Horn Book (Thu Oct 03 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

In this accessible and engaging picture-book biography, Bryant (Feed Your Mind, rev. 1/20; Above the Rim, rev. 11/20) focuses on the ways groundbreaking Japanese American legislator from Hawaii Patsy Takemoto Mink (1927-2002) overcame setbacks in her life and career. Early on, Bryant invokes the Japanese saying "Fall down seven times, stand up eight," explaining that it means "never give up!" She repeats this refrain throughout the book, applying it to the many hurdles Mink faced -- as a college student fighting segregation, an aspiring doctor denied entrance to medical schools, the only woman in her law school class, and the first woman of color in the U.S. Congress. The climax of the narrative comes as Mink fights to ensure that her signature legislation, Title IX, will protect the rights of female athletes. Bryant's clear prose draws a distinct line from Mink's childhood precociousness and fortitude to her adult accomplishments. In doing so, she renders a somewhat abstruse concept (education legislation) engaging to her target audience. Nakamura's digital illustrations complement the text, with finely drawn facial expressions underlining the emotional impact of the historical events. The art also expands on the text; one illustration contrasts a boys' well-funded basketball team with a girls' team playing in a makeshift space. Back matter includes a timeline of Mink's life, a selected biography, and sources for direct quotes.

Kirkus Reviews

This introduction to the Title IX civil rights law highlights major events in the life of Patsy Takemoto Mink, the first woman of color elected to the U.S. Congress.Narrated in straightforward-if at times dry-text, the story highlights the role of family obligations and Japanese cultural traditions in Mink's upbringing as well as the many obstacles she overcame. Growing up in Hawaii as the grandchild of Japanese immigrants, young Patsy learned much from observing her father work hard to make a better life for their family. As a teenager, she courageously fought against the internment of Japanese Americans after the Pearl Harbor attacks. Barred from entering medical school and later denied employment as a lawyer due to her gender, Patsy nevertheless fought tirelessly on behalf of her fellow students and citizens and ultimately helped create the Title IX federal law that prohibits gender-based discrimination in educational institutions. The Japanese proverb "fall down seven times, stand up eight" is used as a motif throughout the text to underscore Mink's determination. Nakamura's digital illustrations are bright and colorful with a varied palette of both pastel and bold tones. However, at times, characters are portrayed in a cartoonish manner that detracts from the solemnity and poignancy of Mink's efforts. (This book was reviewed digitally.)An informative profile of a trailblazing legislator that will inspire children to work for justice. (author's note, timeline, bibliography, notes) (Picture book biography. 5-10)

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

This comprehensive picture book biography showcases the trials and tribulations of Patsy Takemoto Mink (1927-2002), the first woman of color in the U.S. Congress. Utilizing the Japanese proverb -Fall down seven times, stand up eight- as a refrain, Bryant showcases Mink-s tenacity in fighting racism and sexism throughout her life, and her commitment to challenging laws and proposing new ones, such as the groundbreaking Title IX. Crisp language expounds the figure-s accomplishments: -Making a law was like drawing a map, Patsy realized. If a map was drawn well, it led you to a new place. If a law was written well, it changed lives.- Hazy, animation-style vignettes by Nakamura showcase a cast of mostly thin characters with varying skin colors in this tale of an indomitable Asian American trailblazer. Back matter features an author-s note and notes on the quotes. Ages 4-8. (Jan.)

School Library Journal (Fri Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2022)

Gr 24 Title IX, the 1972 civil rights legislation, bans financial support to federally funded education programs that commit sex-based discrimination. It has so impacted American society, that it's hard to overstate its importance. Patsy Takemoto Mink was instrumental in getting this law passed. This picture book biography not only tells the story of her life and how she came to believe that such a law was necessary, but also covers her legal work on Title IX. Born in the Hawaiian territory in 1927, Mink followed her older brother to school and was welcomed as a student herself. Mink worked hard in school and became high school class valedictorian. She was later denied admission to medical school because of her gender but was accepted to the University of Chicago Law school as part of the foreign student quota. Eventually, she ran for Congress and won. The choice of cartoonlike illustration adds a zany touch, which diminishes the seriousness of the story but may make the work more appealing to younger students. Back matter includes a time line. VERDICT This is a good book for libraries looking to increase nonfiction books about gender and racial equality. Debbie Tanner