Battling, Bellowing Bella Abzug
A TRUE TALE WITH
A CHERRY ON TOP
Calkins Creek
(Astra Books for Young Readers)
(pub. 4.16.2024)
40 pages
Ages 7 -10
Author: Sarah Aronson
Illustrator: Andrea D'Aquino
Character: Bella Abzug
Overview:
" Battling Bella Abzug was born bellowing! From her childhood in the Bronx to her years as a lawyer, activist, wife, mother, and congresswoman, Bella battled for justice and fairness for everyone. Inspired by her Jewish upbringing and wholehearted belief in tikkun olam—repairing the world—she spoke her truth everywhere she went. Even when it wasn’t appreciated. Bella just kept on battling!
...This trailblazer helped kickstart the modern women’s movement—with humor and passion—always in one of her trademark wide-brimmed hats. An unstoppable and unforgettable leader who showed the world a vision for the future—that a woman’s place was in the house—the House of Representatives! Abzuglutely!"
Tantalizing taste:
"With her big brazen voice, Battling Bella Abzug did much more than bellow. This pioneer wrote a whole new playbook for women in politics and across the nation. She didn't get everything she fought for, but she got the battle started.
So your voices could be heard.
And you could keep battling.
With a hat. Or without.
ABZUGLUTELY!"
And something more: Sarah Aronson, shared in the Author's Note: "Now we recognize how powerful it is for kids to see themselves in story. I can attest that it was amazing to see a Jewish woman holding power, speaking loudly - raising a ruckus - saying what she believed. Her bravery made me brave. Her passion made me want to march for women's rights (and a whole bunch of other things), too. It's one of the reason this book is so important to me."
Sarah included many Acknowledgements, including "to my family for listening to all my stories discoveries, and process. It can't be easy to raise a loud girl with so much to say. Your love has made me fearless."
And this statement is so true ... "As long as people are reading this book, Bella will be with us still." —Gloria Steinem.
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