Frances Perkins: First Woman Cabinet Member

by Emily Keller

Describes the life and highlights the accomplishments of the first female federal cabinet member in the United States, who was appointed the secretary of labor by Franklin Roosevelt.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

160 pages, Library Binding

First published November 30, 2006

Reviews

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this brief biography as a character study for a role I will be playing. What an honor to portray a woman who did so much for the everyday worker of today! Perkins was not only the first female cabinet member (Secretary of Labor under Franklin Delano Roosevelt) but we have her to thank for the 40 hour work week, worker's compensation and her greatest contribution to Roosevelt's New Deal: the Social Security Act. She was truly ahead of her time as a feminist and suffrage supporter and was not without her personal challenges. Her early career sometimes put her in danger as she mediated between employers and strikers. She dealt with her husband's mental illness and trying to maintain ties with him and her daughter in New York while working incredibly long hours in Washington DC.

[Barbara Wellnitz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enlightening - all the programs she suggested and promoted which we now enjoy including social security, unemployment compensation, worker's compensation!

[Dionne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't think I've ever read a biography about a liberal Democrat. But, after reading The Forgotten Man: A New History of the Great Depression I wanted to learn more about the 1st woman to hold a cabinet position.

While I don't agree with Frances Perkins "progressive" and socialistic ideals, I do have great admiration for her. 1st, she was the 1st woman to achieve a cabinet position. 2nd, she believed in social justice and helping the poor. 3rd, she juggled a career while having to deal with a bi-polar, alcoholic husband.

Perkins paved the way for other women to excel in politics, that alone is worthy of admiration.

[Shelli · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I find Frances Perkins life and character fascinating I do not think this book did the best job showcasing her life in any memorable way that teens will appreciate. If your student already has a firm understanding of American Politics, particularly from 1800-1945, they will enjoy this biography more than students who do not.