NELLIE BLY

In the latest installment in the She Persisted chapter-biography series, Knudsen and Flint bring to life a woman with whom many have some familiarity.

However, young readers—as well as not-so-young—will delight in discovering the many tiny details of Nellie Bly’s life. For example, her nickname was Pink because she loved the color so much. But her real name wasn’t Nellie; it was Elizabeth Jane Cochran. When her father died without a will, his estate was divided among Bly’s birth family and her 10 older half siblings, leaving Bly’s mother in straitened circumstances that led to her marriage to a violent second husband. Bly persevered possibly because of the hardships of her young life. Seeing her mother struggle fueled her determination to be self-sufficient. The book shines the most when it outlines how Elizabeth Jane transformed into Nellie Bly—women journalists were not allowed to use their proper names in print—and defied the norms of fashion journalism and society writing usually set aside for women. Bly became an internationally celebrated journalist based on her courageous, daring investigative journalism. This is a fast read, sure to engage transitioning independent readers or older reluctant readers. However, the information included will certainly hold the attention of more sophisticated readers. Flint’s delicate illustrations depict her White protagonist with confident, eager expressions. Per series formula, tips on how readers can persist close the title.

A likable, meaningful addition to the She Persisted collection.