For children interested in the history of social change and inspiring figures, this biography explores Gloria Steinem's pivotal role in the women's movement and her fight for equality.
A parent might reach for this book when their child starts asking questions about fairness between genders or shows an interest in people who have changed the world. This biography offers a clear, accessible introduction to the life of Gloria Steinem, a key figure in the American women's rights movement. It chronicles her unconventional childhood, her groundbreaking work as a journalist, and her role in major events like the founding of Ms. magazine and the fight for the Equal Rights Amendment. The book highlights themes of justice, perseverance, and finding your own voice. For children ages 9 to 12, it’s a wonderful way to introduce concepts of social justice and activism through the inspiring story of one determined individual.
Published in 1992, some historical and social context may be helpful for a modern young reader.
Sensitive Topics
The book directly addresses themes of sexism and systemic discrimination. Topics like reproductive rights are mentioned in the context of the movement's goals. The approach is historical and secular, presenting these as political and social issues. The resolution is hopeful, chronicling significant progress, but also realistic in acknowledging that the fight for full equality is ongoing.
Ideal Reader
This book is perfect for a 9 to 12 year old who is beginning to notice and question gender stereotypes. It's also for the young reader who loves biographies of strong figures who broke the mold, or for a child assigned a school project on a social justice leader or 20th century American history.
Parent Prep
Parents should be ready to discuss sexism, the meaning of feminism, and the political goals of the women's movement, like the ERA and reproductive rights. Since the book was published in 1992, a brief conversation about the progress made since (and the work still to be done) could provide valuable modern context for the reader. A parent might seek this out after their child asks, "Why are there no girls on that team?" or says, "That's a boy's job." It's a response to a child's budding awareness of social injustice and a desire to understand the history behind the fight for fairness.
Age Experience
A younger reader, around 9 or 10, will likely connect most with Steinem's personal story of overcoming obstacles and becoming a leader. An older reader, 11 or 12, will be better equipped to understand the political complexities, the specifics of legislative battles like the ERA, and the broader social impact of Ms. magazine.
What Makes It Special
Compared to more recent biographies for this age range, this book provides a very direct, foundational account of second-wave feminism. Its 1992 perspective makes it a straightforward historical primer, less focused on the more nuanced intersectional frameworks that characterize many contemporary texts on the subject. This makes it an excellent and uncomplicated starting point.
Read plot summary
This biography traces the life of Gloria Steinem, a pivotal leader in second-wave feminism. The book covers her nomadic childhood, her education, her early career as a journalist (including her famous undercover exposé of the Playboy Club), and her evolution into a prominent activist. Key events highlighted include the founding of Ms. magazine, her advocacy for the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), and her role in organizing and speaking for the women's movement across the United States.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Gloria Steinem's family traveled in a trailer for much of her childhood. How do you think this unusual upbringing might have prepared her to challenge traditional rules later in life?
2
The book describes how Steinem went undercover as a 'Bunny' to write about the Playboy Club. Why was this a brave and important piece of journalism at the time?
3
Ms. magazine was created to be a different kind of publication for women. What was unique about it, and why did it have such a big impact?
4
Gloria Steinem and other activists fought for the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). What was the goal of the ERA, and why do you think it faced so much opposition?
