The House that Jane Built: A Story About Jane Addams

K-Gr 2—This charming picture book details the life of social worker and activist Jane Addams. At a young age, Addams became aware that not all people had the advantages in life that she enjoyed, and she was determined to "find a way to fix the world." Because of the influence of her enlightened father, she went to college at a time when most women didn't. She graduated at the top of her class but was uncertain what to do next. While visiting London with friends, Addams saw poor people begging to buy rotten food at a market. Reminded of her early resolve to help the needy, she visited Toynbee Hall, a London settlement house that proposed that rich and poor live together, "settled in," so they could learn from one another. She returned home with a plan. Chicago in 1889 was home to many immigrants in search of a better life, but language barriers made it difficult to find decent jobs. Stone describes how Addams located a large house in a rough neighborhood and named it Hull House in honor of a benefactor. Addams's efforts transformed neighborhoods and lives, and by 1907 Hull House had grown into 13 community buildings. Rendered in watercolor with pen and ink, the illustrations, both full bleed and spot, beautifully evoke the time period and enhance the well-researched, accessible text. The author's note shares more of Addams's remarkable accomplishments.