Rosie the Riveter The legacy of an American icon

As men were heading to fight in WWII, "Rosie the Riveter was born all grown up in 1942." Spare text full of symbolism explains how as the world was falling apart, Rosie, with her strong arms, overalls, and red-and-white polka dot bandanna, was keeping everything strong back home, much like riveting keeps pieces of a ship together. Although women couldn't go to war like men, they could do their jobs while they were away, just like the Rosie they saw in posters, magazine covers, and movies. But when men returned and wanted women to step aside again, women pushed back. Rosie had become more than icon; she was a movement that continues today. Detailed illustrations reminiscent of the time period are equally symbolic, with a larger-than-life Rosie opening doors for long lines of diverse women. Readers will have fun trying to identify groundbreaking historical figures and noting touches of Rosie in final images of modern women. Endnotes offer more details on the creation of the Rosie the Riveter campaign. An inspiring story for young feminists.

Gr 2--4--This book traces the origin and lasting impact of the Rosie the Riveter symbol, from factory work during World War II to the contemporary workplace. The text often speaks of Rosie as a real person, mentioning that she was "born" in 1942, which may confuse young readers who don't yet understand that she was an image, not an individual. The symbolism is heavy-handed throughout. In one instance, the text says that during wartime the men were "taking the rivets out of the world" while Rosie was riveting "a ship or a bridge or maybe even a world." This is rather reductive as both the men and the women were working on behalf of the same war effort. Partway through, the narrative changes focus from the singular "Rosie" figure to "Rosies" as representing all women, specifically contemporary women doing jobs that were once restricted to men. Where the book stumbles is in trying to give Rosie partial credit for the achievements of women throughout history. In one spread, a stream of significant female figures, both historic and contemporary, are depicted. While the message is that the spirit of Rosie has always been present in the world's strong and independent women, it doesn't work to imply that a white WWII media image was party to helping women of color, such as Harriet Tubman, break barriers. The occasionally clumsy execution aside, the idea that all women are "Rosies" and have a fighting spirit is an inspiring one for young readers. Back matter includes more detailed informational content regarding gender inequities in the workplace, including today's gender wage gap. It also further investigates the various media portrayals of Rosie during World War II. VERDICT A heavily symbolic ode to an American cultural icon.--Alyssa Annico, Youngstown State Univ., OH

"Rosie the Riveter was born all grown up in 1942." From World War II to the present, the iconic image of Rosie the Riveter has grown into a powerful feminist symbol of resilience and equality. This positive and inclusive selection (trans women activists Sylvia Rivera and Marsha P. Johnson are identifiable in the illustrations, and other women of color and disabled women are present in multiple spreads) traces Rosie's development, explaining how strong women of all races, portrayed in the retro illustrations that reference the original posters, existed before and since her creation and how she came to represent their efforts for equality as well as their strength and power. The connection between Rosie as an image and the women she represents is somewhat subtle; the poetic text stops short of explicitly explaining that the initial Rosie was an image to inspire and foster acceptance of working women, so some children may require more explanation. Fact-filled endnotes include the inspiration for Rosie and detail women's work experiences, past and present, in language that isn't always child friendly but will help adults provide context. Unique in its multifaceted focus on social justice, human rights, art, symbols, and women's history--famous women appear in the endpapers and throughout the illustrations--this informative selection will certainly fuel interest and impart inspiration. (This book was reviewed digitally.) An unusual perspective on women's rights and an engaging tribute to Rosie the Riveter and all she represents. (Informational picture book. 5-10) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.