The Suffragist Playbook

Starred review from November 9, 2020
This collaboration between friends Robb and Roberts (Suffragists in Washington, D.C.), both scions of political families, dually functions as a well-documented history of the suffrage movement in the U.S. as well as a practical manual for activism. Each of the nine chapters, titled with an instructive statement (“Pay Attention to How Things Look,” “Do Your Homework,” “Recruit the Allies You Need”), covers an aspect of how to run a movement, utilizing examples from suffragists’ experiences to bolster explanations of what it takes to mount an effective campaign for change. Chapters also introduce lesser-known suffragists, such as Lucy Stone and Mary Church Terrell. By not shying away from discussions of racism, jail and torture, opposition, and infighting, this how-to guide shows that “women’s history is action packed,” and that the suffragists served as models for other activists to follow. While photographs or illustrations would have been a welcome addition, the language is relatable, employing current vernacular and a conversational tone (“We’re looking at you, Philadelphia”), which makes for an inspiring read for aspiring activists. Ages 12–up.

November 1, 2020
Grades 6-10 One of many titles celebrating the hundredth anniversary of the Nineteenth Amendment, this offering also adds variety to the mix. As the book's authors, Robb, the granddaughter of former First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson, and Roberts, daughter of esteemed journalist Cokie Roberts, give a detailed history of the suffrage movement, they frame the narrative as a guide that young people can use to continue fighting the nation's injustices. For instance, when describing the work of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony, they make connections to setting clear goals and getting your message out to the people. As the authors explain these activism tactics, they not only include the usual white sheroes but such influential Black suffragists as Ida B. Wells and Mary Church Terrell. The text spotlights factions within the movement, namely stances on whether to include African American women, with an entire section dedicated to racism. Although the book does not feature any visuals, the conversational tone adds levity to the tough topic. An inclusive look at suffrage.Women in Focus: The 19th in 2020

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December 1, 2020

Gr 7 Up-Robb (granddaughter of Lady Bird Johnson) and Roberts (daughter of Cokie Roberts) employ a witty, conversational tone to detail the history of the U.S. suffragist movement and provide a guide for young advocates. Each section begins with strategies such as setting goals, taking risks, building networks, and recruiting allies. Then the text reveals the fascinating stories of how suffragists used these tactics. Well-known activists are featured, such as Lucy Stone, Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Sojourner Truth, and Ida B. Wells. Many lesser-known women are also spotlighted, including Mary Church Terrell and her work with the National Association of Colored Women and Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, who was a poet and helped to integrate the Women's Christian Temperance Union. There are some entertaining anecdotes. For example, Susan B. Anthony often said before her speeches, "I stand before you a convicted criminal, '' as she was once arrested for voting. There are some horrifying ones: An angry mob demanded that Sojourner Truth undress to prove she was a woman. The authors don't shy away from describing the racism in the movement. Readers get a clear idea of the challenges of fighting for social change. VERDICT This highly enjoyable and relatable book belongs in most middle, high school, and public library collections.-Karen Bilton, Franklin Township P.L., NJ

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from October 1, 2020
Explains how women in the U.S. won the right to vote, with applicable lessons for youth today. The authors, friends from two powerful U.S. political families that have been intertwined for three generations, set out to write a quick guide showing how suffragists changed the country by securing women's voting rights. The tale spans the long journey from the 1848 Seneca Falls Woman's Rights Convention to the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920. This complicated story includes an overview of many key leaders, in-group fighting, and various setbacks. The book distills the complexities into vivid biographies and compelling vignettes that breathe new life into old history. Readers meet many familiar names, including Sojourner Truth, Susan B. Anthony, Ida B. Wells, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Frederick Douglass, as well as less well-known individuals. The White authors do not shy away from addressing racism within the movement, highlighting Black suffragists and noting everyone's race so that Whiteness is not the default. Each chapter title is a synopsis of a strategy (for example, "Tell Your Story," "Engage a Wider Audience," and "Recruit the Allies You Need"), and each chapter begins and ends with sage advice to readers about how to apply the successful tactics of the suffragists to today's political struggles. The bright, clean layout and color scheme are visually enticing, making this an appealing manual for action. An outstanding and inspirational guide to women's history for today's political activists. (source notes) (Nonfiction. 12-18)

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