An Equal Shot: How the Law Title IX Changed America

by Helaine Becker, Dow Phumiruk (Illustrator)

Helaine Becker's An Equal Shot is a nonfiction picture book introduction to the history and importance of Title IX as civil rights legislation.

You've likely heard of the law Title IX. It protects the equal rights of students, athletes, and professionals in America regardless of gender. But do you know about the women who fought to enact this new law?

Here is the rousing account of how Title IX was shaped at the hands of brave politicians who took risks to secure women's dreams and their futures under the Constitution.

Genres: Picture Books, Nonfiction, History, Sports, Childrens, Politics, Womens

40 pages, Hardcover

First published February 23, 2021

About the author

Helaine Becker has written over 70 books, including the #1 National bestseller, A Porcupine in a Pine Tree,and its sequel, Dashing through the Snow, Sloth at the Zoom, Dirk Daring, Secret Agent, the Looney Bay All-Stars chapter book series, non-fiction including Counting on Katherine, Worms for Breakfast and Zoobots (all Junior Library Guild Selections), Monster Science, You Can Read, Lines Bars and Circles, and Boredom Blasters, plus many picture books and young adult novels. She also writes for children’s magazines and for children's television. Her show Dr. Greenie's Mad Lab was a finalist at MIP.com Junior in Cannes.
She has won the Lane Anderson Award for Science Writing for Children twice,once for The Big Green Book of the Big Blue Sea and once for The Insecto-Files, and the Picture Book of the Year Award from the Canadian Booksellers Association for A Porcupine in a Pine Tree. She has also won three Silver Birch awards and a Red Cedar award.

Helaine Becker holds U.S. and Canadian citizenship. She attended high school in New York, university in North Carolina (Go Blue Devils!!!!) and now lives in Toronto with her husband and dog, Ella. She has two really handsome sons.

Reviews

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great picture book about Title IX, the law requiring equal treatment of genders in federally funded program. The text is clear and understandable. The illustrations are interesting and go with the text and provide good information. More detailed information is in the back! I like this picture book very much!

[Erin Dealey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Becker and Phumiruk have accomplished an incredible task--making a nonfiction picture book introduction to the history and importance of Title IX as civil rights legislature INTERESTING and accessible for young readers. Not that I'm surprised. This is the same pair who created COUNTING ON KATHERINE: How Katherine Johnson Saved Apollo 13. LOVE the illustrations by Dow Phumiruk. Thank you both for this important book.

[Jillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book told in a way that was unexpected, yet powerful!

[Jami Gigot · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fabulous picture book that shows what an impact Title IX has had on making progress in gender equality. Important for both girls and boys to read!

[Patricia Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner from Helaine Becker and Dow Phumiruk full of girl power! It's important for girls today to know that their freedoms were won because of the experiences of others. Although the text is spare, Phumiruk's illustrations include lots of details to pour over. A great book to add to your daughter's library.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Direct and simple explanation of the law

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title IX is a term that has been bandied around frequently because of the changes it forced in this country. But unless you were around in 1972 when it passed or have a keen interest in history, you might know little about this law and its effects on the sports world and playing fields. Thus, this picture book provides a helpful introduction to Title IX and its intended consequences as well as some unintended ones. Although the opening lines may draw in readers with their simplicity ["It takes just three words to say, 'It isn't fair'" (Unpaged), that phrasing struck me as odd because of course it takes three words to make that statement. I wish it had been phrased differently. While the illustrations, created digitally with scans of watercolor and textures, show various girls standing on the sidelines as boys and men engage in various athletic pursuit, the text explains how the law provided protection for women so that they couldn't be fired from a job due to a marriage or a pregnancy or prevented from playing sports or holding certain jobs, allowing girls and women to be treated the same as boys and men. The focus on words and their impact makes the book quite readable and engaging, and then the back matter highlights four women who were involved in getting the law passed. Most interesting, of course, is the progress that has resulted from the law and what additional work needs to be done. I wonder if some readers had no idea that the amount of money spent on sports varied so widely between boys' and girls' athletics. Since some of the illustrations refer to equal rights, it might have been a good idea to include a note on what the equal rights amendment was, compared to Title IX, since there is sure to be some confusion. This one might be a good addition for a social studies classroom library but with some discussion about how there are schools and institutions that don't follow the law as well as examining the sports offerings at their own schools.

[Aolund · Rating 2 out of 5]

A picture book introduction to the history and importance of Title IX which left a lot to be desired. The vast majority of people pictured in the illustrations were White or very light-skinned, and everyone was very thin. People of all sizes love doing sports and deserve to be included in the story of Title IX. Additionally, nowhere in the main text of the book are genders beyond binary cis genders mentioned. The back text includes the note, "Title IX has opened doors for girls and for those who identify as LGBTQ," but this acknowledgment of gender identities beyond cis ones, buried in the rest of the "LGBTQ" acronym really just shows how hard the text is trying to avoid talking about trans and non-binary genders.

One of the pages in this book says "Today, no American can be held back from living out their dream because of their gender." While this is an important goal we should all strive for, it's just not true about America today, and feels disrespectful to the many transgender, gender non-conforming people, and women of color who are absolutely still held back from living out their dreams due to gender-based discriminations, or discriminations occurring at the intersection of race and gender.

[Alissa Tsaparikos · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this nonfiction picture book that explains the Law Title IX. The beginning of the books explains in very simple terms what it was and how it shaped America with positive change. The last few pages of the book go into more detail for more advanced readers, including the women and men who are the reason Title IX came to be as well as the progress and work that still needs to be done. I absolutely love that it recognizes the current issues and problems still very prevalent in our society and government today. Too many children's books about American government suffer from rose colored glasses. Sometimes it is understandable, as things are being made accessible to younger students and it is hard to put in problematic things without it muddying the water and increasing the reading level. However, Becker does an amazing job of keeping it simple while also showing a true picture and empowering readers to continue to push for changes for the better. I highly recommend this book for all public and school libraries.

[Stephanie Bange · Rating 4 out of 5]

A non-fiction overview of what Title IX is, its history and the need for the law, and why it continues to be important today.

Before Title IX was enacted, there was open discrimination and unfairness to women in the jobs sector, in competing in athletics, and other ways. Becker very clearly outlines what the problem was and how, with Congress working together, the law was passed. Backmatter includes short biographies of four women who were instrumental to getting this done.

Digital illustrations by Dow Phumiruk are light and skillful. She shows images of what the issues were and the need for this piece of legislation to pass. She includes diverse groups of people whenever possible so readers will be able to see themselves.

Pull this out during Women's History Month and during human rights discussions. Hand this to youngsters not quite ready for Karen Blumenthal's Let Me Play: The Story of Title IX: The Law That Changed the Future of Girls in America (Atheneum, 2005).

Recommended for PreSchool - grades 3.

[Margaret]

There was a time in schools and colleges when girls and young women did not participate in varsity or intercollegiate sports. For most of us there was only the Girls Athletic Association and intermural athletics. In educational institutions, girls and young women were blatantly denied equality. In fact, there was a rise in feminism in the 1960s and 1970s as women on a larger scale sought equality in all aspects of their lives.

Fortunately, opportunities for women have improved in the United States of America. This is due to a law signed on June 23, 1972. An Equal Shot: How the Law Title IX Changed America (Christy Ottaviano Books, Henry Holt and Company, February 23, 2021) written by Helaine Becker with illustrations by Dow Phumiruk chronicles the obstacles faced by girls and women and how this congressional legislation removed roadblocks based on gender.


My full recommendation: https://librariansquest.blogspot.com/...

[Kelsey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kind of disappointing, honestly. The entire focus is on what the "thirty-seven words" that make up Title IX are and what they mean figuratively, rather than on how the law came to be, its struggles, and its impacts. There's little mention of the history of the law or the people who influenced it other than some brief back matter. And one sentence in the back matter claims that Title IX "opened doors for girls and for those who identify as LGBTQ" but does not expand on this claim or explain the many issues the LGBTQ community still face despite Title IX.

It's fine for a very, very basic understanding Title IX (if all you want is the basic definition of the law for young children), but if you're looking for any more information than what it says on the surface, you'll need to look elsewhere.

[Karen Yin · Rating 5 out of 5]

What is Title IX, why do we need it, what has it accomplished, and what more needs to be done? Powerful in its simplicity, An Equal Shot answers these questions as it quietly champions the 37 words that changed the U.S. forever. The beautifully rendered illustrations bring this not-too-long-ago history to life, helping us imagine ourselves as the girls and women who faced seemingly insurmountable challenges in a culture steeped in systemic sexism. The back matter continues to illuminate by featuring the four main women behind Title IX, including Patsy Mink, the first Asian American woman elected to Congress, and Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to Congress. My favorite line: "Your words can change the world. What will they be?"

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I worked as a congressional staffer when Patsy Mink was a member of Congress from Hawaii in the 1990s—and I had no idea she had been so instrumental to the passage of Title IX during her first tenure in Congress during the 1960s to 1970s. I am so grateful to her and the other individuals who added those important words that led to the prohibition of sex discrimination in education. This book, with its sparse but powerful words, does a masterful job of conveying just how important Title IX is and the tremendous impact it has had for both girls and boys, women and men. The illustrations carrying the theme of young women following the passage of Title IX and seeing its effects are tremendously moving, while the back matter adds to the educational richness of the book.

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully illustrated non-fiction picture book. It not only provides great resources for further research, but it also demonstrates the power of words. "Title IX's thirty-seven words taught us a simple truth: Words have power. Words can right wrongs and create justice. Words can change the world. Your words can change the world. What will they be?"

I think what is most striking to me is how I always manage to forget just how recently Black Americans, women, and LGBTQIA+ people gained rights that are equal to our white male counterparts, including the ability to vote, get married, or divorce. And even then, An Equal Shot brings up valid points about how women are still discriminated against in the workplace and in sports, especially in regards to pay and leadership positions.

[Karla Valenti · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant account of how Title IX changed America and the lives of countless girls, women, boys, and men. Helaine Becker and Dow Phumiruk expertly outline the facts that led to enactment of this law in a way that is informative and easily accessible , while also being engaging and - most importantly - directly relevant to young readers. The back matter includes extensive details and information about key players who made this law possible, as well as additional information about the law actually accomplished and what we have yet to do. An important read for anyone (young or old) and an excellent addition to all schools and libraries.

[Katelyn Aronson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book that manages to communicate the importance of Title IX through a concise and accessible text. Young readers will understand how a history of gender discrimination in America was forever changed by the passing of this law in 1972. An important read for both girls and boys in the championing of social justice, with the powerful reminder at the end that words can be used to right injustices and to change the world for the better. Helpful back matter details the four women responsible for bringing this law into being.

[Julie Abery · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the spare language in this book! In fact, I feel the sparse language really allows the book to speak for itself and shine! Excellent! An Equal Shot does exactly what the title says, it explains how the Law Title IX changed America in a clear and concise way. Back matter explains the impact the law had on many girls/women's lives in more detail. Wonderful book for classrooms, libraries, and homes.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book looks at how Title IX changed opportunities for women and girls in education and sports. They use beautiful pictures and easy language to showcase trailblazers who wanted equality. It shows that fairness and persistence can create change.
This book would make a great lesson about both sports and women's history. The lesson can focus on looking at female athletes who either made the change or benefited from Title IX.

[Michelle Andersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Equal Shot by Helaine Becker and Dow Phumiruk is a powerful book with an important message. The language is sparse and impactful. The illustrations are detailed, give perspective, and will make the reader want to linger on each page. This book will spark important conversations and should be prominently displayed on every classroom bookshelf!

[Stef Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

With simple, informative text and beautiful illustrations, this is a great book to teach about how America has changed and what Title IX has done for the people of our country. I love how the illustrations show the girls looking back in time at the Constitution and Declaration of Independence and show the broad range of possibilities that exist. I also love the short biographies in the back!

[Madeline Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

"An Equal Shot" by Elaine Becker is an inspiring and educational read that illuminates the fight for gender equality in the workplace. With clear, engaging prose and impactful illustrations, it tells the story of the pivotal Supreme Court case Ledbetter v. Goodyear. A crucial book for young readers to understand the ongoing struggle for equal rights.

[Miss Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book about the ways Title IX has changed women's rights. Easy to follow with relatable examples and an afterward that takes the story farther but doesn't overwhelm. Elementary and up

[Sophia Gholz · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book about women’s rights and the fight for equality. The powerful text is easy for young readers to understand, while also engaging for older readers. Interesting back matter builds on the main text and adds extra layers. The detailed illustrations are absolutely beautiful!

[JaNay Brown-Wood]

An encouraging text with lovely illustrations that reminds readers to fight for what is right and fair; and an appropriate introduction to Title IX, equal rights, and some important women who helped make an impact on America.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

40 years later and Title 9 is still failing women. Sigh. Very informative book, I enjoyed learning more about this law. The more information that gets out on the subject the more chances things will change!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

EARC provided by Mackids
This addressed a topic of which I knew next to nothing. It will make a great addition to class and school libraries

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent introduction to this important law and the impact it had on women.

[Emily Myhren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Could use a bit more depth.

[Susan Rose]

Excellent and informative book to remind girls where we came from and how we need to never go back. History is critical. Girls need to remember so that they don't have to go through this again.