Description
2020 is the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment! An essential election read and early introduction to the concepts of organizing, protests, and demonstration.
A story of hope and determination, Marching with Aunt Susan reminds readers that society cannot evolve unless people―even young people―dare to take a stand. Perfect for girl-power readers!
“Inspiring and revelatory.” ―Kirkus Reviews
All Bessie wants is to go hiking with her father and brothers. But it’s 1896, and girls don’t get to hike. They can’t vote either, which Bessie discovers when Susan B. Anthony comes to town to help lead the campaign for women’s suffrage.
Stirred to action, Bessie joins the movement and discovers that small efforts can result in small changes―and maybe even big ones.
Inspired by the diary of the real-life Bessie Keith Pond, a ten-year-old girl who lived in California during the suffrage campaign, author Claire Rudolf Murphy and illustrator Stacey Schuett offer a thought-provoking introduction to the fight for women’s rights.
Awards:
Best Children’s Books of the Year (starred) / Bank Street College of Education
Amelia Bloomer Project / Feminist Task Force of the Social Responsibilities Round Table of the American Library Association
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People / NCSS/CBC
Teachers’ Choices / International Reading Association
Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award
Reviews
“An inspiring and revelatory tale.” ―Kirkus Reviews
“An excellent introduction to the women’s movement in general and Susan B. Anthony, in particular” ―Booklist
“Schuett’s somewhat impressionistic gouache paintings effectively capture the time and place and convey the emotionally charged tenor of the campaign.” ―School Library Journal
“Rendered in thick, forceful strokes, Schuett’s gouache paintings easily convey Bessie’s energy and Anthony’s conviction.” ―Publishers Weekly
“An excellent introduction to the fight for women’s rights. It’s a story so full of hope and determination… The design of the book is right on the mark and the endpapers with newspaper clippings and photographs are most attractive” ―Oppenheim Toy Portfolio
“There are many good themes put forth here, especially the dangers of political indifference. The backgrounds are beautifully painted, and the inside covers display old newspaper clippings, letters, and posters from the era… What’s important about this picture book is the clarity with which it illustrates how civil rights do not simply happen because society evolves, but because reformers persist in the face of temporary defeat and danger.” ―The Pirate Tree
“Claire Rudolf Murphy brings that era vividly to life. . . Stacey Schuett’s dynamic gouache illustrations not only convey bespectacled Bessie’s frustrations and hopes but ground the story in period details of clothing, transportation and forms of protest” ―Washington Parent
“This excellent book will influence younger students about our hard-won voting rights… Schuett’s illustrations extend the text with details that add to the characterizations and dramatic scenes. Extensive back matter provides short biographies of Bessie and Anthony as well as a timeline about the fight to achieve the vote for women…Read aloud this story to encourage a conversation about voting rights and being involved in our democracy” ―Children’s Book Compass
“A truly inspiring story… Claire Murphy has created an excellent resource for Women’s History Month.” ―Lake Hiawatha Public Library
Awards
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People ―National Council for the Social Studies, Children’s Book Council, 2012
Teachers’ Choices ―International Reading Association, 2012
Best Children’s Books of the Year (Starred) ―Bank Street College of Education, 2012
Amelia Bloomer Project ―Feminist Task Force of the Social Responsibilities Round Table of the American Library Association, 2012
Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award ―Oppenheim Toy Portfolio, 2011
Alabama Camellia Awards (Nominee, Grades 2-3) ―Alabama Department of Education, 2012-2013
California Collections (Elementary) ―California Readers, 2013
Delaware Diamonds (Nominee, Grades 3-5) ―Diamond State Reading Association, 2012-2013
Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Intermediate) ―Kansas National Education Association, 2012
AGHE Book Award for Best Children’s Literature on Aging for Elementary Readers (Grades 3-5) ―Association for Gerontology in Higher Education, 2014
Macy’s Multicultural Collection of Children’s Literature ―Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), 2015
More Details
AR Level: 5.3
F&P: GRL Q, Gr 4, Genre HF
Lexile: AD650L
Themes: Politics, Susan B. Anthony, Women’s Suffrage
BISAC 1: JUV016140 JUVENILE FICTION / Historical / United States / 19th Century
BISAC 2: JUV014000 JUVENILE FICTION / Girls & Women
BISAC 3: JUV030060 JUVENILE FICTION / People & Places / United States / General
