For the young person curious about how women fought for bodily autonomy, this book details Margaret Sanger's groundbreaking journey as a reproductive rights activist.
A parent might reach for this book when their teen starts asking about feminism, reproductive rights, or the history of women's health. This biography chronicles the life of Margaret Sanger, the determined and controversial nurse who championed birth control in the early 20th century. It explores themes of resilience, justice, and the fight for bodily autonomy. Best suited for older teens (14 and up), the book does not shy away from complex topics, including Sanger's problematic ties to the eugenics movement. It is an excellent choice for a young reader ready to understand the deep, complicated roots of today's social issues.
Presents a historical figure who was a hero for women's rights and held reprehensible views.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly with birth control, abortion, maternal death, sexism, and poverty. The descriptions of women's suffering are candid and emotionally impactful. Crucially, the book directly addresses Sanger's involvement with the eugenics movement, presenting it in a secular, historical context as a complex and deeply problematic part of her legacy. The resolution is realistic, showing her victories while acknowledging that the fight for reproductive justice continues.
Ideal Reader
A socially conscious teen, ages 14 and up, interested in history, social justice, and women's rights. This reader is ready to grapple with a morally complex historical figure and is not looking for a simple hero narrative. They are curious about the origins of current social and political debates.
Parent Prep
Parents should preview this book, especially the chapter(s) discussing eugenics. It is vital to provide context and be ready to discuss how a person can be both a pioneer for social good and also hold and promote abhorrent views. The descriptions of medical emergencies and death are also vivid and may be upsetting for some readers. A teen hears a news story about reproductive rights or Planned Parenthood and asks, "Why is this still an issue?" or "Who started all of this?" The parent wants to provide deep, nuanced historical context for a passionate young person.
Age Experience
A younger teen (12-14) will likely focus on Sanger as a rebellious figure fighting an unjust system, a story of perseverance. An older teen (15-18) will be better equipped to grasp the historical nuance, the legal complexities of the Comstock Act, and the profound moral ambiguity of Sanger's legacy concerning eugenics. They will take away a more sophisticated understanding of how history is made by flawed people.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many young adult biographies that might simplify their subjects, this book's defining feature is its unflinching examination of Margaret Sanger's entire legacy, warts and all. It intentionally complicates the narrative by placing her vital work for women's health alongside her disturbing connection to eugenics, challenging the reader to hold two contradictory ideas at once.
Read plot summary
A narrative biography of Margaret Sanger, a nurse who became a leading activist for birth control and reproductive rights in the early 20th century. The book covers her childhood, her work as a nurse in the tenements of New York, her founding of what would become Planned Parenthood, and the legal and social battles she faced, including arrests and public condemnation.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
The book details Margaret Sanger's involvement with the eugenics movement. How does learning about this part of her life complicate your view of her work for birth control?
2
Margaret repeatedly broke the Comstock Laws, believing they were unjust. When, if ever, is it right to break a law to fight for what you believe in?
3
The title is 'What Every Girl Should Know'. After reading the book, what do you think is the most important lesson from Sanger's journey that the author wants to share?
4
Sanger's mission was deeply influenced by her work as a nurse and seeing the suffering of women like Sadie Sachs. How did her personal experiences shape her public activism?
