Marching with Aunt Susan: Susan B. Anthony and the Fight for Women’s Suffrage

By Claire Rudolf Murphy

Illustrated by Stacey Schuett

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Bessie Keith Pond, a real girl from Berkeley, California, wanted to ride bikes and go on hikes with her father and brothers. But back in 1896, girls were only supposed to stay home and take care of the house.The man of the house, in this case Bessie’s father, was the decision maker of the household.

Bessie’s Aunt Mary is friends with Susan B. Anthony, the women’s suffragist.  “Aunt Susan,” as everyone called her, visits California on her campaign trail to get the vote for women. Bessie and her mother go to listen to Aunt Susan’s speech and before long, they join with Aunt Susan in marching, writing letters, and visiting factory’s where women and girls work. Bessie learns why women should have the vote and agrees that girls are as good as boys and should be able to do the same things boys do.

This books gives third grade readers a slice of history from a child’s perspective. There are soft colorful illustrations. Readers can see how Bessie felt about the way women were treated. This book will appeal to third grade girls especially.

This book is one of many about strong leaders in America history. There are excellent resources in the back pages that parents and teachers can share with their readers. Brief biographies of Bessie Keith Ponds, and Susan B. Anthony are in the back of the book. It also includes information on the California suffrage campaigns, suffrage history, and a bibliography. Readers can see photos of Susan B. Anthony, of Bessie and her family, and clips reporting the Women’s suffrage progress.

Authors’ website: www.clairerudolfmurphy.com.

Illustrators’ website: www.staceyschuett.com.

  • Marching with Aunt SusanTitle: Marching with Aunt Susan /Susan B . Anthony and the Fight for Women’s Suffrage
  • Author: Claire Rudolf Murphy
  • Illustrator: Stacey Schuett
  • Publisher: Peachtree, 2011
  • Reviewer: Susan Couture
  • Hardcover: 36 pages
  • IBSN: 978-1-56145-593-5
  • Genre: Nonfiction, History
  • Lexile: 650L

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