About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with a sense of unfairness or feels like their voice doesn't matter because they are 'just a kid.' It provides a tangible, historical example of how peaceful protest and steady persistence can highlight injustice. The story follows the elderly Smith sisters in the 1870s, who refuse to pay property taxes because, as women, they aren't allowed to vote. When the government seizes their beloved cows to cover the debt, the sisters buy them back at auction again and again. It is a humorous yet principled look at civil disobedience and the fight for suffrage. The tone is lighthearted but the message is firm, making it an excellent choice for children ages 6 to 10 who are starting to notice social inequalities. It models how to stand up for one's rights with dignity and a bit of wit.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book deals with institutional discrimination (sexism) in a direct, historical manner. The approach is secular and the resolution is realistic: while the sisters don't win the right to vote in their lifetime, their actions become a legendary part of the movement. There is mild tension regarding the potential loss of the animals.
