January 15, 2019
Susan B. Anthony was among the earliest proponents of women's rights and devoted most of her life to the cause.In an in-depth biography of this important historical figure, Kanefield relies heavily on primary-source materials, especially Anthony's own revealing words. Born to a Quaker father and a mother who refused to join the sect, Anthony was encouraged in childhood to be strong-willed. Once she became involved in furthering women's very limited rights, she'd need every bit of that will, often speaking before hostile crowds at a time when women were expected to remain within their own sphere, managing a household and raising children. Gaining women the right to vote was always the ultimate goal, but Anthony also campaigned for married women to be able to own property and to leave abusive husbands. In her lifetime she saw remarkable advances in women's rights although she died before the movement achieved its final goal. Anthony presciently predicted that one day women would be unaware that they hadn't always had freedom and rights. "They have no idea of how every single inch of ground that she stands upon today has been gained by the hard work of some little handful of women of the past," an unfortunate ignorance that this biography helps correct. The excellent backmatter includes notes, a timeline, excerpts from Anthony's writing, a bibliography, and an index (the last not seen).A fine biography, both enlightening and entertaining, on a critical topic. (Biography. 11-16)
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February 15, 2019
Grades 5-8 Susan B. Anthony, who fought tirelessly for women to have the right to vote, is profiled in this very readable entry in the Making of America series. The biography recounts Anthony's life, from her birth in 1820 into a Quaker family in Massachusetts to her death in Rochester, New York, at age 86. Anthony repeatedly witnessed the injustices caused by women's lack of rights, and her rallying cry became, "Men their rights, nothing more; women their rights, nothing less." Anthony's 50-year friendship with suffragette Elizabeth Cady Stanton is warmly detailed, as is her work with abolitionists Frederick Douglass and other female suffragettes. Knowing she might not succeed, Anthony said, "For future generations must we labor." The book describes Anthony's life and work while providing historical context. Anthony was known as a charismatic speaker, and one highlight here is the quotes and excerpts taken from her writings. Photos, magazine illustrations, maps, and a list of selected writings accompany this accessible text.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)
July 1, 2019
"Men their rights, nothing more; women their rights, nothing less," was the rallying cry of radical suffragist and abolitionist Anthony, whose observations inspired her fight against injustice and inequality. Kanefield brings Anthony's day-to-day work to vivid life, writing about the issues in a relatable way for young readers. The volume includes well-captioned photos, drawings, and documents throughout; appended with extensive notes and excerpts of Anthony's writings. Timeline. Bib., ind.
(Copyright 2019 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)