ABZUGLUTELY!

A vigorous biography of politician and activist Bella Abzug (1920-1998).

Aronson begins by grounding Abzug’s progressive worldviews in her Jewish childhood and highlighting her outspoken subject’s earliest feats of activism, including reciting Kaddish for her father at age 13 in the men’s section of a gender-segregated synagogue. Abzug’s work fundraising for Zionist organizations is briefly mentioned; some readers may wish for more context. Covering her law career and political involvement—Abzug was the second Jewish woman to serve in Congress—Aronson touches on prominent allies such as Gloria Steinem and Shirley Chisholm as well as her critics’ dismissals. D’Aquino’s expressionistic ink, colored pencil, and wax crayon illustrations match Aronson’s verve and admiration, spotlighting Abzug in vivid reds and depicting her in open-mouthed poses to demonstrate her relentless campaigning for social change. The author’s fervent rhetoric sometimes results in confusing moments. Her explanation for why Abzug wore hats—“she had to wear hats, because those wide-brimmed beauties represented authority and power”—may not make sense to all readers, but many will be swept past these occasional flourishes by the combined force of Abzug’s and Aronson’s determination. An author’s note offers more information about Abzug’s beliefs and causes, from the well known (Title IX) to the overlooked (the Equal Credit Opportunity Act).

An adoring and inspirational life story, as ardent as its subject.