A Woman in the House (and Senate) (Revised and Updated)

Engaging, well‑organized, and grounded in U.S. history and civics, A Woman in the House (and Senate) offers middle grade readers a clear introduction to how women have helped shape Congress—and how the story continues to unfold.

For the first 128 years of America’s history, only men served in the Senate and House of Representatives. All that changed in January 1917 when Jeannette Rankin was sworn in as the first woman elected to Congress.

From the women’s suffrage movement to the 2018 election, Ilene Cooper highlights influential and diverse female leaders who opened doors for women in politics. Women featured include Nancy Pelosi (the first woman Speaker of the House), Margaret Chase Smith (the first woman elected to the Senate), Patsy Mink (the first woman of color to serve in the House), and newcomers like Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ilhan Omar.

This updated book includes archival photographs and lively illustrations from Elizabeth Baddeley, as well as a chart of women who have served in Congress, appendices that define key terms and governmental procedures, and an index. 

Don't miss this accessible and informative resource for classrooms, libraries, and curious readers.