Introducing Sandwina

By Vicki Conrad; Illustrated by Jeremy Holmes

Informational Resources:

Author Information:

Vicki Conrad 

https://redfoxliterary.com/people/vicki-conrad/

https://sasquatchbooks.com/2021/03/30/meet-the-author-vicki-conrad/

Illustrator Information:

https://www.jeremyholmesstudio.com/

Activities & Resources:

More facts about Katie Sandwina (4:23)

https://youtu.be/NP7m5JQKkMc?si=XNFzhOFfLpClh5Ha

The "Vintage" Circus Poster: Sandwina was a star of the Barnum & Bailey Circus. Have children design their own vintage-style circus poster.

Strongperson Training Circuit: Sandwina’s strength didn't happen by accident. Set up a simple "training camp" in the classroom or gym using bodyweight exercises. (4:10) https://youtu.be/gkw0JCdZO90?si=MPZcNVIohXjsdecI

"Inner Strength" Portraits: Sandwina was physically strong, but she also had great "inner strength" to face doubters.The Activity: On a piece of paper, have children draw a silhouette of themselves. Inside the silhouette, they write words representing their inner strengths (e.g., Kindness, Bravery, Patience). Outside the silhouette, they can draw things that make them feel physically strong.

The "Greatest Feat" Newspaper Report: Imagine you were a reporter at the show where Sandwina defeated the famous strongman Eugene Sandow. The Activity: Write a short "breaking news" article or record a "radio broadcast" describing the moment she lifted the weights that Sandow couldn't move.

Heavy or Light? Estimation Station: Sandwina’s life revolved around weight and balance. The Activity: Provide a variety of opaque containers filled with different items (sand, cotton balls, pennies). Have children rank them from lightest to heaviest just by lifting them, then use a simple scale to check their accuracy.

Comparing Legends: Sandwina vs. Hercules: Sandwina was often compared to mythical figures. The Activity: Use a Venn Diagram to compare Katie Sandwina (a real person) to a mythological hero like Hercules or Maui.

Circus Talent Show (Drama): Sandwina came from a family of performers. The Activity: In small groups, children create a 1-minute "circus act." One child can be the "Ringmaster" introducing the act, while others perform a "feat" (balancing a feather on their nose, a choreographed somersault, or a comedic skit).

Vocabulary Weightlifting: The Activity: Draw a dumbbell at the top of a piece of paper. On one side, write a "weak" word (e.g., nice). On the other side, write a "strong," more descriptive synonym (e.g., benevolent or compassionate). Try to list at least 5 words on each side of the dumbbell. 

The Geography of the Circus: Sandwina traveled from Germany to the United States. The Activity: Use a map to trace her journey from Europe to the major cities in the U.S. where the circus performed.

"I Can Lift..." Goal Setting: Sandwina overcame many obstacles by believing in her own power. The Activity: Have children write down one "heavy" challenge they are currently facing (like learning long division or making a new friend). Discuss strategies for "lifting" that challenge through practice and persistence.

MakerSpace Activities:

Make an Iron Bridge (5:58)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8mFuuyZC6A

Design a cardboard Sandwina figurine (28:34)

https://youtu.be/0nQSXsxJnyo?si=JrCnu-JJxQht5Hfz

Make YOur Own Super Pulley (14:05)

https://youtu.be/O-mDBjyglCM?si=9ButiLbssLfZ0I4p

Make your own set of paper dumbbells (5:10)

https://youtu.be/31Jmn2dvgKU?si=nNF7jmtu8ycM6OWe

Discussion Questions:

In Sandwina’s time, what were people expected to believe about strong women? How did Katie Brumbach prove these expectations wrong?

Why did Katie choose the stage name "Sandwina"? What was the significance of taking the name of the man she defeated, Eugen Sandow? What message did this send to the audience?

The book mentions that Sandwina wore "bold costumes" that highlighted her muscles. Why was this an important choice? How does her outfit challenge the idea that women must look "delicate”?

If you could create a new title for Sandwina that captured all of her strengths—not just physical—what would it be? (Examples: The Champion of Confidence, The Pioneer of Power.)

Which of Sandwina's amazing feats of strength (lifting the cannon, twisting the iron bar, lifting her husband Max) did you find the most impressive and why?

Max Heymann, Sandwina's husband, became a central part of her act. In what ways was he a supportive partner, and how did their act flip the traditional gender roles you might see in a circus?

Sandwina was born into a circus family, but she still had to train very hard. What does Sandwina's story teach us about the difference between a natural talent and dedicated practice?

Sandwina was the strongest woman in the world in her time. Can you name any modern female athletes who show the same kind of strength or challenge stereotypes today?

Sandwina had great physical strength, but what kind of inner strength or mental toughness did she need to have to succeed?

Sandwina used her fame to support the movement for women's right to vote. Why was it important for a well-known figure like her to be a part of this movement?

Sandwina proved that "strength was beauty, and beauty was strength." What do you think this phrase means? How does this idea change the way we think about what makes a person beautiful or admirable?

If Sandwina were around today, what advice do you think she would give to a young person who feels different or is being told they can’t do something?

Book Talk Teasers:

Read the reader’s theater for Introducing Sandwina by Vicki Conrad

Listen to the Audiobook Preview (5:23) https://youtu.be/FMg4n_-yS3o?si=9HyWVBgUNnkvqd0m

Watch the book trailer on the Texas Bluebonnet website. 

Read Alikes: 

Boxer, Elisa. Splash!: Ethelda Bleibtrey makes waves of change. As a child with polio in the early 1900s, swimming set Ethelda Bleibtrey free. The water released her from her pain and helped her build strong muscles--and a powerful spirit. From then on, from the New York beaches to the 1920 Olympics, Ethelda made a splash wherever she went. (NoveList Plus)

Cooper, Jenny. Katie, big and strong: the true story of the mighty woman who could lift anything. Explores the life story of circus strongwoman Katie Sandwina, who not only lifted women athletes into the public eye, but also fought for the suffragette movement during the early years of the 20th century. (NoveList Plus)

Harvey, Jean Walker. Dressing up the stars: the story of movie costume designer Edith Head. This incredible true story of one of the most legendary designers in Hollywood follows a shy miner's daughter as she sets her sights on Hollywood then works her way up to dressing some of the biggest stars of the day. (NoveList Plus)

Raum, Elizabeth. The big, bold, adventurous life of Lavinia Warren. Lavinia Warren never let her height—or the lack of it—prevent her from leading a full and adventurous life. Although she never grew more than three feet tall, she became a beloved teacher, a world traveler, an entertainer and the friend of many powerful figures. (NoveList Plus)