Ordinary Equality

"Ordinary Equality is an antithesis to the dry, academic tone most often associated with constitutional law and history texts. This stylized approach, layering Kelly's words with historical graphics and highlighted pull quotes throughout, captures the out-loud spirit of the ERA itself, as well as that of the trailblazers who helped it along the way. Congress met in 2019 to discuss the ERA again for the first time in 36 years, nearly 100 years after the amendment was first drafted in 1923. While the history of the ERA is still a work in progress, Kelly insists that 'we cannot allow one more generation to pass before we get the legal recognition we deserve in our country's blueprint.' In that vein, Ordinary Equality is as much an invitation as it is a celebration, informing new generations of leaders about a past too often overlooked, and what that past can teach us about the future of the ERA--and beyond--as the 'distinguished list' of those helping to frame the United States' legal system continues to expand." 

"Lawyer and podcaster Kelly focuses this breezy and inspiring history of the fight against gender and sex discrimination on 12 women who pushed for 'constitutional equality' for women and other marginalized groups. Throughout, Kelly details her own activism on behalf of the Equal Rights Amendment and enlivens the proceedings with a dash of irreverence (on Abigail Adams: 'She immediately rage-texted her BFF Mercy Otis Warren (via letter)') that complements the book’s bold graphic design. This spirited introduction to the battle for gender equality will appeal especially to young adults."

"Kelly, human-rights lawyer and host of the podcast Ordinary Equality, brings this fantastic introduction to the women and queer people who pioneered the ERA to life. The language is colloquial and showcases her storytelling talents, not at all the fare of academic biographies. Nicole LaRue’s graphics and illustrations combined with Kelly’s storytelling techniques and accessible language make this something teens will also find a fun, engaging read."

“A fun, vibrant work perfectly suited to its intended audience: a potential new generation of ERA activists. … Kelly has an eye for interesting details and a gift for phrasemaking.”

“In this house, the house that is Glamour, we read feminist activist Kate Kelly. In her gorgeous new book, she provides a primer to the struggle for the Equal Rights Amendment, tracing it through her own lineage …. In the energetic, readable book she chronicles the efforts of feminist heroes, from Phillis Wheatley, the first published African American woman poet, to suffragist Alice Paul, to Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Gift this book to your mother, your sister, or maybe even (brace yourself!) a man.”

“[Kelly’s] approach not only makes these important trailblazers feel more real, it also puts the reader in the moment - the 1920s can feel far away, but in reality it really was only 100 years ago, and those fighting for equal rights then still face the same roadblocks we do today.”

“This book is a treasure trove. Kate Kelly has created an encyclopedia of women who have altered the history of the United States against all odds. Nicole LaRue has wrapped Ordinary Equality in a beautiful design, making this a truly accessible and beautiful read.”

"“In such a dystopian time, Kate Kelly’s Ordinary Equality serves as a beacon of hope and optimism. Kelly’s words inform and ignite readers, and LaRue’s illustrations quite literally offer a road map to amending the U.S. Constitution, breaking down the ERA movement and the processes around it so that anyone can read through the legal jargon. It's an ingenious combination of words and art.“"