Women who speak their minds in a straightforward way often get pigeon-holed as being too strident, too pushy, too too toooooo, just because they’re women. If men act in a similar fashion, they’re seen as leaders or said to have a “commanding presence.”
*
Enter Bella Abzug, a girl with a strong sense of fairness and justice. A girl whose parents broadcast their belief in peace by naming their butcher shop in the Bronx the “Live and Let Live Meat Market.” (I confess, a bit of coffee may have found it’s way up my nose when I read that line.) Bella is a girl who wants to become a lawyer so she can “set things straight.” And yes, she’s a girl with a big voice, one that she will use to defend others throughout her lifetime.
Now, imagine it’s the 1950s, and Senator McCarthy is running roughshod over anyone he deems a communist. One of the few lawyers who defend those who’ve been maligned is Bella Abzug, a woman with a voice. A BIG voice. A voice perfectly pitched for demanding justice. The art in this spread astounds. Abzug wears red, the “scary” color of that time. And though she’s small standing in front of this house subcommittee, she stands boldly in a defiant posture, making her point, casting a long shadow. A brilliant depiction of the guts it often takes to speak truth to power.
Fast forward to the early 70s, and Abzug earns a seat in the House of Representatives. Just imagine being in the same room with Bella and Shirley Chisholm! What a pair of leaders!
For six years, Abzug makes her voice heard.
But she is seen as “polarizing” and “shrill.” Abzug wants to set things straight, right now. And many in power aren’t ready for that. Will they ever be? Probably not, but we need to keep pushing. Keep our eyes on the goal of progress. Because if we don’t, many in power will fight to return to the old, repressive and unfair status quo.
Although you could say Bella Abzug was ahead of her time, she and Shirley Chisholm were a product of their time, and key to laying the foundation for justice for all. They were the women on whose shoulders future women leaders will stand and use their voices, demanding equal rights, fairness, and justice for all.
And, oh the art!!! The illustrations in ink, pencil, and wax crayon, are energetic, vibrant swathes of color. It’s like D’Aquino captured Abzug’s spirit and released it all on paper. Appropriately bold and brash, just like Bella.
Activities:
Check out the Toolkit for Young Activists on Aronson’s website.
If you or your class are independent readers, pair this book with Leila Sales’ middle grade book, THE CAMPAIGN. It, too, has a teacher’s guide.
Pair this book with SHIRLEY CHISHOLM IS A VERB by Veronica Chambers, illustrated by Rachelle Baker. Write down all the verbs in each book. How are those verbs used to make each story feel energetic?
Title: Abzuglutely! Battling, Bellowing Bella Abzug
Author: Sarah Aronson
Illustrator: Andrea D’Aquino
Publisher: Calkins Creek, Astra Books for Young Readers, 2024
Themes: Bella Abzug, justice, using your voice
Ages: Elementary School
For more perfect picture book recommendations, please visit Susanna Hill’s website.