- Jun 10, 2022
Leading the Minute Women in the Fight for Independence
A TRUE TALE WITH
A CHERRY ON TOP
Calkins Creek
(pub. 2.1.2022) 48 pages
Author: Beth Anderson
Illustrator: Susan Reagan
Character: Prudence Wright
Overview:
"Prudence Wright had a spark of independence.
Annoyed when the British king held back freedoms in colonial Massachusetts, feisty and fearless Prudence had enough. She said no! to British goods, determined to rely on her resourcefulness and ingenuity to get by. And when British troops continued to threaten the lives of her family and community, she assembled and led the 'minute women' of Pepperell to break free of tradition.
This untold story of a courageous and brave woman from the Revolutionary War continues to inspire today."
Tantalizing taste:
" Prudence and the women sewed scraps of cloth into quilts. When talk turned to the possibility of war, her stitches lurched out of line. Ripping them back, straightening them out, she studied the quilt - small pieces, repeating patterns. She scanned the circle of women. Small actions, too, might form a pattern - a pattern of rebellion."
And something more: Beth Anderson, in the Author's Research Note, explains that "As with many historical events, the research leaves us with unanswered questions. Some might also wonder if Prudence's choice that night changed history. After reading all the research and corresponding with a few of today's women of Pepperell, the answer is yes. Even though we're not able to evaluate the military significance of her actions, there's no doubt that she emboldened the women of her time to break free of tradition and participate more fully in society. Not only that, her story continues to inspire us today."
- Jun 4, 2022
How Larry Doby Smashed the Color Barrier in Baseball
A TRUE TALE WITH
A CHERRY ON TOP
Clarion Books
(Houghton Mifflin Harcourt)
(pub.1.4.2022) 40 pages
Author: Audrey Vernick
Illustrator: Cannaday Chapman
Character: Larry Doby
Overview:
"In 1947, Larry Doby signed with the Cleveland Indians, becoming the first Black player in the American leagues. He endured terrible racism, both from fans and his fellow teammates. Despite this, he became a unifying force on and off the field, and went on to become a seven-time All Star.
Illustrated with Cannaday Chapman’s bold, stylized illustrations, this exceptional biography tells the story of an unsung hero who not only opened doors for those behind him, but set amazing records during his Hall of Fame career. More significantly, it examines the long fight to overcome racism in sports and our culture at large, a fight that is far from over."
Tantalizing taste:
"That year, Jackie Robinson was playing with the minor league Montreal Royals. The next season, Jackie made his major-league debut with the Dodgers. He was voted Rookie of the Year. But he faced terrible racism. Opposing players and spectators alike screamed insults. There were threats made against him and his family.
The world can be a mess when it's changing.
But it had started to change.
Jackie opened the door. And Larry followed closely behind ..."
And something more: Audrey Vernick, in the Author's Note, explains that "When Larry, now a celebrated World Series hero, returned to Paterson, New Jersey, in 1948 to buy a home with [his wife] Helyn, residents of that all-white neighborhood started a petition to stop them. Ultimately, the mayor of Paterson stepped up to help. Larry and Helyn raised five children together.
In forging through very difficult circumstances, Larry helped clear the road for those behind him. 'If you can take the negatives and make them positive, then you're making it better for the next person who comes along,' he said."
I'm thrilled that our upcoming book was featured on the wonderful John Schu's blog Watch. Connect. Read:
John Schu's kind introduction:
"Hello, Jeanne Walker Harvey! Hello, Diana Toledano! Thank you for stopping by Watch. Connect. Read. to celebrate and discuss Dressing Up The Stars: The Story of Movie Costume Designer Edith Head, your dazzling picture book biography. I became a reader because of movies, TV shows, and movie and TV tie-in books. I learned so much about cinema and costume design from your book. I would have checked it out from the library multiple times as a child. "
I loved seeing Diana Toledano's sketch ideas for the cover:
Read more of the interview here:
