A is for Abigail

Written by Lynne Cheney, Illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser

Simon & Schuster, 2003

Yy:

Y is for Rosalyn Yalow and women in science and math

The alphabet theme:  An alphabetical history of the accomplishments of American women throughout history

You go, girls!

This is one of my favorites of all the alphabet books I’ve read for this month.  Author Lynne Cheney (the wife of former Vice President Dick Cheney) does an outstanding job of recognizing and celebrating the tremendous women who have been part of our country’s history and heritage.   And artist Robin Preiss Glasser (illustrator for the Fancy Nancy book series) brings each page to life with wonderful pictures.

Most of the letters highlight one specific woman whose name begins with that letter and also features women who made their mark in the same field.  There are additional facts and stories in the back of the book for those who want to know more.  I spent a LONG time poring over this book and was introduced to so many amazing teachers, writers, inventors, politicians, activists, scientists, athletes and more.  It made me proud to be a woman and grateful to all the women who blazed the trail that our daughters are now walking.  If my own daughters were in this book, they’d show up on the pages for artists and scientists.

The X Factor:  X here represents the ‘mark on the ballot’ and pays respect to the suffragettes who made it possible for women to make their voices heard on Election Day