Believing in Books

July 1, 2003
Gr 4-6-Smith, author of The Unreluctant Years (ALA, 1991), is an icon of children's librarianship. She began her career at the New York Public Library in the early 1900s working with Anne Carroll Moore, eventually moving on to the Toronto Public Library. In 1922, she opened the Boys and Girls House, a library for children, and built a collection that is still recognized internationally. Throughout her long career, Smith fought to connect children and books, never compromising her belief that children deserve the best. Waxman has simplified this woman's story by creating characters who are composites of numerous individuals and at times telling Smith's story from their point of view. However, she notes that "The facts, the quotes and the scenarios remain historically accurate." Unfortunately, the book is at times simplistic and idealistic, glossing over the real struggles Smith faced. Average-quality, black-and-white photos, drawings, and reproductions appear throughout, often in the wide margins that also feature quotes by the woman and her contemporaries. While children's librarians may appreciate this tribute to Smith, the book will have limited appeal for children.-Laura Reed, Kitchener Public Library, Ontario, Canada

Copyright 2003 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.