An Equal Shot: How the Law Title IX Changed America

During these current times, An Equal Shot is a very fitting nonfiction picture book that teaches young children about the fight for equal rights. Helaine Becker does a great job of creating an informative and very concise history of the American Title IX law and the ways it has empowered girls and women, changing America with just 37 words. She breaks Title IX law down for American girls (and indirectly Canadian girls as well) to understand their equal rights in sports, education, and job opportunities.

The colourful illustrations on every page by Dow Phumiruk depict a diverse representation of people from a variety of races and ethnicities. Becker and Phumiruk offer examples of the injustices girls and women had faced prior to this law and then show the positive changes Title IX has made in America. Some of these changes are highlighted at the end of the book with portraits of four influential women: Patsy Mink was the first woman of colour and the first Asian American woman to be elected to Congress; Bernice Sandler researched sex discrimination in the workplace and was instrumental in the creation of Title IX; Edith Green convened dozens of witnesses to prove discrimination being practiced all over America; Shirley Chisholm, was the first black woman elected to Congress. These women supported making sex discrimination illegal.

Although Becker and Phumiruk portray a sense of American patriotism with illustrations capturing the Declaration of Independence/Gettysburg Address, Canadian children can still enjoy this easy-to-read history of Title IX and how it has impacted the entire culture. Ultimately, An Equal Shot promotes power and change, motivating girls to break the gender divide and pursue their dreams.