NONFICTION

The Voice That Won the Vote: How One Woman’s Words Made History

by Elisa Boxer (text) & ­illus. by Vivien Mildenberger
Sleeping Bear. Mar. 2020. 32p. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9781534110496.
COPY ISBN
Gr 1-5–Engaging cartoon illustrations and snappy text make this story about women’s suffrage perfect for very young children. The familiar heroines of the movement (Susan B. Anthony, Alice Paul) are included only in a time line, as the book’s main characters are Harry Burn, a little-known lawmaker, and Febb Burn, his mother. In August of 1920, American women looked to Tennessee, hoping it would become the necessary 36th state to ratify the 19th amendment. But the first round of voting resulted in a tie. When Representative Burn changed his vote, he changed history. Although Burn knew that breaking the tie would jeopardize his chance at state reelection, he was determined to follow his conscience (and the advice of his mother).
VERDICT A most suitable lesson for our time. Author Boxer and illustrator Mildenberger offer a concise look at a lesser-known player who contributed to a significant part of American history.
Reviewed by ­Gloria Koster, formerly at West School, New ­Canaan, CT , Mar 01, 2020

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

BLOGS

Making Science Fun and Accessible for Teens and Kids, a guest post by Jorge Cham
by Amanda MacGregor
BOOKS

The Genius of Judy: How Judy Blume Rewrote Childhood for All of Us
by Bergstein, Rachelle
BOOKS

AI for School Leaders: 62 Ways to Lighten Your Workload and Focus on What Matters
by Echols, Vickie F
BOOKS

Strengthening ­Library Ecosystems: Collaborate for Advocacy and Impact
by Hand, Dorcas, Sara Kelly Johns, Michelle ­Robertson and Eryn Duffee
BOOKS

L.M. Montgomery’s Emily of New Moon: A ­Children’s Classic at 100
by Yan Du and Joe Sutliff Sanders, eds
BOOKS

More Ramped-Up Read Alouds: Building Knowledge and Boosting Comprehension
by Walther, Maria
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?