When you think of the Women's Suffrage Movement in the United States, who do you think of? I am sure names like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton come to mind. Have you heard of Carrie Chapman Catt? It is because of her questions and thinking that we finally got the vote. Today I get to share a new picture book with you about her and her role as a suffragist. The book is Dare to Question: Carrie Chapman Catt's Voice for the Vote by Jasmine A. Stirling and illustrated by Udayana Lugo. It is recommended for ages 5 and up. There is also a giveaway at the end of this post!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Dare To Question: Carrie Chapman Catt’s Voice for the Vote
Written by Jasmine A. Stirling and Illustrated by Udayana Lugo
Ages 5+ | 48 Pages
Publisher: Union Square Kids (2023) | ISBN-13: 9781454934578
Publisher’s Book Summary: Jasmine A. Stirling, author of A Most Clever Girl: How Jane Austen Discovered Her Voice, delivers a powerful, poetic picture book biography about suffragist Carrie Chapman Catt, perfect for fans of I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark and the Rebel Girls series.
As a child, Carrie Chapman Catt asked a lot of questions: How many stars are in the sky? Do germs have personalities? And why can’t Mama vote? Catt’s curiosity led her to college, to a career in journalism, and finally to becoming the president of The National American Woman Suffrage Association. Catt knew the movement needed a change—and she set to work mobilizing women (and men) across the nation to dare to question a woman’s right to vote.
On August 18, 1920, Catt pinned a yellow rose to her dress and waited while lawmakers in Tennessee cast their deciding votes to ratify the 19th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America. After a seventy-year campaign, had women finally won the right to vote?
Stirling’s suspenseful retelling of the dramatic final “yea” that changed the history of women’s rights brings the past to life for young readers.
PURCHASE LINK
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jasmine A. Stirling is the author of A Most Clever Girl: How Jane Austen Discovered Her Voice (Bloomsbury Publishing, 2021), named a Best Book of the Year by A Mighty Girl and Book Riot, and winner of the IPNE Book Award. It is currently being translated to Mandarin.
Her new book, Dare to Question, Carrie Chapman Catt’s Voice for the Vote (Union Square & Co, 2023, Booklist starred review), tells the story of the queer power couple who transformed the suffrage movement. Her third book, about Jeanne Barret, the botanist who disguised herself as a man and became the first woman to circumnavigate the globe, comes out in 2025.
Learn more about Jasmine.
Follow her on Instagram at @jasmine.a.stirling.author
ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR
Udayana Lugo is a self-taught illustrator of mixed heritage. Having worked as a designer of many varied things, from jewelry to auto-parts and from furniture to whole interiors, she still does that but in children’s books which are her true passion. She and her husband have lived in Mexico, Italy, and England, but they call British Columbia their home, along with their two kids. When not working on a book, you can find her walking her dog or baking something with her children.
FROM ME:
I love learning about the amazing women prior to me that fought for women's rights. This book shares the story of Carrie Chapman Catt. She questioned everything including how the suffragists were lodging their campaign. She is the one who wanted to bring it to everyday women, and she is the one who succeeded.
Things I love is how Jasmine researched Carrie Chapman Catt and tells a true story about her including her private life with Mary Garrett Hay or Mollie Brown Eyes as Carrie called her. Even though Carrie had lost two husbands, she fell in love with a woman. She just kept it private. I love that this is mentioned in the book. I also love how we learn about Carrie from a young age and her own wonder about women's right. We learn about Carrie and her life but also her big mission. She worked hard to improve the lives of women. This book shares how she changed up the plan for fighting for the vote. Susan B. Anthony handed over her position to Carrie when she heard her ideas.
This book is perfect for units on women's rights, Women's History Month or for any history enthusiast. It is a book I would have loved sharing with Hazel when she was younger. I always liked to share with her strong women who made a difference in our world and lives. I also feel with the turmoil in our politics these days it is important to teach our kids about the struggles of the past. I hope you will check out this wonderful book!
GIVEAWAY
One (1) grand prize winner receives:
- A personalized, signed copy of Dare To Question: Carrie Chapman Catt's Voice for the Vote
- A set of 5 Girl Power Enamel pins
- A $100 Amazon gift card!
Four (4) winners receive:
- A personalized, signed copy of Dare To Question: Carrie Chapman Catt's Voice for the Vote
