Rebel in a Dress

February 1, 2012

Gr 4-7- Adventurers provides 6- to 8-page biographical sketches of 12 women who are "the stuff of legends." Each one is identified with a character trait, e.g., balloonist Sophie Blanchard is "Intrepid" and Margaret Bourke-White is "Relentless," although most of the adjectives could apply to every subject, as Branzei makes plain. Some familiar names are here, like Amelia Earhart and Nellie Bly, but the treat is in reading about lesser-known adventurers like Iditarod winner Susan Butcher and Seven Summits skier Kit Deslauriers. Cowgirls profiles 12 sketches of working cowgirls and rodeo riders from the 19th century through the present day. The term "cowgirl" also covers other Western types: stagecoach driver Mary Fields is here, along with outlaw Sally Skull and "Little Sure-Shot" Annie Oakley. "Lady cowboy poet" Georgie Sicking will probably be new to most readers; one of her poems is included. In both books, Sweet's fun and folksy illustrations and the scrapbook-style design add appeal. Point these books out to readers looking for informative, inspirational leisure reads; the ever-standardized biography assignment will probably not be fulfilled by the material presented here.-Rebecca Donnelly, Loma Colorado Public Library, Rio Rancho, NM

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