The right to vote is known to be an essential element of a well-functioning democracy. In the U.S. however, women's right to vote wasn't constitutionalized until the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920. Carrie Chapman Catt is the woman who played a pivotal role in the success of the women's suffrage movement, yet I have never heard or read about her before I came across Dare to Question: Carrie Chapman Catt’s Voice for the Vote, written by award-winning author and advocate for women's rights Jasmine A, Stirling. Learn about the book and enter to win a fantastic prize pack, including a $100 Amazon gift card!
My Review:
Cleverly written and beautifully illustrated, Dare to Question is an educational, engaging and inspiring picture book biography about devoted and daring women's rights activist Carrie Chapman Catt, best-known suffragist Susan B Anthony's hand-picked successor as the president of the National American Women's Suffrage Association. Inquisitive and observant, young Catt wondered why women weren't allowed to do many of the things men were entitled to, such as voting and holding a public office. After realizing that social change doesn't come about naturally, Catt joined the fight for women's right to vote without hesitation or reservation.
Gender inequality wasn't the only thing Catt dared to question though. Having witnessed repeated failures, she took leadership in the movement and reoriented it toward a grassroots movement with creative and smart strategies. Ironically, women's voting right couldn't be granted without a majority vote by legislators composed solely of men. Who cast the critical vote for approval? And what did that have to do with Catt?
A story based on real history can easily become boring for children if not told properly. Thanks to the author's masterly writing style, readers, young and old alike, are deeply drawn into the fascinating life story of Carrie Chapman Catt while revisiting some of the historic moments that had a profound impact on the women's suffrage movement. The colorful and playful illustrations enrich and enliven the text with expressive extra characters engaged in various activities.
The story not only teaches about history and the political process in an interesting way, but also inspires youngsters to dare to question the status quo, to become an agent of change and to persist despite numerous frustrating setbacks, as Catt did. Meanwhile, it suggests that while it usually takes small steps to bring about a major change, one simple act could make history.
Infused with fun and facts, this book makes a wonderful summer read about leadership, social justice, courage and determination.
About the Book:
Ages 5+ | 48 Pages
Publisher: Union Square Kids (2023) | ISBN-13: 9781454934578
Jasmine A. Stirling, author of A Most Clever Girl: How Jane Austen Discovered Her Voice, delivers a powerful, poetic picture book biography about suffragist Carrie Chapman Catt, perfect for fans of I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark and the Rebel Girls series.
As a child, Carrie Chapman Catt asked a lot of questions: How many stars are in the sky? Do germs have personalities? And why can’t Mama vote? Catt’s curiosity led her to college, to a career in journalism, and finally to becoming the president of The National American Woman Suffrage Association. Catt knew the movement needed a change—and she set to work mobilizing women (and men) across the nation to dare to question a woman’s right to vote.
On August 18, 1920, Catt pinned a yellow rose to her dress and waited while lawmakers in Tennessee cast their deciding votes to ratify the 19th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America. After a seventy-year campaign, had women finally won the right to vote?
Stirling's suspenseful retelling of the dramatic final "yea" that changed the history of women’s rights brings the past to life for young readers.
Purchase Links: Amazon | Bookshop | Barnes and Noble
About the Author
Jasmine A. Stirling is the author of A Most Clever Girl: How Jane Austen Discovered Her Voice (Bloomsbury Publishing, 2021), named a Best Book of the Year by A Mighty Girl and Book Riot, and winner of the IPNE Book Award. It is currently being translated to Mandarin.
Her new book, Dare to Question, Carrie Chapman Catt’s Voice for the Vote (Union Square & Co, 2023, Booklist starred review), tells the story of the queer power couple who transformed the suffrage movement. Her third book, about Jeanne Barret, the botanist who disguised herself as a man and became the first woman to circumnavigate the globe, comes out in 2025.
Learn more about Jasmine here. Follow her on Instagram at @jasmine.a.stirling.author.
About the Illustrator
Udayana Lugo is a self-taught illustrator of mixed heritage. Having worked as a designer of many varied things, from jewelry to auto-parts and from furniture to whole interiors, she still does that but in children’s books which are her true passion. She and her husband have lived in Mexico, Italy, and England, but they call British Columbia their home, along with their two kids. When not working on a book, you can find her walking her dog or baking something with her children.
One lucky grand prize winner will receive a Dare to Question prize pack!
It includes:
- A personalized, signed copy of Dare To Question: Carrie Chapman Catt's Voice for the Vote
- A set of 5 Girl Power Enamel pins
- A $100 Amazon gift card!
Four additional winners will each receive a personalized, signed copy of Dare To Question!
Giveaway ends 8/11. Open to US only. Please enter below. Good luck!
Dare to Question Book GiveawayDisclosure: I received a copy of this book to facilitate my honest review. All views and opinions expressed are my own. icefairy's Treasure Chest is not responsible for winner selection or prize fulfillment.
Posts
0 Treasure Hunters :
Post a Comment