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The Only Woman in the Photo: Frances Perkins & Her New Deal for America
Discover the incredible life of Frances Perkins, the first woman to serve in a presidential cabinet and the mastermind behind Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal, in this fascinating picture book biography that’s perfect for fans of I Dissent .
Most people know about President FDR, but do you know the woman who created his groundbreaking New Deal?
As a young girl, Frances Perkins was very shy and quiet. But her grandmother encouraged Frances to always challenge herself. When somebody opens a door to you, go forward .
And so she did.
Frances realized she had to make her voice heard, even when speaking made her uncomfortable, and use it to fight injustice and build programs to protect people across the nation. So when newly-elected President Franklin Delano Roosevelt finally asked Frances to be the first female Secretary of Labor and help pull the nation out of the Great Depression, she knew she had to walk through that open door and forward into history.
In this empowering, inspirational biography, discover how the first woman to serve in a presidential cabinet led the charge to create the safety net that protects American workers and their families to this day.
Most people know about President FDR, but do you know the woman who created his groundbreaking New Deal?
As a young girl, Frances Perkins was very shy and quiet. But her grandmother encouraged Frances to always challenge herself. When somebody opens a door to you, go forward .
And so she did.
Frances realized she had to make her voice heard, even when speaking made her uncomfortable, and use it to fight injustice and build programs to protect people across the nation. So when newly-elected President Franklin Delano Roosevelt finally asked Frances to be the first female Secretary of Labor and help pull the nation out of the Great Depression, she knew she had to walk through that open door and forward into history.
In this empowering, inspirational biography, discover how the first woman to serve in a presidential cabinet led the charge to create the safety net that protects American workers and their families to this day.
48 pages, Hardcover
First published February 4, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
April 23, 2022
Engagingly told, with lively illustrations that make it clear that Perkins was indeed a shy little girl, and an incredibly brave and dedicated woman. I love that we're getting more bios of lesser-known people. And, for example, we're finally being told that FDR gets credit for appointing and supporting Perkins, but that Perkins actually gets most of the credit for the New Deal, including my favorite part of it, the CCC.
Notes and bibliography enhance & expand. Highly recommended to all educators, especially homeschooling families.
Notes and bibliography enhance & expand. Highly recommended to all educators, especially homeschooling families.
July 11, 2021
This installment in my project to read picture book biographies of women taught me about a woman I hadn’t previously known. Frances Perkins was so instrumental in many of the social and labor programs and policies in the U.S. that we now take for granted!
July 12, 2022
"The door might not be opened to a woman again for a long, long time. And I had a kind of a duty to walk in & sit down in the chair that was offered." -- Frances Perkins
I was browsing the Sequoyah Bookshelf at my local library, when this picture book caught my attention! Frances Perkins was a remarkable woman and the 1st to ever join a presidential cabinet. She was secretary to the Department of Labor and was in charge of anything involving the workers of America... from fire safety to workplace regulations to Social Security, etc. etc. Frances truly did all she could to help others. I enjoyed the part discussed about her trying to resign to go back to a quieter life, but FDR (Franklin D. Roosevelt) valued her too much to let her go. She was with him from his 1st day as President to his very last. She brought vast changes to national laws and improved American lives.
This is a very wordy picture book, so I think it would be great for older Elementary aged kids. Or just anyone, like myself, who loves bite size Biographies about fascinating people. Also, great as an Audiobook!
I was browsing the Sequoyah Bookshelf at my local library, when this picture book caught my attention! Frances Perkins was a remarkable woman and the 1st to ever join a presidential cabinet. She was secretary to the Department of Labor and was in charge of anything involving the workers of America... from fire safety to workplace regulations to Social Security, etc. etc. Frances truly did all she could to help others. I enjoyed the part discussed about her trying to resign to go back to a quieter life, but FDR (Franklin D. Roosevelt) valued her too much to let her go. She was with him from his 1st day as President to his very last. She brought vast changes to national laws and improved American lives.
This is a very wordy picture book, so I think it would be great for older Elementary aged kids. Or just anyone, like myself, who loves bite size Biographies about fascinating people. Also, great as an Audiobook!
February 21, 2020
Frances Perkins probably sparked the creation of more positive changes in America for the poor, the old, the infirm, women, than any other woman of her time, and yet few know her name. It was Frances Perkins who saw the injustices in the world---working children, dangerous factory conditions, women unable to vote, unsafe workplaces, lack of health care, and more---and helped to right them. One of my favorite writers, Kathleen Krull, takes on the story of this quiet and accomplished woman, and reminds us of the power of taking action where one can.
January 1, 2021
I was so excited to discover Krull had written a biography of Perkins! Trust Krull to find a strong virtually unknown woman and write about her! I was upset several years ago to find virtually nothing on Perkins and started keeping an eye out for something. Now I’m hoping this will win an ALA award next month! Perkins was behind a substantial amount of what we call our security net these days such as social security and many of the fundamental safety rules such as fire extinguishers, exit signs, etc. and fundamental cleanliness in bakeries and laundromats. This is highly recommended!
August 15, 2020
I love reading about people I am unfamiliar with and this was a delightful book. My favorite illustration is the last one where Frances is looking back at the reader, almost asking what we think we can do next.
July 20, 2020
While reading about the Great Depression and the New Deal, I came across this great book. As I'm just starting on this research journey, when I thought of the New Deal, I thought of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, as that is what he is known for. The New Deal helped get people out of the Great Depression and back to work. Did you know that Frances Perkins, the first woman in a Presidential Cabinet, was instrumental is creating the New Deal? I did not. As Secretary of Labor, Ms. Perkins was the brains and power behind so many laws that protect workers today, including the Social Security Act of 1935. This book, by the great nonfiction author Kathleen Krull, highlights a woman in history to whom we owe many thanks.
February 22, 2020
I love the work of author Kathleen Krull and the extraordinary individuals she introduces her readers to. This was no exception. I had never heard of Frances Perkins but I am astounded by how her life and work still affects all of us today and the incredible courage and determination she showed in overcoming challenges. This was excellent!
February 23, 2020
The first female Cabinet member and Secretary of the Department of Labor helped introduce workplace safety, child-labor laws, unemployment insurance, championed minimum wage laws, authored the Social Security Act and supported FDR's New Deal! Among other impressive feats.
November 20, 2023
Kathleen Krull’s Only Woman in the Photo: Frances Perkins & Her New Deal for America retells Perkins’s story through the lens of finding her speaking voice. in Krull’s story, Perkins started out shy, learned to speak publicly in high school and college, and consistently spoke out on causes important to her ranging from fire safety to the New Deal. The Only Woman in the Photo is packed with captivating illustrations by Alexandra Bye, bearing a resemblance to Warner Brothers’ Anastasia. in one, Perkins wards off a man with the tip of her umbrella, and in another, she stomps on a paparazzo’s camera. “she actually stomped on the camera of one photographer who took her picture despite her pleas not to,” Krull writes, “so when Frances died after suffering a stroke in 1965, at age eighty-five, not many people remembered who she was and what she had accomplished.” Krull’s Perkins was eager to use her voice but less willing to be seen, contrasting Perkins’s historic contributions with her receding from historical records.
July 20, 2020
While reading about the Great Depression and the New Deal, I came across this great book. As I'm just starting on this research journey, when I thought of the New Deal, I thought of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, as that is what he is known for. The New Deal helped get people out of the Great Depression and back to work. Did you know that Frances Perkins, the first woman in a Presidential Cabinet, was instrumental is creating the New Deal? I did not. As Secretary of Labor, Ms. Perkins was the brains and power behind so many laws that protect workers today, including the Social Security Act of 1935. This book, by the great nonfiction author Kathleen Krull, highlights a woman in history to whom we owe many thanks.
Reviewed by: Lisa Coleman, Youth and School Services, Vernon Area Public Library
Reviewed by: Lisa Coleman, Youth and School Services, Vernon Area Public Library
January 13, 2021
Frances Perkins was a mighty girl! Even though she was shy and not fond of public speaking, she kept challenging herself because she did not like what she saw society doing - or not doing, as the case may be. Plus she was mightily influenced by her grandmother's advice. (Being a Grandmother myself, that was encouraging to read.) Perkins does indeed make a huge difference by advocating stricter safety measures for businesses in NYC and advocating for the poor, the young, and the old. She was the engineer of many significant changes during her time as Secretary of Labor in FDR's cabinet.
There is a nice two page summary with more information at the end of the book and a lovely list of sources. I believe this is a must read book to motivate those who think they can't make a difference to try.
There is a nice two page summary with more information at the end of the book and a lovely list of sources. I believe this is a must read book to motivate those who think they can't make a difference to try.
May 22, 2020
I have lots of lists of picture book biographies about the most famous people you've never heard of and I'm eager to add this one to the list. Frances Perkins was the first female cabinet member under FDR and her ideas for social justice and equity were instrumental in restructuring American society after the Great Depression. But, because she had little interest in being in the public eye her contributions have largely been forgotten. (FDR's alphabet agencies? Thank Frances)
In a very uncertain time, I'm feeling especially grateful for the social safety nets we have, many thanks to Frances Perkins. The illustrations are cute and welcoming with important quotations done in a trendy hand-lettering style.
In a very uncertain time, I'm feeling especially grateful for the social safety nets we have, many thanks to Frances Perkins. The illustrations are cute and welcoming with important quotations done in a trendy hand-lettering style.
June 10, 2021
I highly recommend this picture book. My goodness. The vibrant colors, the strong female character who once did great things, how can one go wrong getting this amazing book for young ladies to read. What an inspiration. I absolutely fell in love.
January 10, 2024
2024 Bluestem nominee. Picture book biography about Frances Perkins, the first woman to be in the Presidents cabinet. She is responsible for social security, CCC, fire safety in work places, and so much more.
July 16, 2020
This should be required reading
August 13, 2020
Another terrific book by Krull.
November 5, 2021
A beautifully illustrated book about the woman who fought for building safety and helped FDR create the Social Security Administration. Her care for working families led her to fought for betterment of their working conditions. I’m glad that now more people can know about Frances Perkins and her work for them. Text is interesting and illustrations are appealing to middle grade students.
September 15, 2023
Really interesting biography about the women who changed working conditions for people
May 9, 2020
Possible BOB2020
May 5, 2020
My 6 year old and I loved it and learned so much. Great illustrations, great detail, so much we didn't know about this amazing woman.
March 26, 2020
Shy, smart, pushed herself to be strong, found that her Grandmother's words helped her gain strength to do what she knew was right: "Take the high ground if someone insults you. When someone opens a door to you, go forward." She was lucky to go to college at a time when girls were not expected to go. There, like her noticings when she was younger, she became even more aware of those who were working in terrible conditions. She knew she wanted to speak up and as Kathleen Krull writes Frances Perkins' story, Francis "realized she had to make her voice hear, even when speaking made her uncomfortable." And her voice was heard, over and over again.
I won't tell the whole story, best to read and be proud to know how much she accomplished, as the first woman cabinet member under FDR, beginning during the Depression, creating his New Deal, the CCC, Social Security. Her list, which she brought to President Roosevelt before accepting his nomination as Secretary of Labor, was long and daring. He told her he would support it. Remember that 'door' in her grandmother's quote? She went through it! Within the story, too, Kathleen Krull tells about Francis Perkins' approach to working with men, including the backlash she experienced by being female and how she managed to prevail.
With colorful scenes of action that deftly accompanied the words, Alexandra Bye helps tell this inspiring story, highlighting special words like the quotes above. There are additional notes at the back and a source list.
The endpapers are delightful!
I won't tell the whole story, best to read and be proud to know how much she accomplished, as the first woman cabinet member under FDR, beginning during the Depression, creating his New Deal, the CCC, Social Security. Her list, which she brought to President Roosevelt before accepting his nomination as Secretary of Labor, was long and daring. He told her he would support it. Remember that 'door' in her grandmother's quote? She went through it! Within the story, too, Kathleen Krull tells about Francis Perkins' approach to working with men, including the backlash she experienced by being female and how she managed to prevail.
With colorful scenes of action that deftly accompanied the words, Alexandra Bye helps tell this inspiring story, highlighting special words like the quotes above. There are additional notes at the back and a source list.
The endpapers are delightful!
July 4, 2020
The Only Woman in the Photo: Frances Perkins and Her New Deal for America by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Alexandra Bye. PICTURE BOOK/NON-FICTION. Antheneum Books for Young Readers (Simon & Schuster), 2020. $19. 9781481491518
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
Frances Perkins began her educational career shy and reserved but quickly found her voice as she saw others being mistreated. In a college course, she was required to observe the working conditions in a textile mill and set the course for her life as she began advocating for safer working conditions. She eventually became secretary of labor in FDR’s cabinet of advisors and helped the country through the great depression.
My kids resisted picking this book up for a little bit because it seemed to have a lot of text, but the writing flows and is fast-paced. The amount of text was not a barrier once we started the story. We were all fascinated by Frances Perkins’ life and relative anonymity - I had never heard of her before. We learned a lot and enjoyed ourselves in the process.
Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
Frances Perkins began her educational career shy and reserved but quickly found her voice as she saw others being mistreated. In a college course, she was required to observe the working conditions in a textile mill and set the course for her life as she began advocating for safer working conditions. She eventually became secretary of labor in FDR’s cabinet of advisors and helped the country through the great depression.
My kids resisted picking this book up for a little bit because it seemed to have a lot of text, but the writing flows and is fast-paced. The amount of text was not a barrier once we started the story. We were all fascinated by Frances Perkins’ life and relative anonymity - I had never heard of her before. We learned a lot and enjoyed ourselves in the process.
Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
March 9, 2020
Those adults who most influence our lives as children can be our parents, grandparents, extended family, an educator, a neighbor or a stranger. There will be a statement they make, sometimes more than once, or a single act they complete which will resonate in our minds for the rest of our lives. At the time we might not be aware of their effect on us, but those words or that deed or gesture will come into our minds when we need it the most.
During his tenure, March 4, 1933 to April 12, 1945, as president of the United States Franklin Delano Roosevelt appointed the first woman to a position as a cabinet member. She faithfully served in that capacity during his presidency. The Only Woman in the Photo: Frances Perkins & Her New Deal for America (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, February 4, 2020) written by Kathleen Krull with illustrations by Alexandra Bye adeptly presents her life and service to her ideals and her country.
My full recommendation: https://librariansquest.blogspot.com/...
During his tenure, March 4, 1933 to April 12, 1945, as president of the United States Franklin Delano Roosevelt appointed the first woman to a position as a cabinet member. She faithfully served in that capacity during his presidency. The Only Woman in the Photo: Frances Perkins & Her New Deal for America (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, February 4, 2020) written by Kathleen Krull with illustrations by Alexandra Bye adeptly presents her life and service to her ideals and her country.
My full recommendation: https://librariansquest.blogspot.com/...
February 26, 2020
Interesting look at an unknown woman, at least to me, who was the first woman to serve ina presidential cabinet position, Frances Perkins, the first Secretary of Labor was appointed by President FranklinD, Roosevelt in. 1933.
Frances Perkins had significant experience as a social worker finding solutions for a multitude of issues in New York City. In 1933 when FDR took office,theGreat Depression, had cast it’s shadow over the United States.
Essentially Frances Perkins was the behind the scenes architect for most of the the domestic programs that put people to work and into a more stable situation during the Great Depression. History credits FDR with all these programs and successes, but Frances Perkins was essentially the originator of the ideas one of which remains in place ninety years later, the Social Security Act of 1935. Interesting read and insight into a female as a cabinet member.
Frances Perkins had significant experience as a social worker finding solutions for a multitude of issues in New York City. In 1933 when FDR took office,theGreat Depression, had cast it’s shadow over the United States.
Essentially Frances Perkins was the behind the scenes architect for most of the the domestic programs that put people to work and into a more stable situation during the Great Depression. History credits FDR with all these programs and successes, but Frances Perkins was essentially the originator of the ideas one of which remains in place ninety years later, the Social Security Act of 1935. Interesting read and insight into a female as a cabinet member.
February 8, 2020
Did you know that it was a woman who is largely responsible for Social Security, workplace regulations and many of the other safety laws that we take for granted in America? Did you know that FDR had the first woman ever to serve in a US Cabinet? Did you know her name was Frances Perkins? For all I have learned about history, about FDR and about his many New Deal laws, I had never heard of this quietly feisty, intelligent woman until today. Well written and researched, illustrated with pizzazz and the bold colors of a history worth sharing. This is a story I feel like I should have known sooner and I'm so glad it's on my shelves now.
Read
March 9, 2020You've heard of FDR, but have you ever heard of Frances Perkins? Perkins was a shy girl who grew up wanting to protect and help people. She found her voice and used it to speak out against unfair labor practices and was eventually hired by FDR as his Secretary of Labor. She helped develop the New Deal of the 1930s with many programs that helped protect Americans, like Social Security and getting people back to work. In determined text and with quotable stylized sections that emphasize quotes from Perkins and her inspirational grandmother, this is a book that shows that women can bring about change.
March 14, 2020
Frances Perkins has so much to teach us about using our voices for the good of others. This incredible biography about the first woman in a president's cabinet shows us the compassion and revolutionary thinking behind the New Deal. Frances Perkins wanted health, safety, and quality of life to improve for ALL Americans. Her legacy lives on in the Social Security Act, which she called "'a turning point in our national life - a turn from careless neglect of human values' toward people working together for the common good." Kathleen Krull and Alexandra Bye have brought Frances Perkins's story to life and encouraged a new generation to learn from her legacy.
April 12, 2020
Inspiring
My daughter and I enjoyed reading this inspirational story together. One person can truly make a big difference in changing the world.
My daughter and I enjoyed reading this inspirational story together. One person can truly make a big difference in changing the world.
February 12, 2020
Wow! I really enjoyed learning about Frances Perkins. Most people know about President FDR, but do you know the woman who created his groundbreaking New Deal? I wish that kids and adults knew that she was such a vital part of our everyday life now. Did you know that she was the first woman ever to serve in a US Cabinet? Did you know that she is mainly responsible for Social Security, safety laws, and workplace regulations? She is such an important part of history that I feel isn't taught.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews