About This Book
Reach for this book when your child feels overlooked or has been told they are too small to make a difference. It is an essential resource for parents navigating conversations about fairness, particularly when a child notices that some people are treated differently because of how they look. While it covers the historical struggle for women's right to vote, the heart of the story is about the courage to take up space when others try to push you to the back. Through the lens of Ida B. Wells, children see a model of quiet strength and unshakable dignity. Dinah Johnson focuses on the 1913 Women's Suffrage Parade, where Ida refused to be segregated from her fellow marchers. It is an empowering choice for families who want to move beyond basic biographies to explore the nuances of intersectional justice in a way that feels accessible and triumphant for the 4 to 8 age range.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book addresses systemic racism and segregation directly but in a way that is grounded in historical facts. It depicts the discriminatory treatment of Black women within the suffrage movement, including being told to march at the back of the parade. The approach is secular and realistic, focusing on the social and political hurdles of the era. The resolution is hopeful, emphasizing Ida's agency and the eventual success of the movement.
