We are delighted to join the Nonfiction Picture Book meme 2019 hosted by Alyson Beecher @ Kid Lit Frenzy. We would also be linking our nonfiction choices with our reading themes throughout the year, when we can.
Per the 19th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America in August 18, 1920: The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex. U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand writes about the ten courageous women who fought for decades for women’s voices to be heard. This juvenile non-fiction was beautifully illustrated by Maira Kalman.
Ten Heroes Who Won Women the Right to Vote
Written by Kirsten Gillibrand
Illustrated by Maira Kalman
Published by Alfred A. Knopf (2018)
Copy provided by Morley Library.
Book photos downloaded online.
Grandma taught me to fight for what I believe in. My mom taught me you need to be brave to forge a new path. Who taught my mom and her mom and her mom to be bold and brave so they could teach me and you? I can tell you who. The women who came before them—women who faced unimaginable challenges.
— Kirsten Gillibrand
In this wonderful, recently published collection, Kirsten Gillibrand shares the stories of fearless women who were part of the suffragist movement. They believed that women’s choices also counted and their voices were just as important as men’s. In this book, I read about well-known figures like Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, and Harriet Tubman. Gillibrand also told the stories of the less familiar ones like Jovita Idár, Inez Milholland, and Mary Church Terrell.
It’s important to keep telling the stories of these bold and brave women and passing them on to future generations. At the end of the book, Gillibrand challenged the youth of today to stand out, speak out, and fight for what you believe in. Below, I’ve highlighted some of the women mentioned in the book. All quotes were taken from the book as well.
Elizabeth Cady Stanton (1815-1902)
Dare to be Different: “The best protection any woman can have… is courage.”
Sojourner Truth (1797-1883)
Speak the Truth: “I will shake every place I go… The truth is powerful and will prevail.”
Harriet Tubman (1822-1913)
Be Strong and Courageous: “I have heard their groans and sighs, and seen their tears. I would give every drop of blood in my veins to free them.”
Jovita Idár (1885-1946)
Fight for Fairness: “Educate a woman and you educate a family.”
Ida B. Wells (1862-1931)
Tell Your Story: “The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.”