Barton, Jen. Bernice Sandler and the Fight for Title IX Sarah Green, Illus. Magination, 05/2022. 160pp. Biography. GRADES 6 – 10. HIGH ADDITIONAL. Trade $16.99. 978-1-4338-3946-7.
Title IX revolutionized American education and the academic and economic prospects for girls and women. But for an accidental activist named Bunny, with exemplary research skills and the tendency to read every footnote, chances are Title IX would not exist. And that would mean female applicants to academic institutions could legally be put on the bottom of the pile, women’s sports could go unfunded, women’s scholarships denied, you could be expelled or fired for being pregnant, and there would be little legal basis to prevent sexual harassment in the classroom or academic workplace. Not only does this biography trace the landmark fight for educational equality, it explicitly lays out a roadmap on how to become an activist—encouraging students to investigate, interview, write their representatives, conduct an informal experiment and, if they are in public school, find their legally mandated Title IX coordinator. Black and white photographs, advertisements, political ephemera and illustrations provide context and break up the text. Backmatter includes special sections devoted to disability and LGBTQ+ rights under Title IX, photo credits, and a bibliography. An excellent resource for research, class discussion, and an essential display for Women’s History Month.
Melissa McAvoy, Retired
