Dangerous Jane
Written by Suzanne Slade
Illustrated by Alice Ratterree
In this time of great social upheaval, it’s more important than ever to ask “What can I do?” Not everyone can do all the things Jane Addams did, but everyone can take inspiration from her example and do as much as possible.
In this heartfelt and significant biography, Slade shows the life of the social warrior. Jane was born into relative wealth, but that did not mean she had an easy life. Her mother died when Jane was two. Jane suffered from spinal tuberculosis, which left her spine deformed. She felt isolated, which added to her ability to empathize with all the immigrants in Chicago. She traveled the world but never forgot her commitment to the underprivileged. She raised money and bought a building near the immigrant populations of Chicago. She renovated Hull House and welcomed families, taught them English, and provided education. Hull House continued to grow to many buildings. Sad and appalled at the start of World War I, she helped form the Women’s Peach Party from the International Congress of Women. Her peace-driven activities earned her the label “dangerous” from the people who wanted to win the war. But she never stopped. She knew that people with differences needed to learn to listen to each other. In 1931, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, the first female American to receive this honor.
Gorgeous watercolor illustrations give the feel of Jane’s world and her activities over the years.
It’s imperative kids be given the opportunity to follow Jane’s example.
Title: Dangerous Jane- Author: Suzanne Slade
- Illustrator: Alice Ratterree
- Published: Peachtree Publishers, September 1, 2017
- Reviewer: Sue Poduska
- Format: Hardcover, 40 pages
- Grade Level: PreK to 3
- Genre: Nonfiction, History, Social Justice
- ISBN: 978-1-56145-913-1
- Extras: More About Dangerous Jane, Timeline