  | Mae makes a way : the true story of Mae Reeves, hat & history maker Author: Rhuday-Perkovich, Olugbemisola | |
| Price: $23.28 | ||
Summary:
Mae had a dream to make one-of-a-kind hats. But the path for a Black female designer was unclear, so Mae made a way, leaving her home in the segregated South to study at the Chicago School of Millinery. In Philadelphia, she became the first Black woman to own a business on South Street. Whether you were Lena Horne, Ella Fitzgerald, Marian Anderson, or a lady from the neighborhood, Mae wanted you to look good and feel special in one of her original hats.
| Illustrator: | Pippins, Andrea |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (07/01/22)
Booklist (05/15/22)
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (A) (00/05/22)
Full Text Reviews:
Booklist - 05/15/2022 In her new picture book, Rhuday-Perkovich (It Doesn’t Take a Genius, 2021) focuses on social issues and the importance of Black-owned businesses. This is the true story of milliner Mae Reeves. Born in Vidalia, Georgia, in the early 1900s, Mae lost her parents at a young age and was forced to grow up quickly and support her younger siblings. Over time, she held a variety of jobs that involved teaching or caring for others, aspects of work Mae found she enjoyed. It was in millinery work that Mae combined her love of art and philanthropy. Many of her beautiful, bespoke pieces are now being held at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The digital artwork in the story includes vibrant hues that make the beautiful hat pieces stand out. Though a bit text-heavy for new or prereaders, this biography is a vital piece of literature that documents an amazing woman who continuously persevered despite racial disparities. - Copyright 2022 Booklist.
