Women Chosen for Public Office

Gr 7 Up-Morin describes the careers and achievements of nine women from various fields whose work won them appointments to public office. Besides introducing these individuals, the book provides interesting details of roughly 130 years of American history, from Dorthea Dix's institutional reform in the mid-19th century to Ruth Bader Ginsberg's Supreme Court decisions. Along the way, readers become acquainted with the scandal that threatened to drive Frances Perkins out of Washington, and learn how Constance Baker Motley's early experiences shaped her commitment to civil rights and why Julia Lathrop worked to regulate child labor. Black-and-white photos of the featured women and of other historical figures and scenes complement the text. A detailed index and an appendix listing other women appointed to federal office are included. A useful book for reports and class discussion.-Rebecca O'Connell, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh