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The Power of Her Pen: The Story of Groundbreaking Journalist Ethel L. Payne
Ethel Payne always had an ear for stories. Seeking truth, justice, and equality, Ethel followed stories from her school newspaper in Chicago to Japan during World War II. It even led her to the White House briefing room, where she broke barriers as the only black female journalist. Ethel wasn’t afraid to ask the tough questions of presidents, elected officials, or anyone else in charge, earning her the title, “First Lady of the Black Press.” Fearless and determined, Ethel Payne shined a light on the darkest moments in history, and her ear for stories sought answers to the questions that mattered most in the fight for Civil Rights.
48 pages, Hardcover
First published January 14, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
January 18, 2020
A few years ago, I read the magnificent biography of Ethel Payne, Eye on the Struggle: Ethel Payne, the First Lady of the Black Press. This age-appropriate book for younger readers distills much of the life and work of this pioneering African-American woman journalist that I learned from Morris's book. This picture book demonstrates, in narrative and beautiful acrylic paint illustrations, the way she brought issues of civil rights, social injustice, the plight of African-Americans in the military, and other stories that were ignored by the white mainstream press, to the attention of her readers at the Chicago Defender, the same landmark African-American newspaper that her father distributed on train platforms as a Pullman porter. A woman who interviewed and questioned many presidents as a White House correspondent, she was a fearless and inspirational leader in journalism, activism, and education. I especially loved the quote that author Lesa Cline-Ransom provides at the end of her author's note: "When it comes to issues that really affect my people... I think that I am an instrument of change."
February 9, 2020
Ethel L. Payne was a journalist from the South Side of Chicago and would become the "First Lady of the Black Press."
She found her joy in writing as a child. Ethel was encouraged by her parents and teacher to practice her writing.
As a young woman, she began writing letters to newspapers about discrimination against African Americans, fueling her growing interest in politics.
In 1945, she would travel to Japan as a reporter for a newspaper, where she would document her observations. Her writings about the African American soldiers' experiences in World War II would put her name in households all over the United States.
When she returned to the United States should eventually make her way to Washington D.C. as a White House Correspondent. She was known for asking tough questions and being a voice for the black community.
Great book! Another unsung hero exposed!
She found her joy in writing as a child. Ethel was encouraged by her parents and teacher to practice her writing.
As a young woman, she began writing letters to newspapers about discrimination against African Americans, fueling her growing interest in politics.
In 1945, she would travel to Japan as a reporter for a newspaper, where she would document her observations. Her writings about the African American soldiers' experiences in World War II would put her name in households all over the United States.
When she returned to the United States should eventually make her way to Washington D.C. as a White House Correspondent. She was known for asking tough questions and being a voice for the black community.
Great book! Another unsung hero exposed!
November 13, 2021
I really loved John Parra's illustrations. Very good beginning biography of Ethel L. Payne a woman I had never learned about. She was one of the first African-American White House press correspondents and well regarded journalist of the 60s and 70s.
August 25, 2020
This picture book biography is worth the read because it introduced me to a person I hadn't heard of and knew nothing about, which is always a good thing. But the art was not my style, and the text was an odd mix of weirdly detailed about stuff that didn't seem important, and then glossing over large chunks of time, where, I'm assuming, Payne probably did SOMETHING.
February 21, 2020
Ethel L. Payne fought her entire life to right the injustices of the disenfranchised by asking questions of those in authority and writing stories of the wrongs done to others. Hers is a fascinating story of a powerful black woman at a time when neither women nor African-Americans were allowed the freedoms given to others.
July 6, 2020
The Power of Her Pen : The Story of Groundbreaking Journalist Ethel L. Payne by Lesa Cline-Ransome and John Parra PICTURE BOOK Simon and Schuster, 2020. $18. 9781481462891
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Ethel L. Payne knew how to tell a story - she sold her first to her school newspaper. She also knew how to speak up about injustice and discrimination, traveling to Japan after WWII and writing about black American Soldiers. She was a feature reporter for the Chicago Defender, eventually reporting for them from Washington D.C. She knew just the right questions to ask, fought hard for civil rights and made a difference.
Great illustrations highlight this well narrated biography. A bit long for a read aloud, but a thorough age appropriate life story of the "First Lady of the Black Press". Includes a bibliography, sources credits and a list for further reading.
Lisa Librarian
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Ethel L. Payne knew how to tell a story - she sold her first to her school newspaper. She also knew how to speak up about injustice and discrimination, traveling to Japan after WWII and writing about black American Soldiers. She was a feature reporter for the Chicago Defender, eventually reporting for them from Washington D.C. She knew just the right questions to ask, fought hard for civil rights and made a difference.
Great illustrations highlight this well narrated biography. A bit long for a read aloud, but a thorough age appropriate life story of the "First Lady of the Black Press". Includes a bibliography, sources credits and a list for further reading.
Lisa Librarian
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
March 18, 2021
Young biography of Ethel Payne who became know as the "First Lady of the Black Press." She asked tough questions of President Eisenhower through President Jimmy Carter. Her tough questions highlighted African Americans' struggles. She wrote the stories the white press ignored. She brought the fight for Civil Rights to the front pages.
Author's Note also mentions how she was one of four female journalists honored with a US stamp.
Bibliography, Source Credits and Further Readings.
Author's Note also mentions how she was one of four female journalists honored with a US stamp.
Bibliography, Source Credits and Further Readings.
January 13, 2021
"Ethel Lois Payne always had an ear for stories..." So true! Cline-Ransome and Parra illustrate the details of this woman's life--the build up to her writing career and then a career that took her far and wide as she sought to reveal in print stories of injustice.
A couple of thoughts.
This would fit nicely in a unit of study on the Civil Rights movement or on activism. With some background knowledge on segregation and other civil rights issues, students might understand better the issues Cline-Ransome mentions but does not explain for the most part (e.g., "stories of Kentucky cotton fields and Tennessee auction blocks" and "wouldn't let a black student work on the school newspaper" etc.). Or this book might serve as a launch into inquiry about these issues.
ALSO Cline-Ransome leaves the reader to surmise the power of Payne's pen (and voice) which I love (that she respects her readers) but don't want to take for granted that students will draw appropriate conclusions. In other words, Cline-Ransome does not state explicitly "because Payne wrote these stories or asked these questions, such and such happened..." Instead she highlights all of the issues Payne wrote about and leaves the reader to draw conclusions (for the most part) about how that might have had an effect on change. In the author's note, Cline-Ransome is more explicit, though (e.g., "grit and fearlessness" and "pointed questions to numerous presidents elevated civil rights issues to the national agenda, and in turn, helped to speed along the slow wheels of change..." and "left behind a legacy of speaking for the unheard and shining a light on injustice throughout the world.") Depending on your students' needs, you might need to pose questions along the way (while reading aloud) like, "Why might that make a difference?" or "What might that have been important?" Or, after the first read, read the author's note and then ask pairs to reread the narrative with big ideas from the author's note in mind.
WISH - I wanted to hear more of Payne's writing voice. From what I can tell, there's no quote in the book from her writing. Wish Cline-Ransome or even Parra had integrated excerpts from Payne's writing into the text somehow.
READ ALOUD to students in the intermediate grades or BOOK TALK and share with small groups to read and discuss. Lots of big questions to discuss -
Why was it important that Payne wrote for the Chicago Defender?
How did people go about getting their news in the 1940s-1960s?
So why was Payne's voice so important?
How does Parra's illustrations reveal the depth and breadth of Payne's work?
What do we need to think about today when we make choices about which news source we read? Or even which "journalists" we read and follow?
What does it mean to be a "journalist"?
What are lessons we can learn from Payne?
While this book fits easily in a civil rights text set, I'd also PAIR WITH Sue Macy's Miss Mary Reporting: The True Story of Sportswriter Mary Garber, another female journalist who had to break down barriers.
A couple of thoughts.
This would fit nicely in a unit of study on the Civil Rights movement or on activism. With some background knowledge on segregation and other civil rights issues, students might understand better the issues Cline-Ransome mentions but does not explain for the most part (e.g., "stories of Kentucky cotton fields and Tennessee auction blocks" and "wouldn't let a black student work on the school newspaper" etc.). Or this book might serve as a launch into inquiry about these issues.
ALSO Cline-Ransome leaves the reader to surmise the power of Payne's pen (and voice) which I love (that she respects her readers) but don't want to take for granted that students will draw appropriate conclusions. In other words, Cline-Ransome does not state explicitly "because Payne wrote these stories or asked these questions, such and such happened..." Instead she highlights all of the issues Payne wrote about and leaves the reader to draw conclusions (for the most part) about how that might have had an effect on change. In the author's note, Cline-Ransome is more explicit, though (e.g., "grit and fearlessness" and "pointed questions to numerous presidents elevated civil rights issues to the national agenda, and in turn, helped to speed along the slow wheels of change..." and "left behind a legacy of speaking for the unheard and shining a light on injustice throughout the world.") Depending on your students' needs, you might need to pose questions along the way (while reading aloud) like, "Why might that make a difference?" or "What might that have been important?" Or, after the first read, read the author's note and then ask pairs to reread the narrative with big ideas from the author's note in mind.
WISH - I wanted to hear more of Payne's writing voice. From what I can tell, there's no quote in the book from her writing. Wish Cline-Ransome or even Parra had integrated excerpts from Payne's writing into the text somehow.
READ ALOUD to students in the intermediate grades or BOOK TALK and share with small groups to read and discuss. Lots of big questions to discuss -
Why was it important that Payne wrote for the Chicago Defender?
How did people go about getting their news in the 1940s-1960s?
So why was Payne's voice so important?
How does Parra's illustrations reveal the depth and breadth of Payne's work?
What do we need to think about today when we make choices about which news source we read? Or even which "journalists" we read and follow?
What does it mean to be a "journalist"?
What are lessons we can learn from Payne?
While this book fits easily in a civil rights text set, I'd also PAIR WITH Sue Macy's Miss Mary Reporting: The True Story of Sportswriter Mary Garber, another female journalist who had to break down barriers.
November 24, 2022
Lesa Cline-Ransome wrote an excellent book here highlighting the many accomplishments of Ethel Payne. From a young age, Ethel falls in love with writing and stories from the past. During WWII, she writes stories for the newspaper talking about politics and black issues. These articles led her to the White House to discuss issues about race. Ethel was the only black female journalist in the briefing room. I enjoyed learning about Ethel Payne. I read a hardcopy cover of the book. The illustrations by John Parra help tell the inspiring story. I loved reading this book and think it could be used in a classroom for many purposes. Theme is a wonderful story element that could be taught in this story. The book highlighted many themes - truth, equality, and determination, just to name a few. This book could create many meaningful conversations in the classroom. I teach 2nd grade, and this book would be age appropriate for my group of kiddos.
February 11, 2020
Biography of Ethel L. Payne for elementary level readers.
Cline-Ransome takes readers from Payne's childhood through late career. She presents the world as she saw it and wrote about events.
Further informative text at the end of the book.
Cline-Ransome takes readers from Payne's childhood through late career. She presents the world as she saw it and wrote about events.
Further informative text at the end of the book.
February 5, 2020
A delightful book about a strong woman. A must read!
March 15, 2021
Ethel Payne, known as “The First Lady of the Black Press,” was born on August 14, 1911 in Chicago. She became the first African American woman to be included in the White House Press Corps. She was known for asking questions that other journalists would not.
Lesa Cline-Ransome tells Ethel’s story in this picture book for older readers. She begins when Ethel was a young girl whose parents encouraged her to get a good education in spite of obstacles. She walked a mile each way to a white high school, and as the author reports:
“The neighborhood residents screamed and yelled and threw rocks at a black girl who dared to go to school with whites. ‘Sometimes I stood my ground, sometimes I got a bloody nose from fighting. But that was the way it was,’ Ethel later recalled.”
Payne graduated in the journalism program at Northwestern University, driven, as she told an interviewer in 1982, by a “great sense of indignation for people who couldn't defend themselves.”
Wanting to see the world, in 1948, Payne took a newspaper job in Japan working for the Army Special Services Club. She wrote about the segregation of the soldiers and the racist treatment to which they were subjected, in spite of their having fought alongside white soldiers. She showed another reporter her diary, and he sent her notes to the "Chicago Defender," the renowned African American newspaper. Her writing earned her a full-time position at the paper, and she began a career with the Defender in 1951.
After three years working for the Defender in Chicago, Payne moved to Washington, DC to cover national events for the paper, including the growing Civil Rights movement. She was one of only three black journalists issued a White House press pass.
Payne repeatedly asked President Eisenhower about his actions regarding discrimination and civil rights. Her pressing him on these issues, especially about the Supreme Court decision in 1954 to end “separate but equal” schooling, led to criticism of him in the press. Thereafter, President Eisenhower refused to call on her for the remainder of his presidency. His press secretary even tried to get her journalism credentials invalidated.
She carried on nevertheless, and after Eisenhower left office she continued to pose her probing questions to Presidents Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, and Carter. Her articles brought more attention to the Civil Rights movement. She reported on Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott, and she interviewed Martin Luther King Jr. before he made national headlines. She also did extensive reporting on conditions for blacks in the South. As Cline-Ransome writes:
“It was her questions to presidents that finally made readers of all races pay attention to the plight of African Americans.”
In 1970, Payne broke another barrier and became the first African American woman to appear on a national network as a radio and television commentator. She worked for CBS from 1972-1982. In 1978, she left the Defender, and went on to serve as a professor for the School of Journalism at Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee for one year. She also advocated for the release of Nelson Mandela.
Ethel Payne died of a heart attack May 28, 1991. She is remembered for her straightforward writing style, and her forceful questioning. Unfortunately, Payne’s legacy is not well known, and according to the Washington Post: “Had Ethel Payne not been black, she certainly would have been one of the most recognized journalists in American society.”
In 2002, Payne was one of four female journalists honored with a likeness on a U.S. postage stamp. The others were white journalists Ida Tarbell, Marguerite Higgins and Nellie Bly.
John Parra’s illustrations show a heavy influence of Mexican and American folk art, using color strategically to convey emotions and overall mood. Clearly he researched Payne’s life and times, shown by the images he has created.
The book ends with an Author’s Note, selected bibliography and suggestions for further reading.
Evaluation: This is yet another inspiring book spotlighting the courage and persistence of African Americans who overcame prejudice against their race, and in this case, gender as well, to make a difference for themselves and their country.
Lesa Cline-Ransome tells Ethel’s story in this picture book for older readers. She begins when Ethel was a young girl whose parents encouraged her to get a good education in spite of obstacles. She walked a mile each way to a white high school, and as the author reports:
“The neighborhood residents screamed and yelled and threw rocks at a black girl who dared to go to school with whites. ‘Sometimes I stood my ground, sometimes I got a bloody nose from fighting. But that was the way it was,’ Ethel later recalled.”
Payne graduated in the journalism program at Northwestern University, driven, as she told an interviewer in 1982, by a “great sense of indignation for people who couldn't defend themselves.”
Wanting to see the world, in 1948, Payne took a newspaper job in Japan working for the Army Special Services Club. She wrote about the segregation of the soldiers and the racist treatment to which they were subjected, in spite of their having fought alongside white soldiers. She showed another reporter her diary, and he sent her notes to the "Chicago Defender," the renowned African American newspaper. Her writing earned her a full-time position at the paper, and she began a career with the Defender in 1951.
After three years working for the Defender in Chicago, Payne moved to Washington, DC to cover national events for the paper, including the growing Civil Rights movement. She was one of only three black journalists issued a White House press pass.
Payne repeatedly asked President Eisenhower about his actions regarding discrimination and civil rights. Her pressing him on these issues, especially about the Supreme Court decision in 1954 to end “separate but equal” schooling, led to criticism of him in the press. Thereafter, President Eisenhower refused to call on her for the remainder of his presidency. His press secretary even tried to get her journalism credentials invalidated.
She carried on nevertheless, and after Eisenhower left office she continued to pose her probing questions to Presidents Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, and Carter. Her articles brought more attention to the Civil Rights movement. She reported on Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott, and she interviewed Martin Luther King Jr. before he made national headlines. She also did extensive reporting on conditions for blacks in the South. As Cline-Ransome writes:
“It was her questions to presidents that finally made readers of all races pay attention to the plight of African Americans.”
In 1970, Payne broke another barrier and became the first African American woman to appear on a national network as a radio and television commentator. She worked for CBS from 1972-1982. In 1978, she left the Defender, and went on to serve as a professor for the School of Journalism at Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee for one year. She also advocated for the release of Nelson Mandela.
Ethel Payne died of a heart attack May 28, 1991. She is remembered for her straightforward writing style, and her forceful questioning. Unfortunately, Payne’s legacy is not well known, and according to the Washington Post: “Had Ethel Payne not been black, she certainly would have been one of the most recognized journalists in American society.”
In 2002, Payne was one of four female journalists honored with a likeness on a U.S. postage stamp. The others were white journalists Ida Tarbell, Marguerite Higgins and Nellie Bly.
John Parra’s illustrations show a heavy influence of Mexican and American folk art, using color strategically to convey emotions and overall mood. Clearly he researched Payne’s life and times, shown by the images he has created.
The book ends with an Author’s Note, selected bibliography and suggestions for further reading.
Evaluation: This is yet another inspiring book spotlighting the courage and persistence of African Americans who overcame prejudice against their race, and in this case, gender as well, to make a difference for themselves and their country.
June 14, 2022
The Power of Her Pen was a fantastic biography, highlighting the impact and many accomplishments by Ethel L. Payne during the fight for civil rights. “I wish that all the people could understand that we want for our children the same rights as any other human beings.”
As you quickly learn, Ethel really did “always ha[ve] an ear for stories.” A way with words that rang true and inspired. Ethel’s loving parents and supportive teachers encouraged her writing. “Long past her bedtime, Ethel collected the stories of people who followed a path paved with dreams.”
In newspapers, she wrote about the unjust experiences of the black community at home and what black soldiers faced abroad. “I was beginning to have the seeds of rebellion churning up in me.” Her stories gradually gained traction, her words having a far reaching effect. “Her reporting highlighted their struggle for justice, equal pay, housing, and education…created awareness and activism in the fight for civil rights for people across the globe.”
Soon found herself at the White House as one of the first Black press correspondents where she would be dubbed the “First Lady of the Black Press.” Ethel would relentlessly continue to use the power of words as her method to advocate for equal rights and improve the lives of Black people.
It’s an incredible recount of a life spent fighting for equality and justice for all, not just a select few. “I’ve had a box seat on history and that’s a rare thing.” Ethel L. Payne is truly a remarkable person.
I loved how she wasn’t afraid to ask the hard questions of presidents and other leaders, even presidents. The author notes, “Her pointed questions to numerous presidents elevated civil rights issues to the national agenda and, in turn, helped to speed along the slow wheels of change by holding elected officials accountable to their black constituents.”
I’m so happy to have had a chance to read her story. The Power of Her Pen is a must read!
As you quickly learn, Ethel really did “always ha[ve] an ear for stories.” A way with words that rang true and inspired. Ethel’s loving parents and supportive teachers encouraged her writing. “Long past her bedtime, Ethel collected the stories of people who followed a path paved with dreams.”
In newspapers, she wrote about the unjust experiences of the black community at home and what black soldiers faced abroad. “I was beginning to have the seeds of rebellion churning up in me.” Her stories gradually gained traction, her words having a far reaching effect. “Her reporting highlighted their struggle for justice, equal pay, housing, and education…created awareness and activism in the fight for civil rights for people across the globe.”
Soon found herself at the White House as one of the first Black press correspondents where she would be dubbed the “First Lady of the Black Press.” Ethel would relentlessly continue to use the power of words as her method to advocate for equal rights and improve the lives of Black people.
It’s an incredible recount of a life spent fighting for equality and justice for all, not just a select few. “I’ve had a box seat on history and that’s a rare thing.” Ethel L. Payne is truly a remarkable person.
I loved how she wasn’t afraid to ask the hard questions of presidents and other leaders, even presidents. The author notes, “Her pointed questions to numerous presidents elevated civil rights issues to the national agenda and, in turn, helped to speed along the slow wheels of change by holding elected officials accountable to their black constituents.”
I’m so happy to have had a chance to read her story. The Power of Her Pen is a must read!
July 24, 2020
The Power of Her Pen: The Story of Groundbreaking Journalist Ethel L. Payne is a children's picture book written by Lesa Cline-Ransome and illustrated by John Parra. It introduces journalist Ethel L. Payne, called "The First Lady of the Black Press" to young readers.
Ethel Lois Payne was an African-American journalist. Known as the "First Lady of the Black Press", she was a columnist, lecturer, and freelance writer. She combined advocacy with journalism as she reported on the Civil Rights Movement during the 1950s and 1960s, and was known for asking questions others dared not ask.
Cline-Ransome's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. The lengthy text gives a thorough treatment of Payne and her effects on national politics and culture. While the copious details are relevant, their telling feels somewhat tedious, as the various events lack a strong narrative thread to hold them together. Backmatter includes a note from the author, bibliography, credits, and further readings. Parra’s painted, folk-style illustrations use texture and a mix of earthy colors to create distinct scenes that are stronger individually than collectively.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. As a girl, Ethel loved the stories her elders told, reading at the library on weekends, and English class with a teacher who encouraged her writing. During World War II, she became a community organizer in her hometown of Chicago, and then began writing letters to newspapers about national politics and black issues. Eventually, she became one of only three black journalists with a White House press pass and covered six presidents, asking them tough questions about race.
All in all, The Power of Her Pen: The Story of Groundbreaking Journalist Ethel L. Payne is a wonderful biography of "The First Lady of the Black Press" – Ethel L. Payne.
Ethel Lois Payne was an African-American journalist. Known as the "First Lady of the Black Press", she was a columnist, lecturer, and freelance writer. She combined advocacy with journalism as she reported on the Civil Rights Movement during the 1950s and 1960s, and was known for asking questions others dared not ask.
Cline-Ransome's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. The lengthy text gives a thorough treatment of Payne and her effects on national politics and culture. While the copious details are relevant, their telling feels somewhat tedious, as the various events lack a strong narrative thread to hold them together. Backmatter includes a note from the author, bibliography, credits, and further readings. Parra’s painted, folk-style illustrations use texture and a mix of earthy colors to create distinct scenes that are stronger individually than collectively.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. As a girl, Ethel loved the stories her elders told, reading at the library on weekends, and English class with a teacher who encouraged her writing. During World War II, she became a community organizer in her hometown of Chicago, and then began writing letters to newspapers about national politics and black issues. Eventually, she became one of only three black journalists with a White House press pass and covered six presidents, asking them tough questions about race.
All in all, The Power of Her Pen: The Story of Groundbreaking Journalist Ethel L. Payne is a wonderful biography of "The First Lady of the Black Press" – Ethel L. Payne.
December 27, 2020
Another fine addition to the shelf of picture book biographies about historic contributions by African Americans.
Ethel L. Payne was born a reader and a writer, collecting family stories, going to the public library as a child, and publishing her first story in her school newspaper. She wrote letters to newspapers to comment on unjust laws and discrimination against blacks, began writing about the discrimination of black soldiers in the military, began writing articles for The Chicago Defender, which led her to being named one of three black journalists in the White House Press Corps. She questioned presidents from Eisenhower through Carter on their stance of civil right and the rights of African Americans.
Cline-Ransome's sensitive retelling of Payne's life is filled with just enough detail to generate interest in this intriguing woman. The focus here is on Payne's significant writing and questioning. There is enough information for a short report. Cline-Ransome includes a 2-page long author's note with more detail about Payne, a selected bibliography of sources and sources used, and a list of books for further reading for children about other admirable little-known women.
John Parra's illustrations of acrylic paint on illustration board are primitive in style, similar in feeling to folk artist Clementine Hunter. They are thoughtfully composed and expand the text well.
Excellent to include in units on journalism, civil rights, Black History, and women's history.
Recommended for grades 2-5.
Ethel L. Payne was born a reader and a writer, collecting family stories, going to the public library as a child, and publishing her first story in her school newspaper. She wrote letters to newspapers to comment on unjust laws and discrimination against blacks, began writing about the discrimination of black soldiers in the military, began writing articles for The Chicago Defender, which led her to being named one of three black journalists in the White House Press Corps. She questioned presidents from Eisenhower through Carter on their stance of civil right and the rights of African Americans.
Cline-Ransome's sensitive retelling of Payne's life is filled with just enough detail to generate interest in this intriguing woman. The focus here is on Payne's significant writing and questioning. There is enough information for a short report. Cline-Ransome includes a 2-page long author's note with more detail about Payne, a selected bibliography of sources and sources used, and a list of books for further reading for children about other admirable little-known women.
John Parra's illustrations of acrylic paint on illustration board are primitive in style, similar in feeling to folk artist Clementine Hunter. They are thoughtfully composed and expand the text well.
Excellent to include in units on journalism, civil rights, Black History, and women's history.
Recommended for grades 2-5.
May 9, 2020
“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 had to do the fighting,’ she quotes Payne saying, ‘somebody had to speak up.’” —Publishers Weekly
Renowned author Lesa Cline-Ransome and celebrated illustrator John Parra unite to tell the inspiring story of Ethel Payne, a groundbreaking African American journalist known as the First Lady of the Black Press.
“I’ve had a box seat on history.”
Ethel Payne always had an ear for stories. Seeking truth, justice, and equality, Ethel followed stories from her school newspaper in Chicago to Japan during World War II. It even led her to the White House briefing room, where she broke barriers as the only black female journalist. Ethel wasn’t afraid to ask the tough questions of presidents, elected officials, or anyone else in charge, earning her the title, “First Lady of the Black Press.”
Fearless and determined, Ethel Payne shined a light on the darkest moments in history, and her ear for stories sought answers to the questions that mattered most in the fight for Civil Rights.
“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 had to do the fighting,’ she quotes Payne saying, ‘somebody had to speak up.’” —Publishers Weekly
Renowned author Lesa Cline-Ransome and celebrated illustrator John Parra unite to tell the inspiring story of Ethel Payne, a groundbreaking African American journalist known as the First Lady of the Black Press.
“I’ve had a box seat on history.”
Ethel Payne always had an ear for stories. Seeking truth, justice, and equality, Ethel followed stories from her school newspaper in Chicago to Japan during World War II. It even led her to the White House briefing room, where she broke barriers as the only black female journalist. Ethel wasn’t afraid to ask the tough questions of presidents, elected officials, or anyone else in charge, earning her the title, “First Lady of the Black Press.”
Fearless and determined, Ethel Payne shined a light on the darkest moments in history, and her ear for stories sought answers to the questions that mattered most in the fight for Civil Rights.
October 31, 2021
The Power of Her Pen by Lisa-Cline-Ransome received the NCSS Notable Social Table Books for Young People Award in 2021. This amazing story is about a young girl, Ethel L. Payne who grows up and becomes an astonishing journalist recording the injustices administered to the black community. Payen opened the community’s eyes to the inequality bestowed on the black community. Spending almost fifty years as a White House reporter, Payne interviewed five different Presidents while they were in office, inquiring about their position on civil rights matters. Her enlightenment in newspaper articles helped countries all over the world bring awareness to how prejudices impacted the black community.
This book brings awareness of how discrimination restrains certain people from leading a fulfilling life. Teachers can utilize this story to help students understand the importance of standing up for themselves and their rights, in a positive way. Payne used her pen and paper to get her point across to the population and brought awareness to the conflict of civil rights.
This book brings awareness of how discrimination restrains certain people from leading a fulfilling life. Teachers can utilize this story to help students understand the importance of standing up for themselves and their rights, in a positive way. Payne used her pen and paper to get her point across to the population and brought awareness to the conflict of civil rights.
October 31, 2021
The power of her pen is an engaging story about a young black woman Ethel and her fight to show the unjust treatment of African American l and her fight for civil rights. We follow Ethel on her journey as a writer and journalist in her fight for equality and to have African Americans gain the same rights as whites people. The art is really well done and fits the tone of the story you can feel like you are their with them in this fight for civil rights, this book actually taught me something I never knew and that was even in the war African Americans were treated unjustly and segregated from whites. This is an important thing to note in history and this could be used by teachers to spread awareness of the things that went on during segregated times. It can also show the students that no matter how unjust the situation to never give up because that’s what Ethel did even when she was beaten up and had rocks thrown at her on her way to school she never gave up on her dreams.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2020
Ethel L. Payne knew how to tell a story - she sold her first to her school newspaper. She also knew how to speak up about injustice and discrimination, traveling to Japan after WWII and writing about black American Soldiers. She was a feature reporter for the Chicago Defender, eventually reporting for them from Washington D.C. She knew just the right questions to ask, fought hard for civil rights and made a difference.
Great illustrations highlight this well narrated biography. A bit long for a read aloud, but a thorough age appropriate life story of the "First Lady of the Black Press". Includes a bibliography, sources credits and a list for further reading.
For this and more of my reviews, visit http://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com
Great illustrations highlight this well narrated biography. A bit long for a read aloud, but a thorough age appropriate life story of the "First Lady of the Black Press". Includes a bibliography, sources credits and a list for further reading.
For this and more of my reviews, visit http://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com
August 9, 2020
“Ethel spent so much time in the White House, she earned the title First Lady of the Black Press.”
Ethel Payne was a journalist for five decades, using her pen to bring to light stories, ignored by the mainstream media, but important to the black community. She asked the tough questions on desegregation, immigration, the Vietnam War, and anti-discrimination to multiple presidents. She interviewed protestors and marched with Martin Luther King, Jr. “Somebody had to do the fighting, somebody had to speak up.” Because of her writing, she raised awareness and created activism in the fight for civil rights.
Includes an author’s note with additional information as well as a good bibliography for further reading.
Ethel Payne was a journalist for five decades, using her pen to bring to light stories, ignored by the mainstream media, but important to the black community. She asked the tough questions on desegregation, immigration, the Vietnam War, and anti-discrimination to multiple presidents. She interviewed protestors and marched with Martin Luther King, Jr. “Somebody had to do the fighting, somebody had to speak up.” Because of her writing, she raised awareness and created activism in the fight for civil rights.
Includes an author’s note with additional information as well as a good bibliography for further reading.
October 25, 2021
I found this picturebook in the NCSS Notable Social Trade Books for Young People list of 2021. The picturebook gives you a good look at the history of Ethel L. Payne and her journalist career. This book is a wonderful combination of fun picturebook and history that I thoroughly enjoyed. It most certainly has a lot of good history based information which would surely make it a wonderful read-aloud book for a lesson over black history. The story of an underdog rising the occasion and doing their best to become the writer they want to be is a very good book to introduce to young readers too as it gives them a sense that just because they are small, they can still do big things. A teacher would definitely miss out on a wonderful book like this if they did not have it in their library.
October 29, 2021
This book is featured on the NCSS Notable Social Trade Books for Young People book list. This book tells the true story of Ethel L. Payne during the Great Depression. In this story, the reader is taken along on Ethels journey to Japan, where she wrote about the black soldiers there and her writing became greatly recognized in America. After several years writing for the Chicago Defender, a black newspaper, she was issued White House press credentials and served through four administrations.
The detailed illustrations in this book allow the reader to better comprehend what is being said by showing important things that Ethel was advocating for. This is a great book for teaching students about African Americans fight for civil rights.
The detailed illustrations in this book allow the reader to better comprehend what is being said by showing important things that Ethel was advocating for. This is a great book for teaching students about African Americans fight for civil rights.
February 21, 2023
Great book. Lots of words per page so be prepared to read for a bit when you get started. Very informative and read well. I didn't know about a lot of this myself so both the Bebe and I learned from this.
Drawings remind me of something... Maybe a style I saw in something like a 'moving picture' thing my grandma showed me when I was little (like a book that moved the pieces around with long tabs... can't exactly remember all the details of it but it was cool). So the nostalgia was nice for me as well.
Bebe had a bit of trouble paying attention but he got through it just fine. We'd started today's reading session with this one which is always a bit of a gamble on his ability to stay seated. The fact that I didn't have to chase him down makes this five stars in and of itself lol!
Drawings remind me of something... Maybe a style I saw in something like a 'moving picture' thing my grandma showed me when I was little (like a book that moved the pieces around with long tabs... can't exactly remember all the details of it but it was cool). So the nostalgia was nice for me as well.
Bebe had a bit of trouble paying attention but he got through it just fine. We'd started today's reading session with this one which is always a bit of a gamble on his ability to stay seated. The fact that I didn't have to chase him down makes this five stars in and of itself lol!
April 13, 2020
2nd-3rd grade
biographical nonfiction.
What a great book about Ethel's story becoming a journalist! I love that this story is specifically about a black woman's story. This is a great description of black vs white. I also love the involvement of soldiers within this book, it creates a new element and perspective throughout the story. The deeper moral of hard work is subtle but prevalent. I actually love that a lot of the illustrations are black characters. I think this is a great visual for future students, not to have all "white" books. I love all the connections to black rights and Brown VS Board I would love this book in my class!
biographical nonfiction.
What a great book about Ethel's story becoming a journalist! I love that this story is specifically about a black woman's story. This is a great description of black vs white. I also love the involvement of soldiers within this book, it creates a new element and perspective throughout the story. The deeper moral of hard work is subtle but prevalent. I actually love that a lot of the illustrations are black characters. I think this is a great visual for future students, not to have all "white" books. I love all the connections to black rights and Brown VS Board I would love this book in my class!
May 17, 2022
I never heard of Ethel Payne until the book caught my eye in my library. Lesa Cline-Ransome did a fine job presenting the black journalist's experiences from her school newspaper to Japan during World War II to the Whitehouse. Half a dozen well-placed quotes reveal more about Ethel Payne while illustrator John Parra's artwork brings the scenes to life. Ethel Payne fearlessly asked tough questions that mattered in civil rights and was known as the "First Lady of the Black Press." The author includes more information about Ethel Payne in her Authors Note. The back matter also contains a Selected Bibliog., Source Credits, and Further Reading.
March 10, 2023
To begin, I really like the different illustration work that is seen in this story. It gives a very old book type feeling to the pages. It also tells the story of Ethel Payne in order but not so in detail that it seems like an article. It does a really good job at telling the story without making it too much about facts. It allows for kids of younger ages to read this story and comprehend what the story is about and how Ethel’s life is different than most without making the reading words to hard. Overall, this story allows a good moral of if you want something in life working for it is the only way to get it.
December 9, 2023
This book is a powerful biography about the journalist Ethel Payne. This story is a wonderful introduction to Ethel’s life and work as one of a small group of African-American women journalists who broke through in the mid-twentieth century. This story follows Ethel as she navigates the difficulties and rewards of being a brilliant, aspirational black woman who wants to work in journalism. The author uses both words and pictures to help explain her life and does so beautifully. This story is a bit long and has large passages which may be difficult for children to read themselves. So, this book should be read with an adult so things can be explained.
July 16, 2020
Another great addition to the picture book biography genre. It is about journalist Ethel L Payne Who lived in Chicago and her journey into the field of reporting and journalism. It touches on her being one of the only African-American female reporters at the White House and asking many different presidents questions about civil rights any quality issues in her fight for social and racial justice. I think books like this are Such an inspiring way to expose younger children to not only famous people but important moments in history and widen their scope of the world at a young age.
March 19, 2022
The Power of Her Pen:
This book follows a girl name Ethel and her love of stories. Ethel was treated with racism by her neighbors and school for being an African American attending school. Ethel proved them all wrong, got her education, went on to get her college degree, and fought against racism and injustice for against the African American community. Ethel became a flourishing writer, even earning the title “First Lady of the Black Press”. Ethel had many great accomplishments throughout her story and used her writing to share her inspiring journey.
This book follows a girl name Ethel and her love of stories. Ethel was treated with racism by her neighbors and school for being an African American attending school. Ethel proved them all wrong, got her education, went on to get her college degree, and fought against racism and injustice for against the African American community. Ethel became a flourishing writer, even earning the title “First Lady of the Black Press”. Ethel had many great accomplishments throughout her story and used her writing to share her inspiring journey.
October 29, 2022
This story is very inspiring and great for children to hear. It may be too long to keep younger kids engaged but is great for kids a bit older. The main character Ethel comes across many challenges in her life just because of the color of her skin, but it did not stop her, and she continued to keep writing. She ended up becoming so successful and became a voice for African Americans and demanded for them to have equal rights. This story shows children the importance of standing your ground and doing what is right, even when it may not be the easiest thing to do.
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