Book

Susan B. Anthony

by Alexandra Wallner

📖 Overview

Alexandra Wallner's picture book biography introduces young readers to Susan B. Anthony, a pioneering activist who fought for women's rights in 19th century America. The book traces Anthony's path from her Quaker upbringing through her career as a teacher and her emergence as a leader in the women's suffrage movement. The narrative follows Anthony's work collecting anti-slavery petitions, speaking at conventions, and publishing a women's rights newspaper. Her efforts to secure women's right to vote, including her arrest for casting an illegal ballot, form a central focus of the story. Wallner's illustrations complement the biographical text with period details and scenes from Anthony's public and private life. The artwork helps bring the historical era and Anthony's world to life for elementary school readers. This accessible biography highlights themes of persistence, justice, and the long struggle for equal rights. Through Anthony's story, young readers gain perspective on how dedicated individuals can work to change society despite significant obstacles.

👀 Reviews

Readers find this children's biography provides a clear introduction to Susan B. Anthony's life and accomplishments. The text explains complex topics like women's suffrage in terms children can understand. Readers appreciate: - Colorful folk art-style illustrations that engage young readers - Focus on Anthony's dedication and perseverance - Inclusion of key historical events and figures Common criticisms: - Some reviewers note the book oversimplifies certain aspects of Anthony's life - A few mention wanting more details about her personal relationships Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (127 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (12 ratings) Specific feedback: "The artwork draws children in while teaching an important history lesson" - Elementary school librarian on Amazon "Could have delved deeper into her friendship with Elizabeth Cady Stanton" - Goodreads reviewer "Perfect for introducing 2nd-4th graders to women's suffrage" - Teacher review on educational site

📚 Similar books

Elizabeth Leads the Way by Tanya Lee Stone This picture book biography follows Elizabeth Cady Stanton's path from questioning women's limitations in her childhood to becoming a leader in the fight for women's voting rights.

I Could Do That: Esther Morris Gets Women the Vote by Linda Arms White The true story demonstrates how Esther Morris's determination led Wyoming to become the first state to grant women the right to vote in 1869.

Heart on Fire: Susan B. Anthony Votes for President by Ann Malaspina This narrative focuses on Susan B. Anthony's arrest and trial for casting an illegal vote in the 1872 presidential election.

Marching With Aunt Susan by Claire Rudolf Murphy A young girl learns about women's suffrage through her experiences working alongside Susan B. Anthony during the 1896 California campaign.

Elizabeth Started All the Trouble by Doreen Rappaport The book traces the women's suffrage movement from Elizabeth Cady Stanton through the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920.

🤔 Interesting facts

🗽 Susan B. Anthony cast her ballot in the 1872 presidential election when it was still illegal for women to vote. She was arrested and fined $100, which she refused to pay. 📚 Author Alexandra Wallner and her husband John have collaborated on over 30 children's picture book biographies, creating engaging stories about historical figures. ✉️ The book showcases how Susan B. Anthony traveled across America giving speeches and collecting petition signatures - sometimes delivering up to 100 speeches in a year. 🤝 Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton worked together for over 50 years fighting for women's rights, though their different approaches sometimes created tension in their friendship. 📰 The newspaper Susan B. Anthony created with Elizabeth Cady Stanton, called "The Revolution," paid women the same wages as men - a revolutionary practice for the 1860s.