Living Dangerously

Dangerous Jane by Suzanne Slade ill Alice Ratterree

"Nothing could be worse than the fear that one had given up too soon,
​and had left our effort unexpended which might have saved the world."  Jane Addams

I grew up hearing stories of Abigail Adams, wife of John Adams. She exerted a significant influence on the development of our country's basic principles during America's formative years.  I admired her and was fascinated by her ideals of equality and liberty.
​As I became older, I  my mother informed me that there was another important woman in our country's history with the name of Addams.  This name, mother reminded me, was spelled with two d's. She offered me a glimpse into the life of Jane Addams including a brief account about the formation of Hull House. I was intrigued. I had discovered another distinguished woman from American history.  Not one, but two remarkable women sharing the same last name. Jane Addams also became a hero of mine. 

My hands trembled with excitement as I picked up a copy of  Suzanne Slade's  Dangerous Jane, a thoughtful picture book biography of this remarkable woman. Beginning with her birth and early childhood, which included the death of her mother and contraction of a debilitating condition,   Jane is characterized as a sensitive and well-educated young woman. After extensive travel in Europe, she returned home determined to realize her dream of creating a settlement house in Chicago.  With the successful establishment of Hull House, she eventually turned her attention to seeking a peaceful resolution to World War I with the formation of the Women's Peace Party in America.  Her leadership brought her international attention: some unfavorable (FBI naming her "Most Dangerous Woman in America") and some favorable (first American woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize.) 
"Throughout her life she remained committed to "doing what she'd always done: helping people."

Alice Ratterree's soft watercolor illustrations show Jane within the context of her ever-expanding sphere of influence.  The passage of time is expertly reflected in the subtle changes in her appearance as Jane ages. The text is significantly enhanced with Jane's expressive face: the dismay on her young face as she views poverty, her hopeful outlook as she returns to American, the adult women looking to her charges with such care. As she encounters the problem of war, her face by turns registers discouragement, resolve, and compassion.  The images on the final pages portray a woman who has lived a full and rich life, surrounded by some of the individuals who benefitted from her untiring efforts.

Backmatter includes additional biographical information, a timeline, a selected bibliography, and a listing of quotation sources. An outstanding addition to a picture book biography collection. Readers will be inspired by the life of Addams. ​ ​

Wanted: Heroes Who Will Change the World

This historical account of a determined activist can serve as a model for young readers.  After reading and discussing Dangerous Jane, help youngsters explore ways in which they can make a difference.  Encourage them to research the community and identify actions that young people can take to improve life for others in their immediate community or within a larger context.  Video clips of young activists who are reaching out to others may serve as an inspiration.

Using the Jane Addams posters as an inspiration, young activists may want to create their own "wanted" posters.  Here is an example: After visiting the local Humane Society, a group of teens in our area decided to conduct a blanket and towel drive to benefit a local animal shelter.  Poster artwork was created one of the teens. The group collected an impressive stack of linens which they delivered to the Humane Society.  An easy-to-arrange community service project. Inspired by Jane Addams, young people can find ways to help "save the world."

"She just kept right on working 
for world peace,
for people in need,
for the rest of her life."