Why are diverse books so important? Why is it important for everyone to be exposed to diverse books? There is a lot out there about diverse books. However, I think the author's introduction to this book says a lot about how I feel. In her own childhood and adulthood, she wanted to know where were the stories about people who look like her and in particular women. Even when she was working for a newspaper she felt like they were writing obituaries for famous white men and not really anyone else. Today we are sharing a book that comes from the New York Times Overlooked project. The book is Hidden Heroes: Ten Overlooked Trailblazers by Amisha Padnani and illustrated by Dominique Ramsey. It is recommended for ages 6 to 9.
Before going any further, look at the cover and see if you can identify any of the ten from their illustrated portraits. Personally, I had only heard of one of them before.
Publisher's Summary:
Adapted from the New York Times’ acclaimed "Overlooked" column, this collection of ten true stories about dreamers and doers, from scientists to stuntwomen, celebrates larger-than-life heroes who have gone unappreciated—until now!What do a high-flying stuntwoman, a radio astronomer, a music producer, and a woman who went over Niagara Falls in a barrel have in common? They all wowed the people in their lives with their accomplishments—but none were commemorated with obituaries in the paper of record.
The New York Times "Overlooked" column memorializes people whose contributions were not deemed notable at the time due to their identity. This gorgeous picture book features ten profiles of people who were larger than life, and whose awe-inspiring achievements are finally being celebrated.
From Me:
This book comes from the "Overlooked" project which wrote obituaries for famous people that often were overlooked--mainly women and people of color. For this book there are ten people with different backgrounds, races, abilities and so much more whose stories are introduced to a new generation. As I mentioned above there is only one who I knew previously, Bessie Coleman. Of the ten people there are only two males. Some of the people are American, but some are not. Each page shares a bit about the person and their life as well as a photograph and illustration but then there is more information about the person or a place or what they did and sometimes even more about another person who did the same or similar thing. These stories are about athletes, leaders, scientists, stuntwomen, disabled people and so much more!
This book is perfect for introducing biographies and research projects on famous people. It shares ten people that many have not heard of, but who have made a difference in the world. At the end of the book is an explanation of what an obituary is and also the idea of writing one for someone the reader knows well who has died. The obvious extension of this book is to find another trailblazer and write an obituary for that person. Imagine the classroom full of photos and these obituaries of famous diverse people. It truly would make everyone feel welcome! Now since it is November I will point out there is a Native American featured in the book. She is Molly Nelson. She danced and shared her Penobscot culture with the world. You will have to read the book to learn more!
