Review by Booklist Review
The life of social activist Jane Addams gets a full treatment in this picture-book biography. Losing her mother at age two sensitized young Jane, and her desire to help those less fortunate appeared at an early age. The book chronicles how Jane's studies abroad opened her eyes to the poverty that upended the lives of so many, and when she returned to her home state of Illinois, she determined to build a settlement house in Chicago. The book shows that while Addams was initially considered almost a saint, her pacifist activities during WWI led to disillusionment and anger by those who thought she was helping the enemy. This point is not clearly made in the text, leaving it to the author's note to make it understandable. The artwork, rendered in precise watercolor and ink, chronicles the important moments. Addams seems like a woman full of life, and this book doesn't quite capture that experience. But it's useful as a straightforward introduction to the dedication and purpose of an American heroine.--Cooper, Ilene Copyright 2017 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
In an inspiring testament to the power of activism, Slade shows how Jane Addams's lifelong concern for those in need led her to found Hull House, serve as president of the Women's Peace Party, and embark on other charitable endeavors that eventually resulted in her receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, the first American woman to be honored with it. Ratterree strongly evokes the late-19th- and early-20th-century setting in carefully drafted watercolors dominated by muted taupes and browns; Addams's bright green dress is like a beacon amid scenes of WWI battle and deprivation. An afterword and timeline round out a solid introduction to a woman who "kept doing what she'd always done: helping people. No matter where they were from. No matter what others thought. No matter the cost." Ages 6-10. Author's agent: Karen Grencik, Red Fox Literary. Illustrator's agent: Marietta Zacker, Gallt & Zacker Literary. (Sept.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 3-Slade continues her line of outstanding nonfiction picture books with her latest offering, about Jane Addams. Many young historians know Addams as the creator of Hull House in Chicago, but this title will give them a more well-rounded account of her life. Readers learn of her childhood hardships, including losing her mother as a toddler and being diagnosed with what doctors believed was tuberculosis of the spine. Addams was also a peace activist during World War I and was named the "most dangerous woman in America" by the FBI for her humanitarian work abroad in the years after the war. This short biography emphasizes the value of doing what is right despite criticism. Written in short, lyrical bursts, Addams's story will hold readers' attention. Back matter contains a time line and a more in-depth afterword. Soft pencil and watercolor illustrations recall the turn of the 20th century. In Slade's and Ratterree's hands, Addams's legacy shines brightly for the next generation of advocates. -VERDICT A stirring addition to any school or public library's biography section. Pair with titles such as Tanya Lee Stone's The House That Jane Built: A Story About Jane Addams. Hand to readers looking to make a difference in the world.-B-rittany Drehobl, Eisenhower Public Library District, IL © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Emotional free verse describes Jane Addams's individualism, determination, and compassion. Slade relates Jane's personal sadness and joys, and how an empathetic spirit allowed her to open Hull House for needy immigrants, work tirelessly to end WWI, and win a Nobel Peace Prize, all despite harsh criticism. Ratterree's natural-palette watercolors capture the biography's energy and emotion. "More about Dangerous Jane" is appended. Timeline. Bib. (c) Copyright 2018. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Jane Addams' life was dedicated to helping others. Jane Addams knew how it felt to be sad, lonely, and in pain. Her mother died when Jane was 2, and Jane contracted spinal tuberculosis at age 4, leaving her with a crooked back and toes that pointed in. "She felt like the ugly duckling / in her storybook: / different, / unwanted, / hopeless." So, when she rode into town with her father and saw the poverty other people faced"the rundown shacks, / sad, hungry parents, / cold, barefoot children"the beginnings of her social conscience were stirred. She got a good education, traveled throughout Europe, and committed herself to helping the poor. Toynbee Hall, a settlement house in London, inspired her to establish the now-famous Hull House in Chicago. At first Jane was beloved, the New York Evening Post even suggesting she run for president. But Addams became controversial for her peace efforts during World War I, and the FBI labeled her "the Most Dangerous Woman in America." However, she went on to win the Nobel Peace Prize. Slade tells the purposively inspiring story with a poetic flair, and Ratterree's pale, evocatively washed-out watercolor illustrations are richly detailed (though hands seem to be her nemesis as an artist). They make the most of the book's oversize trim, giving space to the free-verse text. A "More about Dangerous Jane" section mostly retells the story, with a few new details added. An attractive volume introducing an important American to young readers. (Picture book/biography. 7-10) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
