The Right to Play: How Jane Addams Fought for America's Playgrounds

by Elizabeth Brown, Olga Lee (illustrator)

Jane Addams ensured that all children in the United States had the right to play.

When Jane Addams was a little girl, she had a limp that prevented her from running and playing with the other children in her neighborhood. Eventually her condition improved, and she was able to join in the fun and make new friends. But she never forgot what it felt like to be left out. Jane grew up and moved to Chicago to cofound Hull House, a settlement home for immigrant families. There, kids from different countries spent time together while their parents worked. Jane wanted to give the boys and girls in her care a place outside where they could run and play, just as she used to. So she commissioned the first model playground in the US, sparking a nationwide movement to build safe, dedicated spaces for children of all abilities to play.

Genres: Biography, Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

Published August 7, 2025

Reviews

[Kimberly Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

As parents, we can often get so caught up in making sure our kids get the best (with the view that they'll BE the best) - while sometimes forgetting this simple, beautiful truth: kids need to be young and importantly, they need time to play.

Author Elizabeth Brown’s new book is a timely reminder of this, charting the life of Jane Addams and her tireless fight to champion the rights of children from all walks of life by bringing public playgrounds to cities. From the experiences of her own childhood (Jane had a limp that prevented her from playing and she never forgot the feeling of being left out), to her heart from immigrant communities, this was a heartfelt and inspiring read. Paired with bright and bold illustrations by Olga Lee, readers will get a peek into a significant point in history, and the care Jane Addams took to change the world around her.

[Nathan Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

My kids faces lit up reading this book. Warm, inspiring, and a reminder that play is something every child needs to grow, learn, and belong. (And a reminder that people haven't always made play a priority for kids!). The illustrations are colorful and fun, pulling kids into the story while still showing a real part of history. I love how this connects the idea of play to Jane Addam's own experience of feeling left out, and how that grew into making such a big difference for all kids. I also appreciate that it shines a light on this aspect of Jane Addams life that isn't highlighted in school books. Be sure to check this one out.

[Stephanie Wildman · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Elizabeth Brown so eloquently writes: “A strong nation starts by caring for its children
-- all its children.” In this moving picture book biography, with lovely illustrations by Olga Lee, Brown takes us back to another era of American battles over immigrants – centering on the rights of children to play and be children. Addams understood how it felt to be excluded from games, and she fought to make childhood available for everyone, leading to the passage of the Federal Child Labor Law in 1916.

[Jyoti Gopal · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a cool picture book biography! Filled with bright colorful illustrations by Olga Lee, this book is an introduction to Jane Addams, who fought for children’s right to play, who fought to create spaces for play AND beyond that who also fought to change child labor laws, so that children would have the freedom to play. Especially in times such as now where it seems like children’s play is being more and more curtailed by over-scheduled days and an emphasis on academic and book learning, Jane Addams, and this important book, reminds us of the importance of play.

[Jolene Gutiérrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew a little about Jane Addams, but when someone's lived a life as rich as hers and fought as many fights for others' rights as Jane Addams did, there's a lot to be learned. I LOVE how Elizabeth Brown layered in so many important facts about Jane's life that caused her to want kids to have access to playgrounds and other ways in which Jane helped advocate for others' rights. She was an inspiration and this powerful book belongs in all homes, schools, and libraries! I can't wait to share it with my students.

[Kelsey Gross · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE RIGHT TO PLAY tells the remarkable story of Jane Addams, a woman in the early 1900s who championed playgrounds and children’s right to play (instead of work!) in America. She met resistance for her efforts to serve immigrant children, but carried on. Her determination and passion for her cause, and all her achievements in building community and social services is inspiring! Kids will enjoy learning about the genesis of one of their favorite places to play.

[Marzieh Abbas · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an inspiring and enlightening story. I thought her work was done when she bult the first playground in America, but the story shows how she didn't stop at that. Her work for children in migrant communities and working towards abolishing child labor is a story of hope and perseverance. Mych needed in the current times!

[Lydia Lukidis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This compelling biography introduces young readers to Jane Addams’ fight for safe play spaces. Through vivid storytelling and inspiring illustrations, it shows how one person’s advocacy can create lasting change. A must-read for discussions on activism, history, and the importance of play in childhood development.

[Bonnie Kelso · Rating 5 out of 5]

An important addition to any library or classroom!
Interesting biography about Jane Addams, 1931 winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. The story shows how Jane was inspired by her disabilities as a child to create safe public playgrounds. Her activism led to supporting Child Labor Laws and more. An important historical figure’s story told in a child-relatable way.

[Jilanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A timely and important story about creating spaces for people to thrive, especially children, the future leaders of our country. Play brings people together and forges bonds. This story serves as a reminder that providing a healthful space for all should be a core value for everyone in this country. Great book!

[Kari Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful picture book biography about activist Jane Addams, who fought for children's right to play and modeled America's first playgrounds. A cheerful book with vibrant colors, tackling tough topics. A must-have book!

[Jessica Stremer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Right to Play is a really interesting book about how Jane Addams helped to bring public playgrounds to cities. The illustrations pair perfectly with the text, making this a story kids will enjoy reading time and again. This book is a great addition to any home or school library.

[Rachel Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely for older readers, as there are quite a lot of big words and large amounts of text on each page, but I think this book is really important and relevant to children! Kids should know about Jane Addams and the work she did for women’s and children’s rights.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible book!!

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another non-fiction book for kids! Yay! I loved the title, it is what got me to pick up the book. The illustrations have so much to look at. I didn't even pause, this one got added to the library.