The House That Jane Built: A Story About Jane Addams

Vowing from an early age to improve the lives of the impoverished, Addams established a settlement home, Hull House, in Chicago in 1889, creating a community refuge. The desperation of the poor is evident in their anguished grimaces as they vie for spoiled food, while children’s joy as they play in Chicago’s first playground (thanks to Addams) is just as clear. In a moving portrayal of empathy and innovation in action, Stone and Brown convey both the significance of Addams’s contributions (“Today, every community center in America, in large part, has Jane Addams to thank”), as well as the physical transformations of those she helped. Ages 6–9. Author’s agent: Rosemary Stimola, Stimola Literary Studio. (June)