Mar 28, 2024

A Woman Who Persisted: SAVING LIVES, Changing the World

 March is winding down, and with it the designation of WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH. But that doesn't mean that learning about outstanding women in history disappears when the calendar page turns. Quite the opposite. Some notable accomplishments by women are tied to specific events, such as the remarkable trip around the world via bicycle as described in PEDAL, BALANCE, STEER: Annie Londonderry, First Woman to Cycle Around the World, written by VIVIAN KIRKFIELD, and illustrated by Alison Jay, reviewed HERE. Women like Annie inspire us over decades and centuries, not just in a designated month. Some other women's accomplishments moved a field of study forward, as did the many WOMEN OF STEM profiled in books by Laurie Walmart, and featured HERE. Again, such stories cannot (and should not) be confiined to a single month each year.

Albert Whitman & Company, 2024

Some women, particularly one Chinese physician/scientist, have worked behind the scenes to find answers to deadly medical questions and develop medicines that can and DO and WILL continue to save lives from deadly diseases. TU YOUYOU'S DISCOVERY: FINDING A CURE FOR MALARIA, written by Sonju Ma Daemicke and illustrated by Lin. This biographic profile reveals Tu Youyou's life as a child in China, attending school with her brothers despite the custom that girls were not educated. A serious illness eventually kept her home, gradually recovering though a combination of Western medicine and her mother's traditional Chinese herbal broths and treatments. 

Tu was motivated by such care and recovery to pursue training in Western medicine, but she never lost her respect for Chinese herbal and nature-based treatments. The deadly disease, malaria, is easily spread throughout the world (especially tropical areas) through mosquito bites. The fevers and other related symptoms defied cure or even effective relief treatments through traditional Western medicines or procedures, so Tu set out to investigate potential solutions in Chinese traditional treatments. 

Relying on deep research into centuries of Chinese medicinals, then following the scientific method, she led a team of male doctors in studies attempting to use one particular plant-sourced treatment. Throughout the studies they observed, recorded, compared, and analyzed responses of malarial microscopic life to various preparations using the chemicals from this plant (and others). When their results were unsuccessful, after more than a hundred attempts, male members of her team grumbled that Tu was unfit to lead, was being a foolish woman. She did not give up, researching and adjusting her preparations until she eventually identified the correct method to prepare the plant material to stop Malaria in its tracks. When their report was published, Tu insisted on listing the entire team as authors, so her central and driving role in this global scientific  accomplishment was overlooked for many years. After more years of testing and development, and growing awareness of her role, she became the first ever Chinese person (male or female) to be awarded the Nobel Prize. 

I won't apologize for sharing so much content as a "spoiler".  This is a woman whose accomplishments and dedicated life are facts we should ALL  know. I didn't, did you? Consider reading this excellent new picture book, including the back matter with timeline, bibliography, a brief author note, and an excellent (usable) description of the scientific process as used by Tu throughout her career. Then make an effort to talk about her with your friends (yes, adult friends!) and share her story through this book with young people, their teachers, and librarians.

Mar 26, 2024

CLAP for this Sensation: FLAP YOUR HANDS!

Lee & Low Books, 2024

 Take a quick look at the jacket cover of this new picture book, then take a closer look. What struck me first was the celebratory elements, ranging from the bright white background to the vibrant strokes in those waves of colorful rainbow swirls, forming an infinity symbol behind those luminous faces.  Throughout, diverse ages, backgrounds, and actions are revealed, emphasizing the "infinity" of folks for whom this book is meant. Flip the book over to the back jacket to find even more of that jubilant imagery and energy. FLAP YOUR HANDS: A Celebration of Stimming, is written and illustrated by Steve Asbell. I can't thank him enough. You might want to do that, too, once you've read it and shared it, especially with parents, kids, and teachers. 

The title page reveals the symbolic meaning of those colorful waves of life, suggesting active, engaged, and interacting hands. Hands that are not being stilled or scolded. In fact, the subtitle makes it clear that this is a direct address to what we ALL see, in youth and sometimes adults: "STIMMING". Despite the positivity and association of those images to get us onto the first double-page spread, the opening launches readers into what can be, for some, harsh and challenging situations that they encounter in everyday life. The text does not shy away from harshness. Words like "overwhelmed" and "too much to bear" are followed by another spread of the feelings these generate- "bubbling over", edging out of control. The distress builds quickly, but a visual hint of responses is provided along with the word "stim", a verb you may not know, but should. 

On the very next page-turn, that colorful swirl background fills the page, where thoughtful but mildly distressed eyes begin to refocus on their own fingers tickling the visual, stimulus-rich field before those eyes to reframe as sparkling lights. With each page after, the spreads immerse  young people within a scene that suggests sounds, lights, activity, crowding, sudden changes, etc. can be self-regulated through finger-flips before eyes or ears, by kicking or bouncing feet, arm waves, tapping or rubbing palms or wrists or other body parts, making repetitive sounds, etc. There are more pages, each featuring young folks regaining control of their reactions within stressful settings through text and images, rebalancing white space and color in the background. 

Text is minimal but powerfully direct and accessible to readers of any age, but especially so to school age individuals and groups. These directly connect to examples from daily situations, in school and out. Images are large and clear enough to more easily recognize and interpret. Those messages alone make this a valuable and necessary book. Steve Asbell, professionally diagnosed as autistic or "on the spectrum" as an adult, is also the creator of a comic strip, STIMMY THE CAT. 

This new picture book has gained welcome and worthy media attention's in which the creator reveals WHY the book does not end here.  In the remaining pages the text challenges every reader, of any age and any level of reactivity to overstimulation to TRY STIMMING! As a kid who attended a very traditional school, my legs were always crossed under my desk, and my foot bobbed constantly. I also chewed my finger nails WAAY past the time of this being just a bad habit, rocked in my chair, chewed my pencils, and other such repetitive activity. From year to year, various teachers asserted different levels of intervention efforts to get me to "sit still", always making note of a need to improve on my otherwise rather good report cards. Sitting in a church pew was an even more likely location at which I might have my hands held or be moved to sit next to the teacher or parent with a hand as needed. 

Pause  now, adult readers, to recall substitutions for stimming you know of in smoking or vaping, knuckle cracking, that ubiquitous foot-bobbing, pen-clicking, desk tapping, and countless other techniques that many (most  of us) use while trying to be productive or maintain self-regulation of stress or emotional reactions. The past years of work-at-home have allowed us to explore and utilize practical and potentially life-improving self-regulation to manage the perfectly normal responses we all get with siting, standing, working situations, especially overly-long ones. 

What concerns me so much is what still happens to young people (and people of many ages) in schools and other "managed" situations. As a life-long education professional, much of my training and practice, in mainstream classrooms but especially in classes involving kids with these patterns, involved endless efforts made to reduce stimming. Substitutions (squeeze balls, rocker chairs, etc.) were used as valuable accommodations, and often were effective in allowing learners to remain among full populations of peers without being seen as "different". With that in mind, I provided Hacky-Sack type hand-squeeze toys for every child in my classes, also with a discussion of varying needs and ways we can self-advocate for our own adaptations and regulations under stress. Overall, though, my objective was to minimize or eliminate visible stimming responses. 

This new books offers an overdue paradigm shift for us all. Everyone, every age, exists somewhere on a spectrum of reactivity to stimulus. For some, centering and isolating is effective, for others, simply noticing and enjoying the shifts in our environment are sufficient. But for so many others, SOOOO many others, overstimulation, stress, extended periods of focus, sudden change, or triggers we may not be able to label can be recognized (by adults as needed, but by the individuals, if assisted in self-awareness) and dealt with in ways that are harmless and can, in fact, be celebratory. 


At a recent NCTE Conference session, author/illustrator Kaz Windess shared her recent (Caldecott Honors and CYBILS AWARD WINNING) Ready-to-Read Graphics Reader, WORM AND CATERPILLAR ARE FRIENDS, reviewed here. The story itself is a celebration of friendships and acceptance and differences, but so is Kaz Widness. She, too, self-identifies as being on the spectrum. This vibrant and entertaining speaker addressed stimming during the first few minutes of her introduction, then flapped for a few minutes. She then ducked behind the podium, reappeared and said she had ever spoken of it or "flapped" in that role before and the crowd cheered. Many of us flapped right with her. It was truly a celebratory experience. Then came this wonderful new book that invites us all to join the mind-shift she displayed and recognize that the spectrum we are ALL on is the HUUMAN one. 

In a side note to adult readers, I urge you to check out ASTRID, a series on PBS. In it, an adult individual, ASTRID, becomes a central character (with high functioning but seriously impacted effects from her Neuro-diversity) becomes an essential member of adult professional and social groups that allow her to feel accepted and also adapt further, as do the others with a range of neurological-Typical patterns (and biases). I find it to be both entertaining and thrilling to note the modeling and exploration of so many individuals and connected groups. I hope you'll check it out and give it a chance, as you will with this remarkable book!  ASTRID: PBS series.


Mar 25, 2024

WORLD RECORD WOMEN- Present and Past: PEDAL, BALANCE, STEER

 Recent news has heralded the excitement of sailing woman COLE BRAUER finishing second in a field of sixteen solo (male) sailors in a race to circumnavigate the world's oceans. Click above to read more details if this has somehow missed you. It's a powerful story of defying expectations and overcoming obstacles. Brauer's accomplishments are impressive in any times, even "these days", though it is apparently still somewhat "shocking" to many people that "a woman" could accomplish this, or even attempt it. 

From the report above:

"Aboard her 40-foot racing boat First Light29-year-old Cole Brauer just became the first American woman to race nonstop around the world by herself." 

Brauer was following early paths and inspirations of women breaking social "rules", examples provided by many other women in the past who had also seem potential in themselves that others dismissed, actively challenging themselves to do things others found incredible. One difference is that news coverage and shared stories about such groundbreaking women could not reach women globally. 

Calkins Creek, 2024
An Imprint of Astra Books for Young Readers



The story of one such woman is revealed in PEDAL, BALANCE, STEER: Annie Londonderry, First Woman to Cycle Around the Worldwritten by the talented (and curious) researcher, storyteller, author VIVIAN KIRKFIELD, with fabulous illustrations by Alison Jay.  The subject of this event-focused bio/profile was known as Annie Londonderry, though her actual name was Annie Cohen Kopchovsky, married jewish mother of three who saw a poster with a daring opportunity, and set out to improve her family. 

The central story is that two rich men decided to pose a monetary prize (ten thousand dollars, at a time in which that translates to more than a quarter million modern dollars!). Terms of the challenge were specific, including that it must be bicycle strip around the world (allowing for ocean liner travel), that the woman must earn five thousand dollars during the trip (within the fifteen month limit), as well as restrictions related to accepting donations and other supports. 

Kirkfield incorporates excerpts from Annie's own accounts, directly connectING readers to Annie's personality, intentions (to improve prospects for her family's future) and perseverance. Kirkfield carries readers rapidly through Annie's record-setting narrative journey: learning to ride a bike, recognizing the immeasurable restrictions of biking in layered skirts and a corset on a man's-weight bike, plotting the best route (doubling back to restart after hundreds of miles), being waylaid and robbed, and so much more!

Incidents and anecdotes along the way are each revealing and informative about her clever approaches to meeting each of the strict criteria spelled out in the details of the contract challenge. Her awareness of NELLIE BLY's recent trip around the world offered examples embraced by and expanded by Annie, including selling signed photos along the way, lecturing groups about her travels, and, in fact, adopting the surname LONDONDERRY and displaying that non a sign on her bicycle to be the first female athlete compensated for advertising. 

If you've figured by now that Annie succeeded, you'd be right, but that fact barely scratches the surface of what I learned about her through this entertaining picture book, in the main narrative, through extended back matter, and by examining these stylized but remarkable illustrations. The story demands an initial read-through, but invites repeated readings during which the detail-rich illustrations reveal countless background facts about that time period and the various aspects of society around the globe. insights about standards of dress, style, occupations, attitudes, transportation, response to gender challenges, and so much more. I found it especially exciting that Kirkfield did not end the narrative at the end of that challenge journey, but included ways in which Annie's experienced shaped the remainder of her perusal and professional life.

Current news about sailing success COLE BRAUER has the benefits of digital media and "going viral". In fact, many kinds of advertising and reporting about women who broke new ground were common in the real time of the last century and more as women challenged struggles and successes. Those public records allowed modern day researchers to find reports and archival evidence of the impact each accomplishment had. The wonder, today, is how many author/researchers (many of them women) are making it their mission to find reliable sources, including primary sources, to share inspiring stories about women/girls who recognized difficulties but refused to see gender as a barrier to their horizons. Picture book format offers an ideal platform and intended audiences, reaching and affecting young female AND male perspectives before limitations and stereotypes ossify. In the next few posts I'll offer a few look-backs at examples of some of my favorite examples from recent years.

Mar 21, 2024

WILLA the Werewolf: A Fairy Tale Twist!

 This very early chapter book is one of a series of MODERN FAIRY TALE TWISTS from Little Press Publishing.

The Little Press, 2023


WILLA THE WEREWOLF
is written by Michele Mcavoy and illustrated by Jan Dolby. It's a gentle bridge between a picture book and a single independent-reading book for young learners. In format it offers 16 "chapters", each only a page or two, with illustrations. The total is 64 pages and the small format keeps it in very readable range for this audience. 

In this thoroughly twisted, contemporary take-off on the THREE LITTLE PIGS and the Big Bad Wolf, Willa is the delightfully talented and ambitious little pig who just happens to transform into a werewolf at midnight each night. She is self-aware and finds the magical properties and super powers of that nightly adventure to be a prefect vehicle for traveling the fashion centers of the world, finding inspiration for her unique and original designs. 

In fact, her reputation spreads and she is offered the opportunity of her young life- to enter a design contest for the remarkable singing group, the PIGLET TRIPLET. After preparing and arranging for her final judging night, one delay leads to another and Willa's transformed identity comes to light, terrifying her parents, the trio, and the entire village. You can just imagine, can't you? Maybe not, but the humor and resolution will satisfy young readers. Those  who are looking for a unique new character, some high adventure, and a lively reading experience will enjoy Willa the Werewolf.

I can't say often enough that traditional fairy tales, nursery rhymes, and other iconic literature need to remain in the lives of even the most digital-contemporary of kids, and this is fun way to do so. Share and compare various original versions of the three pigs with modern twists. What's more, Willa's design interests and globetrotting adventures are very powerful encouragements for young  readers with such dreams. 


Picture books are as versatile and diverse as the readers who enjoy them. Join me to explore the wacky, wonderful, challenging and changing world of picture books.