This biography of Addams centers on her commitment to children; it moves from there to the collaborations with dynamic Hull House residents that led her to political activism and legislative work. Meigs carefully incorporates stories from Addams's life to highlight characteristics of Addams's personality and to reveal the depth of her thinking. A portrait only of Addams's Hull House career, this biography encourages readers to build on the work that is Addams's legacy to the world.