(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Richard Walz. This lively picture book provides background on America's transportation history. "Things are just fine the way they are," some people claimed, but wagon wheels gave way to train engines, which moved aside for Ford Model Ts, promising personal independence. Each advancement reflects the increasing demand for speed and comfort and--today a priority--energy efficiency. Colorful, relevant illustrations depict the shifting scenes. Timeline, websites. Bib.

Reviewer: Nancy Hull

(3) YA During the 1800s "keeping up with the Joneses" meant matching the social status of Wharton's family. Yet from an early age, this Pulitzer Prize–winning author rebelled, often making progressive personal and professional choices to advance the cause of women. Photographs, anecdotes, and quotations complement a well-researched text that brings to life the people, culture, and history that influenced Wharton's writing. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Jacqueline Rogers. Using informal language and humorous watercolor illustrations, this account of Esther Morris, activist for women's suffrage and first female Justice of the Peace in the Wyoming territory, brings a lively tone to a straightforward historical description. Wooldridge includes many frontier anecdotes related to the 1869 decision to grant women the vote. Bib.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam