Written By: Suzanne Slade
Illustrated by: Alice Ratterree
For Ages: 6-10 years
Language: English
Topics Covered: Historical Figures, Activism, Pacifism, Social Work, Social Services, Hull House, Feminism, Suffrage Rights.
Summary:
Jane Addams is a world renowned activist, social worker, suffragette, and advocate for world peace. I wanted to highlight this book for #sweetsandsocialjustice because despite the accusations of Jane being the “Most Dangerous Woman in America” she was actually the first woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize because of her efforts. For this week, I made Dories Greenspan’s famous World Peace Cookies! Tongue in cheek recipe pairing aside, I used a chocolate blend of 72% dark and bittersweet with almonds in the cookies, topped them with red wine infused sea salt, and they were absolutely divine.
Jane grew up with significant privilege, and was aghast as a child when she encountered poor and marginalized people in her community, which turned into a determination to help. Instead of getting married, Jane got an extensive education and traveled the world. Upon seeing poverty in Britain, she moved back to Chicago and bought a large house to open an assistance home for the underprivileged. Hull House operated free of charge for the public, offering laundry services, English classes, babysitting, and anything else that Jane could provide.
When WWI began, not only was Jane horrified but that familiar feeling of determination crept back in. Jane travelled internationally as well as wrote letters to governments, officials, and news outlets asking for peaceable conversation between warring nations. When she returned to the States, she was greeted with scorn and accusations of treason! Something I so appreciate about Jane is that she paid them absolutely no mind and continued on with Hull House, nicknamed “Dangerous” because of her crusade for world peace.
This book was kindly sent by Peachtree Publishing, but all opinions are my own. The hardcover version of this book has been out since 2017, but it’s in paperback this fall!
Suzanne Slade is the award-winning author of more than 100 books for children. A Mechanical Engineer by degree, Ms. Slade lives near Chicago with her husband.
Alice’s work has appeared in the children’s book publishing market, magazines, newspapers, numerous , hospitals and schools, and even in the Cannon Tunnel of the United States Capitol. A specialist in graphic illustration, Alice has been a designer for Great Arrow Graphics greeting cards, though which her designs have been both nominated for and received the prestigious Louie Award. Other clients have included Boston University, Clemson University and The South Carolina Children’s Theatre.
Also an accomplished classically trained singer, Alice has appeared as a soloist with the Boston Pops, Emmanuel Music (Boston’s leading presenter of Bach cantatas), Asheville Lyric Opera and Brevard Music Center, and has been awarded several honors in voice competitions including the Metropolitan Opera National Council auditions and the American Traditions Competition with the Savannah Music Festival.