About the Author

Chicago children's author Kate Hannigan writes fiction and nonfiction for young readers. A former newspaper journalist, she loves listening to people's stories and digging deep into research. Her newest title is the nonfiction graphic novel THE GREAT CHICAGO FIRE- RISING FROM THE ASHES. Kate's nonfiction picture book biography A LADY HAS THE FLOOR received a Society of Midland Authors honor, was named to the Chicago Public Library's "Best of the Best" list, a Rhode Island Book Award nominee, A Mighty Girl Best of 2018 selection, a Junior Library Guild Selection, and earned four starred reviews.

Alison Jay is a graduate of the London College of Printing and is the acclaimed illustrator of many picture books, including THE CLOUD SPINNER, written by Michael Catchpool, and A GIFT FOR MAMA, by Linda Ravin Lodding. Alison's signature style is created using alkyd paint on thick cartridge paper, with a crackle varnish, giving an aged effect.

Reviews

★“(An) informative and delightful biography… Hannigan’s style is pithy, but packed with facts. Belva comes alive as a feisty activist…Jay’s signature crackled artwork has a historical look, but also a childlike appeal that will bring the audience close. An excellent example of picture-book biography.” — Booklist, starred review

★“This is an engaging introduction to a woman unknown to many, young and old, giving some insight into her adventurous personality. Her quotes are integrated into the illustrations, executed in oils with a crackle varnish, with a look reminiscent of 19th-century folk art. Soft blues and browns predominate in the naïve paintings, lending to their antique appearance. An excellent, well-researched model of its genre, which will inspire children to do whatever they desire in life, no matter what immediate restrictions exist.” — Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★“Hannigan presents an invigorating account of the life of Belva Lockwood…Working in her distinctively crackled folk style, Jay depicts powerful moments of resistance and courage from Lockwood’s life. Endnotes provide a timeline…highlighting significant events in the ongoing fight for women’s rights.” — Publishers Weekly, starred review

★"Young Belva Lockwood was afraid of nothing...and refused to be silenced. Students will...be amazed at the fearlessness of this unsung champion of equal pay, equal opportunities, and equal respect for all. Highly Recommended." — School Library Connection, starred review

“Hannigan thoroughly details Lockwood’s many triumphs, beginning with her childhood and young adult years, and concluding with her unsuccessful, though impressive, run for president. Nearly each page offers a quote from Lockwood’s speeches and writings and most resonate with today’s political climate…A time line provides dates and pertinent facts about the subject and the accomplishments of other women in law and politics. Lockwood’s struggles against great odds in the name of freedom are well outlined in this work. A fine addition to nonfiction collections.” — School Library Journal

“Belva Ann Bennett Lockwood managed to rack up a string of women’s ‘firsts’ by storming the gates during a period in which Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony could seem somewhat passive in comparison. Jay(‘s) folk-art style with elongated figures, (and) muted tones… convey a sense of antiquity.” — The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books