JUST ONE GIRL

A young girl growing up in the 1970s takes a stand against sexism, with support from the women in her life.

Jillian is excited to join math club. But other kids snicker when she signs up: “A girl in our club? Think you’re smart enough?” Discouraged, she flees to the bathroom and cries. On the way home from school, she sees her neighbor Miss Purdy putting up an “ERA Now” sign. She tells Jillian about the proposed Equal Rights Amendment guaranteeing women’s rights and about how she fought for women’s suffrage in the 1920s alongside her cousin Alice Paul. Jillian’s galvanized by Miss Purdy’s activism and by the difficulties her mother has faced as a single woman. But Jillian’s still reluctant to sign up until she speaks to her math teacher, Ms. Henderson, who confides that she, too, was often the only woman in her college math classes. In color, style, and clothing (Jillie’s fringed vest, her friend’s headband), the illustrations evoke the period. While the narrative feels a bit purposeful, with thin characterization, the history it retells is important, and many youngsters will feel heartened by Jillian’s mother’s words: “Maybe all it will take is just one girl to be the first.” Most characters present white, while Ms. Henderson is Black.

Offers a blend of history and earnest, heartfelt encouragement.