Ballots for Belva

September 1, 2008
Gr 2-5-Starting with an anecdote in which 10-year-old Belva Lockwood tried to "move a mountain," this picture-book biography introduces the woman who ran for president more than a century ago. That mountain-moving determination emerges as the recurring theme of her public life as she obtained a law degree, fought for equal rights, and ultimately became the first woman to receive certified votes during her 1884 presidential campaign. The book focuses largely on that presidential run, though many of Lockwood's other accomplishments are mentioned, such as arguing a case before the Supreme Court and her trendsetting use of an early version of a tricycle. A closing author's note and a time line fill in more details. The narrative generally provides just enough information to convey Lockwood's achievements and the challenges she faced. Though groundbreaking, her candidacy inspired opposition and ridicule, not just from men, but from women and even other suffragists. Quotes from Lockwood and others enliven the text. Her letter to President Grant regarding the denial of her law school diploma, for example, neatly demonstrates her polite but forceful personality. Handsome illustrations clearly set the time and place, and Lockwood's fortitude comes through in her posture and facial expressions. She is an appealing historical figure, and, with little available about her for younger readers, this is an especially timely and useful biography."Steven Engelfried, Multnomah County Library, OR"

Copyright 2008 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 15, 2008
Grades 1-3 As a girl, Belva Lockwood learned that she couldnt move mountains, but as a woman, she challenged gender roles in nineteenth-century America as the first woman lawyer to appear before the Supreme Court and the first woman to officially run for president. This picture-book biography includes these highlights as well as a few of Lockwoods interesting characteristics, such as her use of a tricycle to navigate Washington, D.C. It also gives a good overview of the politics of the era and points out the irony that a woman could run for president at a time when women could not yet vote. Digitalandpencil art portray period dress and political scenes, some showing a bright-eyed Lockwood among somber, stuffy male colleagues. Pair this with Catherine Thimmeshs Madam President (2004) for units on presidential elections and womens history(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)