Chronicles the development of feminist ideas and women's rights in America from the Salem witchcraft trials of the seventeenth century through the appointment of the first woman secretary of state in the late twentieth century.
Gr 5-9-A well-organized, well-documented resource. Kendall frames her discussion of women's suffrage with an account of the struggles of women throughout the centuries beginning with early colonists such as Anne Hutchinson. In addition to the battles and achievements of the women's movement, the author addresses property and child-custody rights and the fight for fair wages. She includes information on what life was like for mill girls, women in slavery, and on women in the media. Attention is also paid to how the ebb and flow of history has added to or detracted from the struggle for equal rights. Prominent leaders like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, as well as modern activists such as Betty Friedan, are introduced. Many black-and-white photos and other illustrations add dimension to the text. Four pages of brief biographies of remarkable women complete this thorough, multifaceted history.
Carol Fazioli, formerly at The Brearley School, New York City
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
Gr. 5-8. This volume in the People's History series reviews the history of the women's rights movement in America, beginning with a discussion of women's legal status among the Puritans of Boston, then highlighting developments to the present. Kendall describes women's efforts to secure the right to own property, hold jobs, and gain equal protection under the law, and takes a look at the suffrage movement and legal actions that have helped women gain control of their reproductive rights. She also compares the lifestyles of female Native Americans and slaves with those of other American women at the time. Numerous sepia photographs and illustrations show significant events and give face to important contributors to the movement. The appended list of remarkable women, a time line, and bibliographies will further assist report writers. A good choice for history or women's studies units.
Kay WeismanCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved