Gloria's Voice: The Story of Gloria Steinem--Feminist, Activist, Leader

by Aura Lewis

Overview

“A subtle ode to an iconic figure of quiet ‘strength and enormous influence.’” —Publishers Weekly

Gloria Steinem started a movement that changed our world. This picture-book biography of the pioneering feminist brings the message of equality to a new generation.
 
Using gorgeous watercolor illustrations, this biography of Gloria Steinem introduces young readers to the leader of the women’s liberation movement. Following her from childhood through her political awakening and beyond, Gloria’s Voice explains Steinem’s motivations and beliefs, as well as the obstacles she faced in fighting for women’s rights. Throughout, debut author and artist Aura Lewis highlights Gloria’s message of equality and the importance of believing in oneself. Every young person—but especially girls—will find inspiration in Gloria’s journey and this timely biography.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781454926665
Publisher:	Union Square Kids
Publication date:	03/06/2018
Series:	People Who Shaped Our World Series , #2
Pages:	40
Sales rank:	160,974
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 11.10(h) x 0.60(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Aura Lewis is an illustrator based in New York City. She is a recent graduate of the MFA program in the Illustration as Visual Essay program at the School of Visual Arts.

Editorial Reviews

02/19/2018
Debut author-illustrator Lewis focuses on Gloria Steinem’s early life and career. Even in childhood, Steinem understood the limitations imposed upon women: “as a wife and mother, Gloria’s mama had to stay home and take care of the family. That’s what women are expected to do.” Reporting on the women’s liberation movement helps Steinem to find her calling; founding Ms. magazine gives voice to millions: “The magazines fly off the newsstands! People want to hear what women have to say.” Lewis’s watercolor and mixed-media art features glowing rose and tangerine shades, with compositions and fonts that call to mind 1960s-era graphic design. On one surreal spread, Steinem stands triumphantly on the keys of her typewriter, hands on her hips, red hair flowing. Endnotes hint at Steinem’s many more accomplishments. It’s a subtle ode to an iconic figure of quiet “strength and enormous influence.” Ages 4–up. (Mar.)

Publishers Weekly

Lewis portrays the activist as caring and creative, and the message that education, tenacity, and hope will result in realized dreams is clear. . . .This should be considered for picture book biography collections.” —School Library Journal

“Debut author-illustrator Lewis focuses on Gloria Steinem’s early life and career. Even in childhood, Steinem understood the limitations imposed upon women: ‘as a wife and mother, Gloria’s mama had to stay home and take care of the family. That’s what women are expected to do.’ Reporting on the women’s liberation movement helps Steinem to find her calling; founding Ms. magazine gives voice to millions: ‘The magazines fly off the newsstands! People want to hear what women have to say.’ Lewis’s watercolor and mixed-media art features glowing rose and tangerine shades, with compositions and fonts that call to mind 1960s-era graphic design. On one surreal spread, Steinem stands triumphantly on the keys of her typewriter, hands on her hips, red hair flowing. Endnotes hint at Steinem’s many more accomplishments. It’s a subtle ode to an iconic figure of quiet ‘strength and enormous influence.’” —Publishers Weekly

“This charming picture book is written for trainer-wheels feminists but would make a cool gift for a big girl, too.” —The Toronto Star Online
 

From the Publisher

04/01/2018
Gr 1–3—Gloria Steinem had big dreams for her life and many of them concerned helping others. Steinem moved to New York City and became a journalist, hoping "to report on people and their struggles." Frustrated by the usual fluff assignments given to her by male bosses, Steinem jumped at the opportunity to cover a rally about women's liberation. Hearing the speeches, Gloria realized she could support other women by sharing messages of feminism and equality. In 1971, Steinem cofounded Ms. magazine. Lewis portrays the activist as caring and creative, and the message that education, tenacity, and hope will result in realized dreams is clear. The watercolor and gouache illustrations utilize a highly pastel palette, which occasionally seems at odds with Steinem's strength of character and action. Varying font sizes draw attention to milestones in her thinking and the use of white space will appeal to younger readers. The cover, featuring Steinem's trademark aviator glasses, is eye-catching. A biographical note, recommended book list, and page notes are included and provide many important and explanatory details not in the main text. Unfortunately, the revolutionary meaning and impact of Ms. isn't really fleshed out. VERDICT A reasonable introduction to Steinem's life and work. This should be considered for picture book biography collections.—Sara-Jo Lupo Sites, George F. Johnson Memorial Library, Endicott, NY

School Library Journal

2018-02-03
In an era of renewed attention to feminism comes a biography of the co-founder (along with Dorothy Pitman Hughes) of Ms. magazine.Author/illustrator Lewis portrays Steinem's consciousness-raising journey to adulthood using short declarative sentences in the present tense ("This is Gloria. She has big dreams"), striking a decidedly young narrative tone. Pink predominates in the flowery illustrations, beginning with a young Gloria dancing across a pink typewriter's keys. Later, after having "a big idea," she stands, arms akimbo, on the same machine, with the unfortunate result that the scale makes her look like a Barbie. Such infantilization of Steinem and her cause permeates the book, from the persistent use of her first name to text that oversimplifies social concepts. Hearing about the "women's liberation movement[,] Gloria is curious!" Lack of context will puzzle uninformed children. Underutilized as a journalist, "Gloria feels like a typewriter without a ribbon." What's a typewriter ribbon? What does "Ms." mean, and why was it chosen as a magazine title? Steinem also comes across as a white woman rushing to the rescue, both in India and with her "fearless friend Dorothy," a black woman, posing next to her with raised fist. The only clue to the sophistication of the subject is backmatter with unsourced biographical detail and "page-by-page notes" that are themselves simplistic: "She learned that change comes from the people and in order to learn, you must listen."Well-intentioned but misses the mark. (Picture book/biography. 6-9)

Kirkus Reviews