The Woman's Hour

April 15, 2020
Adapted from Weiss' 2018 book of the same title, this work focuses on the final push for the ratification of the 19th Amendment. By the summer of 1920, 35 states had ratified the amendment to give women the right to vote, and only one more state was needed to change the Constitution. Tennessee scheduled a special legislative session to decide if it would become that final state. Suffragists and those opposing ratification--the Antis--poured into the state, using every legal power, and a few that weren't, to steer legislators. Amid promises and betrayals and through numerous votes and procedural diversions, suspense is carefully sustained--even though readers know the eventual outcome. Unfortunately, the depiction of Antis, the Southerners described as "froth[ing] with rage," is oversimplified. Portrayed as disdainful of women and racially motivated, many (less malevolently if with no greater enlightenment) just clung to the 19th-century belief that the idealized women's sphere would be destroyed by participation in the sordid world of politics. The racism within the suffrage movement is glancingly addressed. To keep suspense high, Weiss also represents this as quite likely the last hope for ratification, although Connecticut would vote to ratify just a month later. Brief profiles of women involved in both the radical and the more traditional wings of the suffrage movement offer rich insight into the determination of these brave crusaders. Fine backmatter rounds out this fascinating if not quite balanced presentation. An inspiring tale that just might spark greater voter participation. (bibliography, index) (Nonfiction. 10-16)

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April 15, 2020
Grades 4-8 In this version of The Woman's Hour adapted for young people, Weiss takes readers back 100 years to when women's suffrage was on the line in 1920. To make the 19th Amendment part of the Constitution, 36 states needed to ratify it. With 35 ratifications, 9 rejections, and 3 states refusing to consider it, the final decision was up to the state of Tennessee. In this detailed, suspense-building narrative, the author focuses on Carrie Chapman Catt, the president of the National American Woman Suffrage Association and Susan B. Anthony's heir, and her push for the Cause in Tennessee. Weiss describes the fluctuating support for ratification as the vote drew near, and she also provides plenty of context about the complexities of suffrage, including the Antis and their fight against gender equality, some of the racial motives against women's suffrage, and the concurrent presidential race of the time. Although the dramatic winning vote is something to cheer, a final chapter recognizes continued voter suppression today. A notable book that highlights the past and future of women's empowerment.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)

July 24, 2020

Gr 5 Up-This timely book details the struggle for women's suffrage. In the summer of 1920, suffragist and anti-suffragist advocates converged in Nashville, TN, to witness the legislature vote on whether or not Tennessee would become the 36th state to ratify the 19th Amendment. If passed, the amendment would become law. Carrie Chapman Catt, president of the National American Woman Suffrage Association, and Sue Shelton White, state chairman of the National Woman's Party, led supporters against Josephine Pearson, president of the Tennessee State Association Opposed to Woman Suffrage. Activists tirelessly mingled with politicians to persuade them to cast a vote in favor of their side and secure loyalties. The text points out the racism of the anti-suffragist movement. Bribery, dishonesty, and corporate influence also took place behind the scenes. After tense and surprising sessions among legislators, the bill was finally ratified. Weiss presents a fast-paced and engaging resource, with action volleying back and forth between the major players in the struggle. The text acknowledges that securing the vote for women was complicated by racism and that although the 19th Amendment was passed, Black voter suppression continued to be an issue. VERDICT An entertaining work of narrative nonfiction that takes readers back in time. A must-purchase for any library.-Amy McInerney, Falmouth Elem. Sch., ME

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