-read introduction and a powerful reminder that we must always fight for equality. (resources, further reading) (Informational picture book. 6-10) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
