Book cover of The Power of Her Pen: The Story of Groundbreaking Journalist Ethel L. Payne

Book description

"A powerful story." -The Horn Book

"A worthy addition to children's biography collections." -Booklist

"A solid treatment of an important but little-known figure, and it may prompt kids to think about the role and composition of a free press." -BCCB

"Cline-Ransome tells [Ethel Payne's] story with economy and drive. 'Somebody…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked The Power of Her Pen as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

I often wonder what inspires someone to write, and in this book, Lesa Cline-Ransome does a great job of explaining how Ethel Payne became such a groundbreaking journalist.

I love that this book will inspire young readers to listen to stories like Ethel Payne did her entire life. The distinctive illustrations complement the lyrical text beautifully. What I also like about this book is that it’s a great example of writing articles. The book shows Ethel’s passion for the written word as a journalist and her persistence in telling the stories.

If you love The Power of Her Pen...

Book cover of A Foot is Not a Fish!

A Foot is Not a Fish! by Cornelia Maude Spelman,

In a time of alternative facts and the loss of a shared sense of reality, A Foot is Not a Fish playfully illustrates the difference between what is true and what is not through absurd fun comparisons that every child—and parent—will instantly understand.

This book playfully illustrates common truths by…

Want books like The Power of Her Pen?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 96 books like The Power of Her Pen.

Browse books like The Power of Her Pen

Book cover of Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré
Book cover of 16 Words: William Carlos Williams and the Red Wheelbarrow
Book cover of On Wings of Words: The Extraordinary Life of Emily Dickinson

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,343

readers submitted
so far, will you?

📚 If you like The Power of Her Pen, you might also like...

Book cover of Boomer Sees the Town

Boomer Sees the Town by Diann Floyd Boehm,

Discover the first adventure in the Curious Bunny series!

In Boomer Sees the Town, Boomer leaves the forest to explore the wonders, sounds, and surprises of the big city. Perfect for curious minds and early readers, this heartwarming children’s story encourages imagination, discovery, and kindness.

Written by award-winning author…

Book cover of Floretta

Floretta by Joan Budilovsky,

Floretta- the story of an old woman who discovers life beautifully anew thru the helping hands of a child. The chakra colors of dawn and twilight are woven through the pages as the cycle of life is magically composed. The subject of “heaven,” has the potential to open discussions with…

5 book lists we think you will like!