Abzuglutely! - by Sarah Aronson (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Battling Bella Abzug was born bellowing! From her childhood in the Bronx to her years as a lawyer, activist, wife, mother, and congresswoman, Bella battled for justice and fairness for everyone. Inspired by her Jewish upbringing and wholehearted belief in tikkun olam--repairing the world--she spoke her truth everywhere she went. Even when it wasn't appreciated. Bella just kept on battling! Sarah Aronson and Andrea D'Aquino spotlight this trailblazer who helped kickstart the modern women's movement--with humor and passion--always in one of her trademark wide-brimmed hats. An unstoppable and unforgettable leader who showed the world a vision for the future--that a woman's place was in the house--the House of Representatives! Abzuglutely!"--Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

2025 NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Book Winner

"As long as people are reading this book, Bella will be with us still." --Gloria Steinem

Meet unique and outspoken Bella Abzug, the iconic Jewish politician and activist who fought for justice and women's rights, in this compelling picture book biography.

Battling Bella Abzug was born bellowing! From her childhood in the Bronx to her years as a lawyer, activist, wife, mother, and congresswoman, Bella battled for justice and fairness for everyone. Inspired by her Jewish upbringing and wholehearted belief in tikkun olam--repairing the world--she spoke her truth everywhere she went. Even when it wasn't appreciated. Bella just kept on battling!

Sarah Aronson and Andrea D'Aquino spotlight this trailblazer who helped kickstart the modern women's movement--with humor and passion--always in one of her trademark wide-brimmed hats. An unstoppable and unforgettable leader who showed the world a vision for the future--that a woman's place was in the house--the House of Representatives! Abzuglutely!

Review Quotes

A Bank Street Best Book 2025
2025 Kansas NEA Reading Circle List

"As long as people are reading this book, Bella will be with us still." --Gloria Steinem

★ "As a model of a flamboyant, loudmouthed liberal, it would be hard to top Bella Abzug, and here Aronson does her justice... Could budding activists learn something from her example? Abzuglutely."--Booklist, starred review

"A vigorous biography of politician and activist Bella Abzug... D'Aquino's expressionistic ink, colored pencil, and wax crayon illustrations match Aronson's verve and admiration, spotlighting Abzug in vivid reds and depicting her in open-mouthed poses to demonstrate her relentless campaigning for social change. An adoring and inspirational life story, as ardent as its subject."--Kirkus Reviews

"The layout of D'Aquino's child-friendly illustrations and occasional handwritten phrases brings the words to life and makes Abzug's impact tangible...The book ends with an inspirational call to action for readers in the twenty-first century to help fulfill Abzug's vision."--The Horn Book

"This inspiring and informative picture book biography introduces readers to Bella Abzug, a lawyer, activist, and congresswoman who is often considered a pioneer for the modern women's movement. The colorful pencil and crayon illustrations depict her in her signature red and wearing a hat, and perfectly capture her larger-than-life personality. The text is cleverly placed within the drawings, and the font varies in type, size, and color to emphasize key phrases and ideas. A detailed author's note, time line, and bibliography are appended along with archival photographs. As Aronson concludes, Abzug 'didn't get everything she fought for, but she got the battle started. So your voices could be heard.' This first children's book about an important trailblazer "abzuglutely" belongs on the shelf of every library alongside other portraits of leading Jewish women..."--School Library Journal

"At last, there is a pic­ture book biog­ra­phy of the cru­sad­ing fem­i­nist leg­is­la­tor and activist Bel­la Sav­itzky Abzug (1920-1998). Author Sarah Aron­son and illus­tra­tor Andrea D'Aquino present Abzu­gr as a smart and tough native New York­er, a girl who grew up defy­ing gen­der roles and con­tin­ued on that path through­out her career.... Aron­son clear­ly estab­lish­es the dichoto­my of views about a per­sis­tent woman who would nev­er give up... D'Aquino's close-up por­trait of her is as bold as the woman her­self, show­ing Abzug's core mes­sage with­in a mouth wide open in speech."--The Jewish Book Council

About the Author

Sarah Aronson is the author of books such as Just Like Rube Goldberg, illustrated by Robert Neubecker, and Brand-New Bubbe, illustrated by Ariel Landy. She received an MFA in writing for children and young adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts.

Andrea D'Aquino is the author and illustrator of several picture books, including A Life Made by Hand: The Story of Ruth Asawa; She Heard the Birds: The Story of Florence Merriam Bailey; and an illustrated edition of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. She has been recognized by the Society of Illustrators, American Illustration, and the Type Director's Club, among many other illustration organizations.