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Mary Wears What She Wants
Inspired by the true story of Mary Edwards Walker, a trailblazing doctor who bucked the gender expectations of her time, this is a fresh, charming picture book about a young girl who decides to wear what she wants: pants!
Once upon a time (but not too long ago), girls only wore dresses.
And only boys wore pants.
Until one day, a young girl named Mary had a bold idea: She would wear whatever she wanted. And she wanted to wear pants!
Inspired by the true story of Mary Edwards Walker, a trailblazing doctor who was arrested many times for wearing pants, this fresh, charming picture book encourages readers to think for themselves while gently challenging gender and societal norms.
Once upon a time (but not too long ago), girls only wore dresses.
And only boys wore pants.
Until one day, a young girl named Mary had a bold idea: She would wear whatever she wanted. And she wanted to wear pants!
Inspired by the true story of Mary Edwards Walker, a trailblazing doctor who was arrested many times for wearing pants, this fresh, charming picture book encourages readers to think for themselves while gently challenging gender and societal norms.
42 pages, Hardcover
First published January 29, 2019
4 people are currently reading
964 people want to read
About the author
Keith Negley
13 books33 followersKeith's work has appeared on book covers, children's books, t-shirts, album covers, posters, skateboard decks, and even a watch. He is a frequent contributor to The New York Times and New Yorker in addition to many other national publications. He received his BFA from the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design in 2000, and his MFA from The School of Visual Arts in New York City in 2013 and doesn’t regret the student debt one bit. He’s won 4 medals from the Society of Illustrators, a medal from the Society of Illustrators West, and 2 medals from the 3x3 International Illustration annual. His book Tough Guys (Have Feelings Too) received a Kate Greenaway Medal nomination in 2016. Keith resides in the mountains of Bellingham Washington with his wife and two boys surrounded by giant spiders and teaches illustration at Western Washington University.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 234 reviews
December 3, 2019
This book cracked me up. We see a picture of all these girls lined up wearing beautiful dresses and they all have frowns on their face looking so unhappy. Poor things. Mary Walker hated dresses and she saw how easy it was for boys to play and she began to wear pants. It made a big stir among her townsfolk and there are funny pictures of the people protesting with signs and such around her. It’s cute.
The most interesting part is the epilogue that is all words about Mary. She is based on a real person born in 1832. She wore pants all her life, making a stir the entire time. She became a doctor and was a surgeon in the Civil War with the Union for which she received the Congressional Medal of Honor in 1865 - the only woman to do so to date. She was also an activist you can imagine. She was an amazing individual.
I love how she decided she would stand up to her town and their ideas. When people arrested her for wearing men’s clothes she always answered - “I’m not wearing men’s clothes, I’m wearing my clothes.” Simple and easy to understand. Simple logic, if I’m wearing them, they aren’t men’s clothes.
The nephew found this slightly interesting. He chuckled with me at the faces of the kids in their outfits. All the boys smiling at their clothes and all the girls sad about dresses. That cracked him up too. The dresses were really big too and he thought when the girl farted, the dresses would blow up like a balloon. He was amused by this and gave it 3 stars.
The most interesting part is the epilogue that is all words about Mary. She is based on a real person born in 1832. She wore pants all her life, making a stir the entire time. She became a doctor and was a surgeon in the Civil War with the Union for which she received the Congressional Medal of Honor in 1865 - the only woman to do so to date. She was also an activist you can imagine. She was an amazing individual.
I love how she decided she would stand up to her town and their ideas. When people arrested her for wearing men’s clothes she always answered - “I’m not wearing men’s clothes, I’m wearing my clothes.” Simple and easy to understand. Simple logic, if I’m wearing them, they aren’t men’s clothes.
The nephew found this slightly interesting. He chuckled with me at the faces of the kids in their outfits. All the boys smiling at their clothes and all the girls sad about dresses. That cracked him up too. The dresses were really big too and he thought when the girl farted, the dresses would blow up like a balloon. He was amused by this and gave it 3 stars.
May 10, 2019
I love that books like this are popping up more and more. My kid is a little too young to totally understand what this is about, but we talk through it on every read and point out how crazy it is that people gave Mary such an awful time for trying to wear pants. Good patient story with a message and nice illustrations that prove the point, are fun to look at, and don't get in the way.
September 12, 2019
Once upon a time (but not too long ago), girls weren't allowed to wear pants.
Can you imagine?
Until Mary Edwards Walker came along and started wearing pants.
"I don't wear men's clothes. I wear my own clothes."
Mary got a lot of pushback for this, IRL she was arrested numerous times for this. She was pretty amazing, was a surgeon in the civil war and etc. etc.
Of course, this children's book only focuses on her objection to wearing dresses.
Even though the townspeople are very angry with Mary and throw stuff at her and say mean things to her, she doesn't give up on wearing pants. And eventually pants-wearing by females is accepted by society.
It's kind of simplistic and I'm not crazy about the illustrations, but I think it's an important book and a great one for children.
Can you imagine?
Until Mary Edwards Walker came along and started wearing pants.
"I don't wear men's clothes. I wear my own clothes."
Mary got a lot of pushback for this, IRL she was arrested numerous times for this. She was pretty amazing, was a surgeon in the civil war and etc. etc.
Of course, this children's book only focuses on her objection to wearing dresses.
Even though the townspeople are very angry with Mary and throw stuff at her and say mean things to her, she doesn't give up on wearing pants. And eventually pants-wearing by females is accepted by society.
It's kind of simplistic and I'm not crazy about the illustrations, but I think it's an important book and a great one for children.
March 19, 2019
"I don't wear men's clothes, I wear my own clothes."
What a fab picture book which introduces us to Mary Edwards Walker who was one of the first known women to wear trousers! Simplistically told with bright stylised illustrations, this story will encourage young readers to challenge gender and societal norms. (I love my jeans! Thanks Mary!)
What a fab picture book which introduces us to Mary Edwards Walker who was one of the first known women to wear trousers! Simplistically told with bright stylised illustrations, this story will encourage young readers to challenge gender and societal norms. (I love my jeans! Thanks Mary!)
March 22, 2019
Inspired by the story of Mary Edwards Walker, an unconventional nineteenth-century American woman who insisted on wearing pants, author/illustrator Keith Negley spins the tale of schoolgirl Mary in this, his third picture-book. Uncomfortable in the hot, stuffy dresses she is forced to wear, Mary rebels and puts on some pants. When this causes outrage in her community, she bravely carries on, insisting that she is not wearing men's clothing, she is wearing her clothing...
I had mixed feelings about Mary Wears What She Wants. On the one hand, I appreciated the message that young girls (and everyone else!) should be free to wear what they wish. The story here is simple and engaging, and the artwork, created using pencils and cut paper, is graphically interesting, if I bit too aggressively pink for my taste. This latter is no doubt intentional, and a visual commentary on the subject matter of gendered dress. It didn't bother me, but I did find that I didn't enjoy the artwork here as much as in Negley's previous picture-books, Tough Guys Have Feelings Too and My Dad Used to Be So Cool . My main criticism however, and this is perhaps a bit unfair, is that once I read Negley's afterword about the real Mary Edwards Walker, who graduated from medical school in 1855, worked as a surgeon in the American Civil War, was captured by the Confederates while behind enemy lines, and was given a Congressional Medal of Honor (the only woman in history to be so honored), this simple schoolyard tale simply didn't impress. I would have infinitely preferred it if Negley had written Walker's actual story, in picture-book form, rather than this imagined tale based on one part of her life. After all, Walker was arrested numerous times, just for wearing pants! I want a book about her... heck, I want a Netflix miniseries! I imagine some might like this one, as an introduction to the subject of gendered dress in history for young children, but for my part, I finished it with the strong wish that it has been something else altogether.
I had mixed feelings about Mary Wears What She Wants. On the one hand, I appreciated the message that young girls (and everyone else!) should be free to wear what they wish. The story here is simple and engaging, and the artwork, created using pencils and cut paper, is graphically interesting, if I bit too aggressively pink for my taste. This latter is no doubt intentional, and a visual commentary on the subject matter of gendered dress. It didn't bother me, but I did find that I didn't enjoy the artwork here as much as in Negley's previous picture-books, Tough Guys Have Feelings Too and My Dad Used to Be So Cool . My main criticism however, and this is perhaps a bit unfair, is that once I read Negley's afterword about the real Mary Edwards Walker, who graduated from medical school in 1855, worked as a surgeon in the American Civil War, was captured by the Confederates while behind enemy lines, and was given a Congressional Medal of Honor (the only woman in history to be so honored), this simple schoolyard tale simply didn't impress. I would have infinitely preferred it if Negley had written Walker's actual story, in picture-book form, rather than this imagined tale based on one part of her life. After all, Walker was arrested numerous times, just for wearing pants! I want a book about her... heck, I want a Netflix miniseries! I imagine some might like this one, as an introduction to the subject of gendered dress in history for young children, but for my part, I finished it with the strong wish that it has been something else altogether.
July 11, 2019
I love it. The general idea of the book can be applied to so many things in life and I think everyone no matter what age needs this as a reminder every so often; to do and go after the things you believe in even the little things like wearing pants, regardless of what people and society thinks.
May 30, 2020
"I don't wear men's clothes. I wear my own clothes." - Mary Edwards Walker
Negley presents a story for the kiddos about a young gal who was smart enough to realize that pants are a whole lot more comfortable and convenient than dresses. Lucky for us, she turned out to be a trendsetter. That's really all there is to this tale. Sadly, I wasn't wild about the author's illustrations, particularly that color scheme.
Yikes!
Negley presents a story for the kiddos about a young gal who was smart enough to realize that pants are a whole lot more comfortable and convenient than dresses. Lucky for us, she turned out to be a trendsetter. That's really all there is to this tale. Sadly, I wasn't wild about the author's illustrations, particularly that color scheme.
Yikes!
September 19, 2019
Mary defies 19th Century gender norms by wearing pants.
Inspired by the story of Mary Edwards Walker, this picture book tells the story of a young girl who decides to try wearing pants and discovers that she likes it. They are much more comfortable than the tightly laced dresses that she is supposed to wear.
The backlash for breaking this social taboo is almost immediate. But luckily, Mary has a very understanding and progressive father with whom she can talk things over. He explains, "Sometimes people get scared of what they don't understand."
Mary decides to continue wearing pants and faces down an angry mob in front of the schoolhouse, blazing the way for other girls to wear pants. In response to the objection that she is wearing boys' clothes, she defiantly answers, "I'm not wearing boys' clothes. I'm wearing my clothes."
The color scheme for the illustrations is primarily shades of blue and pink, blue being a traditionally male color and pink being a traditionally female color. From the very beginning Mary wears an yellow shirt, which is considered a gender neutral color. This makes her stand out as well as clues in the reader that she is going to do things differently.
A short biography of Mary Edwards Walker, featuring a photo of her wearing pants, is included at the back of the book.
I remember reading that Greta Garbo was once arrested for wearing pants and that Joan of Arc's preference for "male" clothing is one of things that got her burned at the stake. But many young readers may be unaware that women were once forbidden to wear pants, so this book teaches an interesting and important historical fact.
This is an excellent book for budding feminists and fans of nevertheless, she persisted stories. As the actual historical person on whom this picture book is based also went to medical school at time when that was taboo, readers who enjoyed this book may want to read Who Says Women Can't Be Doctors?: The Story of Elizabeth Blackwell, which is the story of the first woman in the United States to earn a medical degree.
Inspired by the story of Mary Edwards Walker, this picture book tells the story of a young girl who decides to try wearing pants and discovers that she likes it. They are much more comfortable than the tightly laced dresses that she is supposed to wear.
The backlash for breaking this social taboo is almost immediate. But luckily, Mary has a very understanding and progressive father with whom she can talk things over. He explains, "Sometimes people get scared of what they don't understand."
Mary decides to continue wearing pants and faces down an angry mob in front of the schoolhouse, blazing the way for other girls to wear pants. In response to the objection that she is wearing boys' clothes, she defiantly answers, "I'm not wearing boys' clothes. I'm wearing my clothes."
The color scheme for the illustrations is primarily shades of blue and pink, blue being a traditionally male color and pink being a traditionally female color. From the very beginning Mary wears an yellow shirt, which is considered a gender neutral color. This makes her stand out as well as clues in the reader that she is going to do things differently.
A short biography of Mary Edwards Walker, featuring a photo of her wearing pants, is included at the back of the book.
I remember reading that Greta Garbo was once arrested for wearing pants and that Joan of Arc's preference for "male" clothing is one of things that got her burned at the stake. But many young readers may be unaware that women were once forbidden to wear pants, so this book teaches an interesting and important historical fact.
This is an excellent book for budding feminists and fans of nevertheless, she persisted stories. As the actual historical person on whom this picture book is based also went to medical school at time when that was taboo, readers who enjoyed this book may want to read Who Says Women Can't Be Doctors?: The Story of Elizabeth Blackwell, which is the story of the first woman in the United States to earn a medical degree.
January 30, 2019
2019 is already beginning with some pretty amazing picture book biographies. Mary Wears Want She Wants is one of them. Well written, entertaining and with some eye popping, creative and beautiful illustrations. I love it!
March 28, 2023
Mom and 6 year old boy both loved it! As a parent, I enjoyed using the book to discuss women’s rights with my son. Mary Walker was a true hero! More people should know her name.
April 3, 2019
This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!
Hello, friends! Our book today is Mary Wears What She Wants by Keith Negley, a picture book reimagining of the childhood of trailblazer Mary Edwards Walker.
Long ago, it was illegal for girls to wear pants. Women and girls could only wear dresses, which were cumbersome, uncomfortable, and restrictive. Little Mary thinks this is unfair, so she makes a decision: she will wear pants instead of her bulky dress. At first, her new wardrobe is liberating – she plays and cartwheels with joy. That is until the local townspeople see her… then the ugliness begins. Adults and children alike heckle Mary, pelt her with fruit, and tell her to stop wearing “boys’ clothes”. Hurt, Mary confers with her father, who explains that people are often afraid of change. Mary asks if she should wear a dress again, but her father encourages her to make her own decision. After some thought, Mary opts to continue wearing the clothes that make her happy – not “boys’ clothes”, but HER clothes.
Wonderful. While the story itself is more inspired by Walker than literal account, it simplifies a message that speaks to both the past, present, and future of gendered clothing. Especially nice is the inclusion of Mary’s father as a male advocate, and the show of solidarity by her female classmates at the end. Equally appreciated is the short but extremely informative backmatter biography of Walker, who was one of the first female surgeons in the United States and remains the only woman to have ever won a Congressional Medal of Honor. The cartoonish drawings and simple color palette are nicely balanced, creating a lot of emotion while keeping the heavier aspects light. The length is fine, JJ liked it, and it was a delight start to finish – Baby Bookworm approved.
Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!
January 25, 2019
I love the woman this book is about. She is the definition of a feminist, and the fact that she stood her ground is amazing. Even more impressive, she graduated from medical school and became a surgeon, then still fought for women's rights to vote! She just may be my new idol.
June 18, 2019
About one of the first women who challenged the expectation of wearing a dress. Loved it. Opened up a great dialogue w my 3 yo about the historical and contemporary oppression of women through societal clothing norms.
March 4, 2019
"I don't wear men's clothes. I wear my own clothes."
November 6, 2019
My favorite line: I'm not wearing boys' clothes, I'm wearing my clothes!
October 15, 2019
I love this book. Full of courage, zeal and wit. Negley tells the story of Mary Walker, a quietly fierce woman, who, amongst many achievements, was a champion for womens rights by standing against gendered norms. Most specifically in this story, Mary defied the uncomfortable impractical dresses that women were expected to wear in the 1800s. Perhaps portrayed a little earlier in Negley's text than in her real life- this young Mary really was ahead of her times.
When Walker decides to go to school wearing trousers, her newly acquired freedom is met with horror and outrage. Publically ridiculed and left feeling a twinge of regret, Negley leaves us wondering just how Mary might make a way back from this, and how the world might begin to change.
This is a wonderful story which has a very clever play with 'gendered' colour in representing masculinity and feminity. I really enjoyed the comical aspect of Negley's illustrations and how he added humour from this century into a historical setting - particularly the 'Not Cool' banner raised against Mary. Hillarious. Above all, this is a fantastic text for challeging assumptions as to what people 'should' or 'should not' do, for unpicking the root of social norms and what makes something suddenly unacceptable. A lovely model of a supportive father too, one who also matched Mary's feminist thinking.
When Walker decides to go to school wearing trousers, her newly acquired freedom is met with horror and outrage. Publically ridiculed and left feeling a twinge of regret, Negley leaves us wondering just how Mary might make a way back from this, and how the world might begin to change.
This is a wonderful story which has a very clever play with 'gendered' colour in representing masculinity and feminity. I really enjoyed the comical aspect of Negley's illustrations and how he added humour from this century into a historical setting - particularly the 'Not Cool' banner raised against Mary. Hillarious. Above all, this is a fantastic text for challeging assumptions as to what people 'should' or 'should not' do, for unpicking the root of social norms and what makes something suddenly unacceptable. A lovely model of a supportive father too, one who also matched Mary's feminist thinking.
May 10, 2021
During quarantine, I shared a read aloud called Mary Wears What She Wants. This book is inspired by the true story of Mary Edwards Walker, a trailblazing doctor who was arrested many times for...wearing pants. This story inspired me so much--and I thought it would be especially fun to have our class share what kinds of wild and crazy pants, jeans, pajamas they had been wearing during our e-learning from home! I encouraged them to watch the read aloud, and choose one or all five of the discussion questions below to answer:
Why was Mary unhappy with wearing dresses? What did she want to wear instead?
How was she treated when she wore pants instead of a dress? Why do you think people treated her that way?
Do you notice girls and boys wearing the same kinds of clothes or different clothes today? Are there any clothes that are just for boys? Are there clothes that are just for girls?
What if this story was about a boy who wanted to wear dresses instead of pants? How do you think he would be treated? How might he feel?
In the story Mary's teacher and classmates accept Mary for sporting her style! I challenged each of the students in our class to send me a picture of them wearing their favorite pants and write about it! A parent responded with the following email:
"I identified with the read aloud today and told [my child] a story from my childhood. I was raised in a cult that had some really strict rules and my kids know little parts of that story and how I got out. So [my child] wanted to write my pants story."
This is why I teach.
Why was Mary unhappy with wearing dresses? What did she want to wear instead?
How was she treated when she wore pants instead of a dress? Why do you think people treated her that way?
Do you notice girls and boys wearing the same kinds of clothes or different clothes today? Are there any clothes that are just for boys? Are there clothes that are just for girls?
What if this story was about a boy who wanted to wear dresses instead of pants? How do you think he would be treated? How might he feel?
In the story Mary's teacher and classmates accept Mary for sporting her style! I challenged each of the students in our class to send me a picture of them wearing their favorite pants and write about it! A parent responded with the following email:
"I identified with the read aloud today and told [my child] a story from my childhood. I was raised in a cult that had some really strict rules and my kids know little parts of that story and how I got out. So [my child] wanted to write my pants story."
This is why I teach.
May 17, 2019
I found this book too late for my National Board lesson...but this is a PERFECT picture book biography of a Mighty Girl...and interestingly enough, in our library it's not cataloged as a biography...
The story of little Mary Walker, a girl with a mind of her own...who likes the freedom of pants...in the early 1800's, when that JUST DID NOT HAPPEN. She was ostracized...criticized. She was gossiped about. But she liked wearing pants. She could run and jump and play. Her classmates joined the adults in their criticism, but Mary didn't back down. With the help of a wise dad (here is where the book might drift into fiction), Mary decides to stick to her guns...and the kids come around.
This is a great example of a book that just takes a tiny hunk of a person's life and tells that. What the author includes in his note...and a photo...and sweet illustrations at the very back...is the rest of Mary's remarkable tale. The pants were JUST the beginning of her trail-blazing. Look her up!! She WAS a Mighty Girl.
The story of little Mary Walker, a girl with a mind of her own...who likes the freedom of pants...in the early 1800's, when that JUST DID NOT HAPPEN. She was ostracized...criticized. She was gossiped about. But she liked wearing pants. She could run and jump and play. Her classmates joined the adults in their criticism, but Mary didn't back down. With the help of a wise dad (here is where the book might drift into fiction), Mary decides to stick to her guns...and the kids come around.
This is a great example of a book that just takes a tiny hunk of a person's life and tells that. What the author includes in his note...and a photo...and sweet illustrations at the very back...is the rest of Mary's remarkable tale. The pants were JUST the beginning of her trail-blazing. Look her up!! She WAS a Mighty Girl.
February 16, 2019
"Mary didn't understand why everyone cared so much about what she wore.
They've never seen a girl wearing pants before, said her father. Sometimes people get scared of what they don't understand."
"I'm not wearing boys' clothes. I'm wearing MY clothes!"
A fantastic story based on Mary Edwards Walker. Mary Walker lived in the 19th century. She wore pants, arrested for doing so, became a doctor, and a surgeon in the Civil War. She was most definitely an activist for women and fighting "social norms."
This is the right length, with gorgeous pictures, and an uplifting message for a storytime read. I think you could focus on Problem Solving, and what she did to solve problems. Maybe a fun read along with Rosie Revere the Engineer by Beaty or Ashley Spires "The Most Magnificent Thing." Probably best for a family storytime.
They've never seen a girl wearing pants before, said her father. Sometimes people get scared of what they don't understand."
"I'm not wearing boys' clothes. I'm wearing MY clothes!"
A fantastic story based on Mary Edwards Walker. Mary Walker lived in the 19th century. She wore pants, arrested for doing so, became a doctor, and a surgeon in the Civil War. She was most definitely an activist for women and fighting "social norms."
This is the right length, with gorgeous pictures, and an uplifting message for a storytime read. I think you could focus on Problem Solving, and what she did to solve problems. Maybe a fun read along with Rosie Revere the Engineer by Beaty or Ashley Spires "The Most Magnificent Thing." Probably best for a family storytime.
January 23, 2019
This is loosely based on Mary Edwards Walker. Walker was a trailblazer by wearing pants instead of dresses, attending medical school, volunteering as an army surgeon during the Civil War, and so much more.
Mary Wears What She Wants is a standout in the field of picture books breaking gender stereotypes. While Mary breaks social protocol by wearing pants, she also experiences social backlash and doubts her decision. However, her decision ultimately paves the way for other girls in her class to wear pants (tiny bit of a stretch for the time period, but gives reader the idea of what eventually happens when people fight against social norms). Great book for standing true and proud for your beliefs.
Mary Wears What She Wants is a standout in the field of picture books breaking gender stereotypes. While Mary breaks social protocol by wearing pants, she also experiences social backlash and doubts her decision. However, her decision ultimately paves the way for other girls in her class to wear pants (tiny bit of a stretch for the time period, but gives reader the idea of what eventually happens when people fight against social norms). Great book for standing true and proud for your beliefs.
October 3, 2024
LOVED IT. Sometimes all you need is a little historical perspective.
"Once upon a time (but not too long ago) girls weren't allowed to wear pants. Can you imagine?"
Tells the story of Mary Edwards Walker who daringly decided she didn't want to wear tight, uncomfortable dresses, even though everyone said "Real girls wear dresses!!" What an absurd idea that seems to be now. But what do "real boys" wear...?
Would be great in a story time paired with a book about a boy wearing a dress, like Jacob's New Dress, or My Shadow is Pink.
"Once upon a time (but not too long ago) girls weren't allowed to wear pants. Can you imagine?"
Tells the story of Mary Edwards Walker who daringly decided she didn't want to wear tight, uncomfortable dresses, even though everyone said "Real girls wear dresses!!" What an absurd idea that seems to be now. But what do "real boys" wear...?
Would be great in a story time paired with a book about a boy wearing a dress, like Jacob's New Dress, or My Shadow is Pink.
January 30, 2019
Young Mary hates wearing dresses all of the time. It's so restricting! She can't bend over to pet her cat or play on the playground with the boys. One day she decides to wear pants to school. This causes such an uproar that Mary isn't sure she made the right choice. Her father helps her understand that she must do what's right for her. Thus, the pants-wearing continues!
Fantastic picture book bio of Mary Edwards Walker!
Fantastic picture book bio of Mary Edwards Walker!
May 2, 2019
Well-told story of Mary Edwards Walker, who ditched dresses for pants in the 1800s (and went on to do many other things “not allowed” for women. A great reminder of past social norms and ridiculous expectations for women, and how individuals can lead to broader cultural change. Format is somewhat of a picture book biography, though classified as fiction at my library. It’s short enough that it may do well in a storytime for older kids
April 4, 2019
I love this book for so many reasons. First, the illustrations (with their unique color scheme and great use of pattern) are wonderful. Second, Negley has found an interesting way to present a history long forgotten by many. And finally, this is a great compliment to books I teach about gender nonconformity (like Sparkle Boy, Julian is a Mermain, and Morris Micklewhite).
July 24, 2019
3.5 stars.
I'm a big fan of Dr. Mary Edwards Walker so this was a natural choice for me to pick up. It is a cute introduction to a brilliant woman and to an important subject. I do wish it had given more info about Walker as part of the story, and I felt like the story was perhaps a bit too optimistic, even for a children's book, but overall I really liked it.
I'm a big fan of Dr. Mary Edwards Walker so this was a natural choice for me to pick up. It is a cute introduction to a brilliant woman and to an important subject. I do wish it had given more info about Walker as part of the story, and I felt like the story was perhaps a bit too optimistic, even for a children's book, but overall I really liked it.
March 8, 2019
This book is beautifully illustrated and wonderful. I love that there are more children's books coming out giving a re-telling of someone who did something bold in history. This one about Mary Walker didn't disappoint and you KNOW I had to wear pants today.
March 8, 2019
I love this! Its a great way for children to learn about Mary Walker and all that she accomplished for women. The artwork is gorgeous and is perfect for the story. I am very thankful she was such a pioneer for women's rights.
September 20, 2019
What!? I couldn't believe that girls couldn't wear pants back then since my sister and everyone wears them all the time now. "I think everyone should just worry about themselves." My mom and I thought it was neat that the book was based on a true story.
April 1, 2024
“I don’t wear men’s clothes, I wear my own clothes.”
Inspiring stories like Mary Walker’s must be shared with everybody regardless of their age.
Inspiring stories like Mary Walker’s must be shared with everybody regardless of their age.
February 21, 2020
The illustrations are gorgeous, and I appreciate the ways that this has been both adapted for children and retained some historical accuracy (e.g. Mary Edwards Walker was chased by schoolboys and pelted with eggs, though when she was an adult, not a child), but the ending is a little pat. This is the third time I've seen this ending in a picture book about gender non-conformity this week, and you know, things are still worth doing even if your classmates don't all band together to support you!
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