I love these short, accessible biographies -- I love that they center diverse voices, I love that they feature diverse authors, and I love that they celebrate excellence. This particular book is well written -- I'm impressed at how Magoon was able to explain complex parts of Simone Biles' journey. She's great at clarity, and also at unapologetically celebrating Biles' firm defense of her own physical and mental health. ( )

The bookstore that I work at is in a republican stronghold. Despite Philadelphia’s perpetual blue status, the suburbs are usually blood red. While I try to keep politics out of my reviews, I did decide that the first review on here, ever, would be Pantsuit Nation, so my inclusion of a book by Chelsea Clinton should not come as any surprise.

This year, a young female family member is turning five years old – the perfect age for picture books and she devours them. As I thought about which book to pick out for her for her birthday, only one came to mind – She Persisted. She has terrific parents who have read probably every book under the sun to her already, and I know they want her to know that regardless of any adversity she might face, she will always find the strength within herself to persist until she achieves every goal she sets for herself.

She Persisted includes both well- and little-known women in America’s history. Clinton forgoes including Rosa Parks and instead includes her predecessor, Claudette Colvin. She chooses Clara Lemlich over Susan B. Anthony and Margaret Chase Smith over any other female politician. Her choices are diverse and inclusive, not just in terms of heritage and skin color, but also in occupation and the obstacles the women had to overcome. I adore each and every women included, particularly the inclusion of Sonia Sotomayor over Ruth Bader Ginsberg or Sandra Day O’Connor. ( )

Goodreads Review:
Chelsea Clinton introduces tiny feminists, mini activists and little kids who are ready to take on the world to thirteen inspirational women who never took no for an answer, and who always, inevitably and without fail, persisted.

Throughout American history, there have always been women who have spoken out for what’s right, even when they have to fight to be heard. In early 2017, Senator Elizabeth Warren’s refusal to be silenced in the Senate inspired a spontaneous celebration of women who persevered in the face of adversity. In this book, Chelsea Clinton celebrates thirteen American women who helped shape our country through their tenacity, sometimes through speaking out, sometimes by staying seated, sometimes by captivating an audience. They all certainly persisted.

She Persisted is for everyone who has ever wanted to speak up but has been told to quiet down, for everyone who has ever tried to reach for the stars but was told to sit down, and for everyone who has ever been made to feel unworthy or unimportant or small.

With vivid, compelling art by Alexandra Boiger, this book shows readers that no matter what obstacles may be in their paths, they shouldn’t give up on their dreams. Persistence is power.

This book features: Harriet Tubman, Helen Keller, Clara Lemlich, Nellie Bly, Maria Tallchief, Claudette Colvin, Ruby Bridges, Margaret Chase Smith, Sally Ride, Florence Griffith Joyner, Oprah Winfrey, Sonia Sotomayor—and one special cameo.

This book written by Chelsea Clinton and illustrated by Alexandra Boiger speaks to young feminists and active learners who are curious about the women that paved the paths we walk today. This book speaks about many different woman who were pivotal in their field, who spoke up for what was right, and who made great strides for women’s equality, and advancement. This book is an encouraging, courageous and historical piece of literature that will allow for young woman to see themselves in, and identify mentors, leaders and thinkers alike that they can strive to be like through their own actions. This book is inclusive, featuring an array of woman such as politicians, scientists, doctors, speakers and more. This includes women of different races, abilities and cultures. The most poignant quote from the book is “So, if anyone ever tells you no, if anyone says your voice isn’t important or your dreams are too big, remember these women. They persisted and so should you” (Clinton). ( )

This book celebrates thirteen American women who helped shape our country through their tenacity. Harriet Tubman, Helen Keller and Sonia Sotomayer are among the women highlighted; women who, despite great obstacles, achieved their dreams through persistence.