So begins Equal Shot, a new nonfiction book that tells the story of why and how Title IX was passed. It also introduces readers to the four amazing women who fought for a law that would mandate equal opportunities for boys and girls in school and end workplace discrimination against women: Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to Congress; Edith Green, a ten-term member of the House of Representatives; Patsy Mink, the first woman of color and first Asian American woman to be elected to Congress; and Bernice Sandler, a part-time professor who was repeatedly denied full-time employment due to gender discrimination.
Illustrations by Dow Phumiruk
One of the best things about this book is its beautiful simplicity. Just a few words appear on each page, and the illustrations perfectly support the text. This clear language makes this book accessible to our youngest students as a read-aloud as well as to our upper elementary students exploring issues of justice and equality.
I also love that this book highlights how Title IX improved opportunities for women and girls while also paving the way for all Americans to pursue their dreams, regardless of gender.
More detailed pages at the end of the book referred to as, “Title IX and You,” share autobiographical information about the four women who fought for Title IX, how the law was passed, what the law did, the progress we’ve made and the work still to be done.
This is a book that belongs in every K-5 library and classroom.
“No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” -Title IX
Thank you so much for sharing this, I just added it to my wishlist! I have a hard time finding good nonfiction with short enough text to keep my little bitties engaged without chunking or abridging. I want to introduce them to more big ideas like this in the future!