The Compassionate Photographer, celebrating the amazing Dorothea Lange, ships out later this week! As a girl, Dorothea was bullied for the limp that polio left with her. Because of the teasing and hurt she endured, Dorothea had a deep well of compassion for others. And her photos often reflected that compassion. As we celebrate Dorothea’s life, we wanted to share some of our favorite books about other compassionate ladies. Check out our book recommendations below:
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That's Not Fair! / ¡No Es Justo!: Emma Tenayuca's Struggle for Justice/La lucha de Emma Tenayuca por la justicia (Spanish and English Edition) by Carmen Tafolla
A vivid depiction of the early injustices encountered by a young Mexican-American girl in San Antonio in the 1920's, this book tells the true story of Emma Tenayuca. Emma learns to care deeply about poverty and hunger during a time when many Mexican Americans were starving to death and working unreasonably long hours at slave wages in the city's pecan-shelling factories. Through astute perception, caring, and personal action, Emma begins to get involved, and eventually, at the age of 21, leads 12,000 workers in the first significant historical action in the Mexican-American struggle for justice. Emma Tenayuca's story serves as a model for young and old alike about courage, compassion, and the role everyone can play in making the world more fair.
Eleanor Makes Her Mark Hardcover by Barbara Kerley
All her life, Eleanor Roosevelt hoped to "leave some mark upon the world."
She was a shy child who found joy in helping others.
A passionate young adult who longed for adventure.
An independent young woman who formed her own opinions.
A trustworthy partner who worked tirelessly for change.
So when her husband became president and she became first lady, Eleanor was ready to make her mark. With characteristic candor, compassion, and courage, she traversed the country and trotted the globe, championing the value and dignity of every human being and transforming the role of first lady. This graceful portrait of a vivacious American icon radiates the essence of Eleanor, a model for kindness and purpose, in her time and in ours.
Mother Teresa (Little People, BIG DREAMS, 18) by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara
Agnes (later to become Mother Teresa) was born in Skopje, Macedonia. From an early age, she knew she wanted to dedicate herself to religion. She was fascinated by stories of missionaries helping people and wanted to do the same. She spent the rest of her life caring for the sick and poor around the world and is now remembered as Saint Teresa of Calcutta.
Irena's Jars of Secrets by Marcia Vaughan
Irena Sendler, born in 1910 to a Polish Catholic family, was raised to respect all people, regardless of their race or religion. As an adult she became a social worker, and after the Germans occupied Poland during World War II, Irena knew she had to help the Jews who were packed into the Warsaw Ghetto. She began by smuggling food, clothing, and medicine into the ghetto, then turned to smuggling children out of the ghetto. Using false papers and creative means of escape, Irena risked her own life to rescue Jewish children and hide them safely in orphanages, convents, and foster homes. Hoping to reunite the families after the war, Irena kept secret lists of the children s identities, which were buried in jars under an apple tree. Motivated by her humanity and armed with compassion and a belief in human dignity, Irena Sendler proved to the world that an ordinary person can accomplish extraordinary deeds.
What are some of your favorite books about compassionate women for kids? For adults? Sharing is caring and we’re always looking for something to read!