Let Me Play

Let Me Play: the story of Title IX, the law that changed the future for girls in America
Karen Blumenthal
Atheneum, 2005; ISBN 0689859570
Recommended reading age: 12 and up

Summary:
Karen Blumenthal takes readers through the journey of Title IX, from its birth to its implementation. She also shows how Title IX works today—even though it continues to be challenged. Photographs of sports teams, female athletes, and women in academia appear next to Blumenthal’s writing. She never limits herself to girls in sports, although that is the main focus. She also intends this book for young readers, but her writing and information level are still perfect for adult readers.

Review:
I played a lot of sports growing up, I attend grad school, and I consider myself a feminist. I was therefore surprised to learn so much from Let Me Play. I can attribute this to Blumenthal’s extensive research, and her high-level, clear writing style. This book originally came to my attention during a project I did on girls in sports. However, it covers so many more topics, and so much more history. I’d recommend this book to anyone interested in athletics, American civil rights, and women’s history.