Troublemakers in Trousers

Troublemakers in Trousers: Women and What They Wore to Get Things Done

Bibliography

Albee, Sarah. 2023. TROUBLEMAKERS IN TROUSERS: WOMEN AND WHAT THEY WORE TO GET THINGS DONE. Ill. by Kaja Kajfez. New York: Charlesbridge. ISBN 9781623541656

Plot Summary

In Troublemakers in Trousers, Sarah Albee highlights remarkable women throughout history who challenged gender norms. From soldiers and scientists to athletes and activists, these women highlighted defied social norms by choosing pants, uniforms, or practical clothing that allowed them to pursue their passions and professions. Through short, engaging biographies and Kajfez’s colorful illustrations, Albee shows how something as ordinary as clothing could become an act of rebellion yet empowerment.

Critical Analysis

Albee’s concept is both creative and intriguing. By framing history through the lens of fashion, she makes discussions of gender equality accessible to young readers while still offering meaningful depth. It is lively and conversational which makes these women feel relatable and not just a figure. 

Kaja Kajfez illustrations play a vital role, complementing the text with expressive art that captures both the time period and the attitude of each woman. Together, they have created an empowering collection that pushes for individuality and courage.

Review Excerpts

Starred Review from Kirkus: “Twenty capsule biographies of historical women who wore trousers or men’s clothing. The women portrayed in these short, illustrated narratives whore traditionally male clothing for different reasons.”

Connections

This book would be an excellent conversation starter during Women’s History Month or just any unit about social change. I would personally use it to spark discussions about clothing, appearance, and identity and how they can be used as tools for self-expression. Students could research/find a modern-day “troublemaker in trouser” and present their story through writing, slideshow, or artwork similar to Kaja’s. 

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Kareem Between

Image
  Bibliography Safadi, Shifa Saltagi. 2024. KAREEM BETWEEN. Minneapolis, MN: Salaam Reads/Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers: ISBN 9781665905158 Plot Summary Kareem Between follows twelve-year-old Kareem Haddad, a Syrian American boy who often feels stuck between two parts of himself, his Muslim family’s traditions and the American culture he’s surrounded by. Written in free verse, the story shares his experiences with friendship, faith, and identity as he learns to navigate school, family, and stereotypes. Throughout the book, he begins to find peace and confidence in being Syrian-American. Critical Analysis Shifa Saltagi Safadi’s writing feels heartfelt and genuine. Through short, powerful poems, she lets her readers see into Kareem’s thoughts. All of his doubts, humor, and moments of courage. The free verse style fits perfectly, like reading pages from his journal. It allows the readers time to reflect on the emotions as they are happening without feeling heavy. What...
Read more

GOODNIGHT MOON

Image
  1.       Bibliography Brown, Margaret Wise. 1947. GOODNIGHT MOON. Ill. By Clement Hurd. New York: Harper & Brothers. ISBN: 9780064430173 2.       Plot Summary A bedtime story of a young bunny who says goodnight to everything around him. From familiar objects in his rooms to the stars outside. This story is simple, rhythmic with gentle repetition to create a comforting pattern to help ease children to sleep. 3.       Critical Analysis Margaret Wise Brown story is lyrical as it is built on repetition and rhythm which allows it to be soothing, mimicking a lullaby. It’s simple as it is just a child saying goodnight to objects, but it allows emerging readers to connect reading to their life.   Clement Hurd’s illustrations go back-and-forth from colorful scenes of the room to zoomed in, black-and-white sketches. This allows for a pause between the pages that reinforces that rhythm created...
Read more

This is Not My Hat

Image
1.       Bibliography Klasen, Jon. 2012. This is Not My Hat. Ill. by Jon Klassen. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press. ISBN 9780763655990 2.       Plot Outline A small fish bravely steals a hat from a bigger fish thinking he can get away with it. The little fish brags about his hiding spot and how clever he is to the readers, but the illustrations say otherwise. Through the little amount of text and visual clues, a story is told about consequences and how a big fish gets his hat back. 3.       Critical Analysis Jon Klassen story is short of words but deceptive in that there is still a lot of storytelling to follow. The little fish is telling the readers about how great he was in stealing, but the visuals comically show the reader how unreliable the little fish is as a narrator. It allows the readers to understand how words don’t match reality as they unfold, creating both humor and suspense.   The...
Read more