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Who Did It First?
Who Did It First? 50 Politicians, Activists, and Entrepreneurs Who Revolutionized the World
A vibrantly illustrated and compelling collection of profiles about women and men who revolutionized politics, policy, commerce and activism.
You likely know that Barack Obama was the first African American president of the United States. And you maybe you know that Sandra Day O’Connor was the first woman to serve as a Supreme Court Justice. But you might not know that Nelson Mandela was the first black president of South Africa. Or that Schuyler Bailar is the first openly transgender NCAA Division 1 swimmer.
Who Did It First? 50 Politicians, Activists, and Entrepreneurs Who Revolutionized the World brings together all of these trailblazers into one stunning package. With both well-known figures and lesser-known heroes, this book is a celebration of the inspiring innovators who braved uncharted waters to pave the path for future generations.
Perfect for fans of Little Leaders, Women in Science, and Rad Women Worldwide, Who Did It First? makes a wonderful gift for any occasion and is a must-have for every young reader’s library.
Featuring Oprah Winfrey, Steve Jobs, Indira Gandhi, Melinda Gates, Janet Mock, LeBron James, Madam C.J. Walker, Thomas Gallaudet, and many others.
You likely know that Barack Obama was the first African American president of the United States. And you maybe you know that Sandra Day O’Connor was the first woman to serve as a Supreme Court Justice. But you might not know that Nelson Mandela was the first black president of South Africa. Or that Schuyler Bailar is the first openly transgender NCAA Division 1 swimmer.
Who Did It First? 50 Politicians, Activists, and Entrepreneurs Who Revolutionized the World brings together all of these trailblazers into one stunning package. With both well-known figures and lesser-known heroes, this book is a celebration of the inspiring innovators who braved uncharted waters to pave the path for future generations.
Perfect for fans of Little Leaders, Women in Science, and Rad Women Worldwide, Who Did It First? makes a wonderful gift for any occasion and is a must-have for every young reader’s library.
Featuring Oprah Winfrey, Steve Jobs, Indira Gandhi, Melinda Gates, Janet Mock, LeBron James, Madam C.J. Walker, Thomas Gallaudet, and many others.
128 pages, Hardcover
Published February 11, 2020
1 person is currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
Jay Leslie
20 books11 followersJay Leslie graduated from Duke University with degrees in English, international comparative studies, and religion. After writing for Issa Rae Productions and being shortlisted for Chimamanda Adichie’s Farafina Trust, she co-authored a project on James Baldwin with Duke professor Dr. Adam Hollowell. She is also the author of Who Did It First? 50 Politicians, Activists, and Entrepreneurs Who Revolutionized the World. She lives in Berlin, Germany.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
July 2, 2020
Who Did It First? 50 Politicians, Activists, and Entrepreneurs Who Revolutionized the World by Jay Leslie, illustrated by Nneka Myers, 113 pages. Henry Holt and Company, 2020. $19.
Content: G
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
This is a compilation of 50 different people who have contributed throughout the last two hundred years to politics, humanitarian efforts and firsts in their professions. Some of the well-known people included are Oprah, President Obama and Lebron James, but there are other lesser known first such as Muhammad Yunus, Ed Roberts and Katharine Graham.
Most of the summaries are 4-5 paragraphs long and cover a page, but a couple of the people are one short paragraph. I enjoyed the illustrations and most of the people included would be easy to include in lessons given by teachers. I’m not sure if a student would pick this book up and read it on their own, but I think that parts of it would be useful in the classroom.
Reviewer, C. Peterson
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2020...
Content: G
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
This is a compilation of 50 different people who have contributed throughout the last two hundred years to politics, humanitarian efforts and firsts in their professions. Some of the well-known people included are Oprah, President Obama and Lebron James, but there are other lesser known first such as Muhammad Yunus, Ed Roberts and Katharine Graham.
Most of the summaries are 4-5 paragraphs long and cover a page, but a couple of the people are one short paragraph. I enjoyed the illustrations and most of the people included would be easy to include in lessons given by teachers. I’m not sure if a student would pick this book up and read it on their own, but I think that parts of it would be useful in the classroom.
Reviewer, C. Peterson
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2020...
April 18, 2020
Although some of these "firsts" might be a stretch, the stories of their accomplishments and how they broke ground for others to follow them may provide inspiration for youngsters uncertain of their own future. With brightly-colored illustrations and often accompanied by a pithy quote from the individual, this book celebrates those individuals who were the first to do something in a particular field or place. Thus, readers learn about the accomplishments of 50 persons of note who paved the way for others in their role as politicians, activists, and entrepreneurs. Each individual receives a page of text detailing the accomplishments. While many of the individuals will be familiar to readers, there are several who will not be, and readers can learn about bravery and determination from their examples. This slim volume might be useful in a social studies or history class or as part of a collection devoted to individuals who changed the world in some small and large ways.
March 20, 2020
This book was the inspiration I needed on this 5th day of mostly quarantine! This book was well illustrated and the text both conscience and informative. I learned about many people that I didnt know anything about, and even those I did, I learned something new. Well worth the read!
July 25, 2020
The illustrator is awful. The people look lovely but nowhere like the people they are portraying. Photos would be good. Interesting choice of people but the illustrations look like something my friends on Facebook would do and think they look cute -- and not their real age or weight.
October 28, 2024
this was so inspirational and easy to understand, especially for little kids. very cute drawings and cute quotes from each person. honestly i’ll probably read the others on my own because there were a good few people in here i hadn’t already heard of!
April 22, 2020
I liked the first Who Did It First better but there are some great biographical summaries in this compilation.
February 21, 2021
This is a great book of profiles of people who did something amazing first. Wonderful illustrations and succinct stories to get you wanting to learn more.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews