
Reach for this book when your child starts noticing unfairness in the world or wonders how a single voice can lead to big changes. This diary follows thirteen-year-old Kathleen as she navigates the intense fight for women's suffrage in 1917 Washington, D.C. While Kat deals with the universal stresses of middle school and family life, she also witnesses her mother and sister risk their safety for the right to vote. Kathleen's journey is an excellent study in resilience and civic courage. It provides a grounded, historical perspective on what it means to stand up for your beliefs, even when it is uncomfortable or dangerous. Written in an accessible diary format, it helps bridge the gap between historical facts and the emotional reality of growing up during a social revolution. It is an empowering choice for children aged 9 to 14 who are ready for more complex conversations about justice.





















Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewThe weight of the war and the struggle for rights can feel heavy.
The book handles the mistreatment of suffragettes, including arrests and hunger strikes, with historical directness. The approach is secular and realistic, highlighting that progress is often slow and painful. The resolution is historically triumphant but acknowledges the ongoing work of equality.
A thoughtful 11-year-old girl who feels passionate about social justice or a student who enjoys 'history through a keyhole' stories that focus on the domestic lives of historical figures.
Parents should be prepared to discuss the Alice Paul hunger strikes and the force-feeding mentioned in the historical notes, as these can be distressing for sensitive readers. A child may ask, 'Why were they treating the women like criminals just for holding signs?' This stems from seeing the unfair arrests and the harsh conditions of the Occoquan Workhouse.
Younger readers (9-10) will focus on Kat's daily life and the 'unfairness' of the laws. Older readers (12-14) will better grasp the political nuances of President Wilson's shifting stance and the intersection of the war effort with domestic activism.
Unlike many dry textbooks, Lasky uses the diary format to make the 1910s feel contemporary, highlighting that these 'historical figures' were real sisters and mothers with fears and senses of humor.
Set in 1917 Washington, D.C., the story follows Kat Bowen as she documents her life during the height of the suffrage movement. While World War I looms, Kat's family is on the front lines of the pickets at the White House. The book tracks her personal growth alongside the political milestones and setbacks of the movement.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.