Introducing Sandwina - by Vicki Conrad (Hardcover)

About the Book

"No one believe a woman could be stronger than a man, until Katie Brumbach--also known as Sandwina--displayed her show-stopping feats as a circus strongwoman"--

Book Synopsis

No one believed a woman could be stronger than a man, until Katie Brumbach-also known as Sandwina--displayed her show-stopping feats as a circus strongwoman.

100 pounds . . . 200 pounds . . . 300 pounds! Katie Brumbach became the world's top strongwoman after she ousted Eugen Sandow by lifting hundreds of pounds over her head (which Sandow could barely lift to his shoulders). After that, she took the last name Sandwina and thrived in the circus world--which she had been participating in since the age of two when she first performed with her family. She grew over six feet tall as she got older, but Katie never second-guessed herself, and she trained to build her muscles, always eager to test her skills and try new feats.

After starting a family with a fellow performer, they were eventually signed to work with John Ringling of the Ringling Bros. Circus. Sandwina impressed the crowds by balancing a 1,000-pound cannon on her chest, by throwing a one-ton stone, and by having an iron slab broken on her body--she stole the show!

Review Quotes

2025 Kansas NEA Reading Circle List

★ "It's such a treat when a picture book's writing and illustrations are equally matched, and Conrad and Holmes pool their talents to lift Katie Brumbach, stage name Sandwina, to heights befitting her status as the world's strongest woman... Spectacular!" -Booklist, starred review

★ "In this outstanding picture book biography, well-researched text and illustrations bring to life an extraordinary performer... This factual and inspiring account will resonate with many readers, and is an especially good choice for women's history month." -School Library Journal, starred review

"Though [Sandwina] wowed audiences with her astounding feats of strength, Conrad passionately emphasizes that she was celebrated for her femininity, too, mothering two sons and wearing 'bold costumes' that highlighted her muscles....What really steals the show, however, are the striking, old-timey illustrations in a primary color palette with circus-style fonts and framing...In this dazzling introduction, an extraordinary woman takes her rightful place back in the spotlight." --Kirkus Reviews

"Ladies, gentlemen, and children of all ages will delight in this biographical picture book about a circus strongwoman who bucked social expectations. Evoking vintage circus posters, the illustrations apply a strict palette of golden yellow, red, and teal, tracking Katie Brumbach's journey from a child in a family of circus performers to taking on the mantle of Sandwina." --Foreword Reviews

"A rousing introduction to a larger-than-life figure."--The Horn Book

About the Author

Vicki Conrad has carved out a space in children's literature with titles that feature strong women in history. She is the author of Just Like Beverly, about the life of Beverly Cleary, and A Voice for the Everglades, which features Margory Stoneman Douglas's activism.

Jeremy Holmes is an award-winning picture book illustrator and professor of art at West Chester University. His debut book, There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly, won the prestigious BolognaRagazzi Opera Prima Award. He also assisted with the creation of the puppets for the Emmy-nominated show The Helpsters on PBS and AppleTV+.