Suffrage Sisters

March 1, 2015

Gr 2-4-Focusing on Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, and Alice Paul, this title, written in reader's theater format, examines several seminal civil rights events, such as the 1840 World Antislavery Conference in London, the early speeches at Seneca Falls, and the Woman's Suffrage Parade the day before Woodrow Wilson's inauguration in 1913. The book starts with a helpful overview of women's suffrage and brief biographies of the characters, while the prologue features Stanton, Anthony, and Paul, referred to as "old," looking back on their experiences with the movement. The bulk of the book is comprised of three different scenes, which include the older versions of these characters, as well as short letters. A short, reflective epilogue touches on continuing concerns in the struggle for equality. Though somewhat flat in appearance, the numerous illustrations reinforce the text nicely. Simple, grade-appropriate vocabulary make this offering well suited for oral expression. However, the author doesn't include any information on how closely the text hews to actual quotes from primary sources. Free downloadable scripts make it easy to produce class lessons or a full production, while brief follow-up questions will assist teachers, and a resource page will aid students preparing reports. VERDICT A useful introduction to women's history.-Barbara S. Wysocki, Cora J. Belden Library, Rocky Hill, CT

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