Dovey Undaunted

In this well-written account of the life story of Dovey J. Roundtree, author Tonya Bolden shows how Dovey's success as an Army WAC, a lawyer, and a minister was possible because she "came from fighting stock," and was supported by her family and others such as Mary McLeod Bethune, Pauli Murray, and Mary Neptune, a professor at Spelman College. Dovey's strength and determination are clearly documented in the text and by primary sources. This is a complicated story--one of astounding perseverance and a will that was strong enough to break barriers. Overall, Bolden shows how faith in religion and faith in the law were also strong supports. This narrative offers many options for discussion and further learning--topics such as racial justice, women's history, civil rights, and biographical narrative come to mind. Another interesting focus is to investigate Tonya Bolden's writing type--how she creates interest while providing content. There is a great deal to learn from this important book.

I cannot believe I hadn't heard of Dovey Johnson Roundtree before this. She is the exact kind of lawyer I want to emulate after graduation, fighting for individuals' civil rights and liberties. I greatly admire her dedication to her beliefs in the face of adversity and her refusal to accept less just because she was a Black woman. Not only did she dislike the system as it oppressed her and other Black people and women, she spent years learning and working to push back against that system for herself and for others. I'm going to add her memoir to my list, but I am so grateful for this introduction to her life and story. I can only imagine the world of good this book can do in the hands of younger readers searching for historical role models. What a phenomenal woman and a phenomenal book.

An inspirational story that would be a great addition to any children's library! It was a complex narrative that does a great job at portraying a figure who should be much more well known.