Abzuglutely! Battling, Bellowing Bella Abzug Written by Sarah Aronson, Illustrated by Arielle Jovellanos


From the moment she was told to “act like a lady,” Bella Abzug decided she’d do the exact opposite. Abzuglutely! is a bold, vivid picture book biography that tells the story of Bella Abzug, lawyer, activist, Congresswoman, and unapologetic trailblazer. She was a force for feminism, a fighter for civil and human rights, and a powerful voice in American politics who just happened to wear wide-brimmed hats and speak her mind without apology.



Curriculum Connections

Social Studies & Civics 

Bella Abzug’s life is a roadmap for civic engagement. This book is ideal for middle and high school students studying:

  • The Civil Rights Movement

  • Women’s Liberation

  • LGBTQ+ Rights

  • American Government & Lawmaking

  • Post-WWII Political History

Use it to launch discussions about the roles of protest, political representation, and the power of individuals in shaping democracy. Students can compare Abzug’s legislative legacy with modern figures in Congress and explore how activism translates into policy.

Feminism & Equal Rights 

Bella Abzug didn’t just fight for women, she fought as a woman. Her fearless approach to leadership and politics is a springboard for lessons about gender equity and the feminist movements of the 1960s and ’70s. Teachers can connect her legacy to Title IX, the Equal Rights Amendment, and current debates on gender equity in schools and the workplace.

Jewish Identity & Cultural Connections

Bella’s Jewish heritage shaped her strong sense of justice and community responsibility. This book provides a thoughtful entry point for exploring:

  • The role of Jewish Americans in progressive politics

  • Jewish values around social justice (e.g., tikkun olam, or repairing the world)

  • The challenges of antisemitism in public life

Invite students to explore how Bella’s cultural and religious identity influenced her activism and how identity continues to impact leadership today.

Diversity, Protest & Activism 

Pair Abzuglutely! with picture books like Let the Children March or Brave Girl to spark conversations about protest, peaceful resistance, and the many faces of activism. Encourage students to investigate local activism or write about issues they care about.

Consider civic action projects:

  • Write letters to elected officials

  • Create posters about equality and inclusion

  • Host a student-led debate or roundtable on civil rights issues

Discussion Questions

Social Studies & Civics

  1. What role does a Congressperson play, and how did Bella Abzug use her position to create change?

  2. How does Bella Abzug’s work connect to the Constitution and the rights it protects?

  3. Why is it important for elected officials to speak out even when their ideas are unpopular?

Feminism & Equal Rights

  1. What barriers did Bella face as a woman in politics, and how did she respond to them?

  2. How did Bella’s actions help future generations of women leaders?

  3. What does feminism mean to you, and how do you see it in your own community today?

Jewish Identity & Social Justice

  1. How did Bella’s Jewish upbringing and values shape her activism?

  2. What is tikkun olam, and how did Bella embody this concept in her life’s work?

  3. How can cultural identity inspire people to work for justice and equality?

Diversity, Protest & Activism

  1. What issues did Bella Abzug fight for, and how did she make her voice heard?

  2. Why is protest important in a democracy, and what are some examples of peaceful activism?

  3. If you could start a movement today, what would it be about and how would you begin?

Bella Abzug’s story reminds us that real change happens when bold voices refuse to be silenced. Abzuglutely! is a vibrant call to action for young readers to find their voice, challenge injustice, and take up space in the world. Whether you’re teaching about social movements, civic responsibility, or personal courage, this picture book offers a powerful lesson: don’t wait to be invited to the table, bring your own chair.


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