Indelible Ann

May 24, 2021
Utilizing the refrain “just wait, you’ll see,” this detailed picture book biography by a Texan team centers the life of Ann Richards (1933–2006), the 45th governor of Texas. Debut picture book author Browne maintains interest with approachable prose and vivid figurative language as she follows Richards from her birth “outside a lonely Texas prairie town” to her persistence in balancing politics with parenthood: “She listened to the people: a colorful patchwork of Texans sewn tightly together by their desire for change.” Realistic ink and gouache illustrations by Whitt employ a softly retro palette, portraying Ann on nearly every page amid a cast of variously inclusive figures. An inspiring, feminist-leaning look at a trailblazing woman in politics. Back matter includes more about Richards. Ages 4–8.

June 1, 2021
Grades 1-4 Both the author and the illustrator's love of Texas shine through in this biography of the state's influential forty-fifth governor. Though framed as a Texan tall tale, Indelible Ann soon becomes more inspirational true story than incredible legend. As it moves through Richards' childhood, family life, and political rise, the story is punctuated by the refrain ". . . Just wait, you'll see." The phrase seems intended to add suspense as it uses Richards' racial inclusiveness (unusual at the time) and extraordinary abilities in debate and other areas to foreshadow her impact and progressive policies. However, the text really depicts her rise as a process more than a sudden ascent. Her substantial achievements, such as digitizing the treasury, likewise lack high drama. What does add drama to the story are Whitt's compelling ink-and-gouache illustrations. They manage to evoke strength, tall tales, Texas, and--thanks to vivid depictions of changing clothing and hairstyles--the passage of time. A solid addition to a collection on girl power or on important political leaders.

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August 1, 2021

Gr 4-6-This biography of Ann Richards uses the tone and structure of a tall-tale to pack a lifetime of the legendary Texas activist and politician's accomplishments and exploits into a picture book length text. Whitt's beautifully rendered drawings convey an energy and sense of motion that echoes Richards's dynamic, no-nonsense personality. Browne's narrative, while struggling to balance the complexity of language needed to convey the ups and downs of a historic political life, does tend to gloss over specific dates and details. Also, as somewhat expected in the telling of a folk heroine's daring deeds, there's quite a bit of hyperbolic praise and very little discussion of the low points or missteps of this larger-than-life lady. An afterword offers a more traditional brief biography and an explication of Richards's impact as a woman of amazing achievements who did a great deal of good for a great many people over the course of her extraordinary life and inspired others to do the same. VERDICT This exciting, sunny biography is as real and rollicking as the late governor herself, and is highly recommended for elementary and junior high nonfiction collections.-Kelly Kingrey-Edwards, Blinn Junior Coll., Brenham, TX

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from April 1, 2021
If folks in the small Texas town where Gov. Ann Richards spent her childhood thought little Dorothy Ann Willis was good at climbing trees and baiting a trotline, and if her high school classmates in Waco thought she was a "speech and debate team marvel"--well, "...JUST WAIT, you'll see." This quirky biography with a homespun voice takes a look at the life and career of the 45th governor of the Lone Star State. As a teenager, she traveled to Washington, D.C., and came back understanding "the importance of civic duty." She couldn't be stopped. "There were people to meet and problems that needed fixing." As a county commissioner, she "built a bridge between the predictable past and the limitless future." When elected state treasurer, she hired "staff that reflected the folks around her." With her booming voice and her "high-cotton" hair, Richards had big ideas for herself and her state. When people thought she should be a candidate to run for president, she said there was "still work to be done in Texas"--and did it. Well-organized and colorfully written, the book presents Richards at her highest and lowest, taking care to show how its subject became the formidable progressive and inclusive politician she was. Bright, bold illustrations chock-full of period detail underscore this with depictions of the vigorously multicultural staff and state this White woman helmed. (This book was reviewed digitally with 11-by-17-inch double-page spreads viewed at 32.4% of actual size.) An undeniably indelible woman inspiring readers to reach their own heights. (biographical note, bibliography) (Picture book/biography. 7-10)

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January 1, 2021
This picture book biography follows the Democratic Party icon from her Texas childhood (and a stint in San Diego during WWII), to marriage and motherhood, to her entrance on the national stage. Ultimately elected to Texas's highest state office, Richards stayed true to her commitment to civil rights and progressive values. With a folksy, conversational tone, Browne's informative text acknowledges challenges but mostly focuses on successes. Whitt's painterly illustrations emphasize Richards's open and inclusive nature. A two-page author's note includes four black-and-white photos, discusses Richards's alcoholism and divorce, adds context for her accomplishments, and clarifies her legacy. Selected sources are included.

(Copyright 2021 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)