Karen Blumenthal’s Work Lives On

Besides being an award-winning author of nonfiction books for teens as well as a longtime financial journalist, Karen Blumenthal was a beloved, connecting force in the Dallas children’s/YA literature scene, regularly hosting gatherings along with author Polly Holyoke to help Dallas authors support one another. Not long after the 2020 release of her YA nonfiction book Jane Against the World: Roe v. Wade and the Fight for Reproductive Rights, Karen passed away suddenly. She had so much knowledge and information still to share, so much to say that was important.

Her work lives on, with a new picture book by Karen and her daughter Jen McCartney released this week. Revolutionary Mary: the True Story of One Woman, the Declaration of Independence, and America’s Fight for Freedom is a riveting picture book biography that rings with importance in its portrayal of the US history of not only women but also press freedom (and lack of). Elizabeth Baddeley’s illustrations, rich with primary colors, exude calm energy and further the story by incorporating bold text elements into the art.

Thank you to Roaring Brook Press and to Karen’s family for continuing her work through this important picture book.

Buy the book! Read about Karen: NYT obituary, her support of Dallas libraries, her website.