Penny Colman’s Nonfiction Books for All Ages
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Elizabeth Cady Stanton & Susan B. Anthony: A Friendship that Changed the World
Intimate portrait of Elizabeth Cady Stanton, a controversial thinker, and Susan B. Anthony, an indefatigable organizer, whose legendary friendship fueled and sustained the nineteenth-century fight for women's rights. They waged this fight despite entrenched opposition, daunting conditions, scandalous entanglements, and betrayal by their allies. Includes a 16-page photo gallery.
Rosie the Riveter: Women Working on the Home Front in World War II
Fascinating account of over 18 million American women who did essential civilian and often-times dangerous defense jobs during World War II, while men fought on the battlefields. With intimate first-person accounts, Rosie the Riveter vividly portrays this dramatic, important, and inspiring story. Includes more than sixty unforgettable archival photographs.
Adventurous Women: Eight True Stories About Women Who Made a Difference
Exhilarating collection of stories about women who achieved their goals regardless of the obstacles and risks. This book celebrates the intelligence and fortitude and courage of an Arctic explorer; botanist and plant hunter; entrepreneur; scientist; educator; nurse; former slave and landowner; and a war correspondent. Illustrated with black-and-white photographs.
Breaking the Chains: The Crusade of Dorothea Lynde Dix
Inspiring biography of Dorothea Lynde Dix, a relentless reformer who led a crusade for the humane treatment of people with mental illness, still an issue today. This important story, includes her service for the Union army during the Civil War as Superintendent of Female Nurses. Illustrated with black-and-white photographs.
Selected Writings On Writing Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony: A Friendship That Changed the World
Insights into Penny Colman’s process for writing Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony: A Friendship that Changed the World, a historical nonfiction narrative for all ages. Selection includes blog posts written before and after publication, books talks, speeches, a brief timeline, Question & Answers, and a Reading Group Guide.
A Woman Unafraid: The Achievements of Frances Perkins
Need-to-know biography of Frances Perkins, Secretary of Labor, the first woman in the United States cabinet, and the architect of far-reaching reforms and legislation, including the establishment of Social Security. Perkins prodded and persuaded politicians to meet the needs of the American people. Illustrated with black-and-white photographs.
Girls: A History of Growing Up Female in America
Spirited and yet sometimes disheartening history of growing up female in America from colonial to contemporary times. Young girls from all regions of the country, of different races, ethnicities, religions, and classes are given a voice in this story of triumphs and trials. Illustrated with many black-and-white photographs.
Where the Action Was: Women Correspondents in World War II
Dramatic story of the 127 women journalists who obtained official accreditation as war correspondents during World War II. Although forbidden from covering combat, some of the women did just that, providing vivid coverage and dramatic scoops. Their heroic story is vividly portrayed and illustrated with newspaper dispatches and dramatic photographs.
Spies: Women in the Civil War
Thrilling story of women who served as spies for the North and for the South during the Civil War, including Harriet Tubman. They were all heroic women and theirs was an extremely dangerous life. The penalty, if they were caught, could be death by hanging. Illustrated with black-and-white photographs.
Thanksgiving: The True Story
Enlightening history guaranteed to ignite conversations. It uncovers twelve competing claims for the “first” Thanksgiving, explains why Sarah Josepha Hale is the “mother” of Thanksgiving, reveals what people eat on Thanksgiving (not always turkey and the trimmings), and traces the emergence of football and parades. Illustrated with black-and-white photographs.
Corpses, Coffins, and Crypts: A History of Burial
Compassionate and comprehensive exploration of beliefs and burial practices across cultures and societies, drawing on extensive historical and anthropological research, personal accounts, and interviews. The book is enriched with stories both humorous and poignant, selections of epitaphs, chronology, and over 180 black-and-white photographs, many taken by Penny Colman.
Toilets, Bathtubs, Sinks, and Sewers: A History of the Bathroom
Intriguing, lively account of toilets, tubs, and sanitation systems with intriguingly catchy chapter titles from “Splish, Splash, the First Bath,” “The Queen's Toilet,” “Ugh, Gross!” to “Bathrooms Beyond Belief.” This updated eBook edition underscores the crucial need to raise global awareness that 2.6 billion people live without proper and sustainable sanitation.Penny Colman’s Nonfiction Books for ages 9 and up
Fannie Lou Hamer and the Fight for the Vote
Powerful biography for young readers of Fannie Lou Hamer, who devoted her life to helping African Americans register to vote in the United States. Nothing deterred her, including being arrested and beaten, from raising her powerful voice during the modern- day fight for civil rights. Illustrated with black-and-white photographs.
Mother Jones and the March of the Mill Children
Compelling biography of Mary Harris, “Mother” Jones for young readers. This book features the twenty-day protest march against child labor she led, accompanied by young workers, from Philadelphia to New York City to highlight the horrendously dangerous working conditions for children in the mills. Illustrated with black-and-white photographs.
Madam C. J. Walker: Building a Business Empire
Motivating biography of Madam C. J. Walker, a pioneering and charismatic African American businesswoman, who made millions of dollars and used her wealth to do good things. Young readers will discover what it takes to overcome obstacles and persevere through hard times. Illustrated with black-and-white and color photographs.
Strike
Gripping accounts of workers’ struggles to change unbearable conditions. For desperate workers, strikes were their only recourse. Dramatic accounts of key strikes appear throughout the book, including The Great Uprising of 1877 and The Uprising of the 20, 000 in 1910. Illustrated with archival material and images of fiery leaders.
101 Ways
Essential resource guide packed with tips, techniques, and advice from the people who know best: successful students and savvy teachers. Ten chapters, plus resource sheets, reference material, and bibliography. Chapter titles include: “Doing Better in School Pays Off!,” “Knowing What Makes Your Teacher Tick,” and “Writing, Writing, and More Writing.”
Women in Society: United States of America
Broad overview of the history, social attitudes, cultural traditions, and current status of women in the United States of America. The accessible, engaging text includes profiles of historic and contemporary women, milestones, a glossary, and a list of women’s firsts. Over 150 color photographs, some taken by Penny Colman.Penny Colman’s Fiction Books for ages 7 and up
I Never Do Anything Bad
Insightful story about making personal decisions. Narrated by a thoughtful youngster who compares bad and good behavior, the story unfolds with a sense of humor, imagination and a valuable lesson for all of us about how to decide whether or not to do something bad. Illustrated by Pamela T. Keating
Dark Closets and Noises in the Night
Empowering story about facing fears. Susan is so scared of the night noises that she crawls into her parents’ bed. Alex is so scared of the dark closet in his room that he hangs his clothes everywhere except in his closet. Using creative problem solving they finally overcome their fears.