The Girl Who Wore Pants - (Egalitè) by Susanna Isern (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Luisa was a brave girl from Puerto Rico who, ever since she was young, fought for what she believed was right and defended women's rights. She lived in a time when women had to wear skirts, even though they were often uncomfortable and did not allow them to move freely. Luisa decided to change things, becoming one of the first women to wear pants in public! Based on real events, celebrate the impact of Luisa Capetillo who was an activist and change-maker!"--

Book Synopsis

Luisa Capetillo decides to break the strict rules of her time with a simple but revolutionary gesture: putting on pants. A brave act that initiated an important social transformation.

Luisa was a brave girl from Puerto Rico who, ever since she was young, fought for what she believed was right and defended women's rights. She lived in a time when women had to wear skirts, even though they were often uncomfortable and did not allow them to move freely. Luisa decided to change things, becoming one of the first women to wear pants in public!

Based on real events, celebrate the impact of Luisa Capetillo who was an activist and change-maker!

Review Quotes

Capetillo was much more than a girl in pants, but this slice of her story captures her determined spirit and will speak to young people. Gili's crisply lined illustrations feature pops of pastels and hot pinks, layering stunning realistic-looking characters over more abstract, foliage-filled backdrops.
A snapshot of a groundbreaking, pants-wearing feminist hero. - Kirkus.

I love discovering artists I've never encountered before. Esther Gili? I think I'm your newest fan. This woman knows a thing or two about capturing emotion (check out the images below). And that talent certainly comes in hand with this biography of Puerto Rican activist Luisa Capatillo. - A Fuse8 Production.

Isern explores Capetillo's groundbreaking "bravery and her unconventional clothing" in a direct and straightforward style, effectively conveying Luisa's determination: "She could only think about that annoying skirt that made it difficult for her to move freely." Esther Gili's illustrations, filled with calming earth tones and vibrant bursts of teal, rose, and marigold, capture Luisa's joy in being skirt-free. Isern's story is a solid introduction to a woman who dared to defy expectations and paved the way for greater freedom and equality for women. - Julie Danielson. Shelf Awareness.

It is especially recommended for family, elementary school, and community library picture book collections. - Midwest Book Review - Children's Book Watch.

Isern strikes a good balance between historical fact and a kid-friendly narrative about a spunky girl who just wants the freedom to move and play and make her own decisions. The colorful pencil-like illustrations add to the celebratory and cheerful feel of the text and recall Capetillo's tropical homeland. - School Library Journal.


Young readers today might be surprised to learn of a time in which women were confined to skirts. Isern's story is a solid introduction to a woman who dared to defy expectations and paved the way for greater freedom and equality for women. - Shelf Awareness Pro.

About the Author

Susanna Isern has published over 100 books worldwide, translated into over a dozen languages. She has been awarded the Silver Medal in the 2013 Moonbeam Children's Book Awards and her Bogo the Fox Who Wanted Everything, published by NubeOcho, is a Junior Library Guild Selection. She works as children psychologist and writer.

Esther Gili was born in Madrid (Spain) in 1981. She studied illustration at Art School No. 10 in Madrid. She worked for a decade illustrating textbooks and regularly collaborated with audiovisual production companies doing work for film and advertising. In 2015 she published Encantadas, her first picture book, written by David Aceituno. And she hasn't stopped since! As well as picture books, Ester illustrates notebooks, bags and agendas made by Cuquiland and also has a collection of puzzles. Her favorite technique is watercolor, so she uses it whenever she can. And a common element in her work is women with character, magic and kindness!