ROSIE: STRONGER THAN STEEL
By: Lindsay Ward
Published: April 1, 2020
Publisher: Two Lions
Fiction
As someone who loves historical fiction, this children’s historical fiction based on facts is a delight! Growing up on a farm with a strong and hard-working mom, this book brought me joy. My mom is 81 and has her very own “Rosie”, a tractor from the 1940s that she drives in parades and in tractorcades. I can’t wait to share this book with her and with the little ones in my family.
Rosie is a tractor that was built by women who went to work in the factories while their fathers, brothers, and husbands were off at war. Rosie the tractor was then sent to England to work in the fields alongside the female farmers during WWII. Rosie the tractor works day and night for her family to help grow crops for the troops. She is proud to do everything she can to help and once the war is over Rosie is older and sees all the new and younger tractors moving faster than she did. She teaches them everything she knows and is very tired. But, she can still hold her own and continue to make her family proud.
Lindsay Ward’s illustrations show the determination and joy of the women while they are working and how proud Rosie is to carry out her job each day. The author’s note at the end shares why Ward decided to write this story and some of the history behind it. Rosie is named after Rosie the Riveter and I was familiar with that part of our history, but I had never heard of the Women’s Land Army in England before. I’m so thankful for the resource links she included in the back of the book so I could find out more.
Ward also includes a little song that kids can make up the tune and sing along while Rosie is working the fields. Rosie offers a great message for kids about the importance of everyone working together and doing their part, especially when times are tough. This is an inspiring, educational, and fun book for kids and adults.
Lindsay Ward is the creator of the Dexter T. Rexter series as well as This Book Is Gray, Brobarians, Rosco vs. the Baby, and The Importance of Being 3. Her book Please Bring Balloons was also made into a play. Lindsay lives with her family in Peninsula, Ohio, where she often sees tractors from the 1930s and 1940s. Learn more about her online at www.lindsaymward.com.
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I’m a huge fan of Lindsay Ward’s children’s books. Check these out:
Other books about farming you might like:
Thanks to the publisher for sending a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to make a purchase through the above links, I may receive a small commission without having to pay a cent more for your purchae.
Posted Under Book Review, Children's books, farm, fiction, historical fiction, Kid Konnection, Lindsay Ward, Women's history, WWII