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How Women Won the Vote: Alice Paul, Lucy Burns, and Their Big Idea
This is how history should be told to kids!
From Newbery Honor medalist Susan Campbell Bartoletti and in time to celebrate the 100th anniversary of woman suffrage in America comes the page-turning, stunningly illustrated, and tirelessly researched story of the little-known DC Women’s March of 1913.
Bartoletti spins a story like few others—deftly taking readers by the hand and introducing them to suffragettes Alice Paul and Lucy Burns. Paul and Burns met in a London jail and fought their way through hunger strikes, jail time, and much more to win a long, difficult victory for America and its women.
Includes extensive back matter and dozens of archival images to evoke the time period between 1909 and 1920.
From Newbery Honor medalist Susan Campbell Bartoletti and in time to celebrate the 100th anniversary of woman suffrage in America comes the page-turning, stunningly illustrated, and tirelessly researched story of the little-known DC Women’s March of 1913.
Bartoletti spins a story like few others—deftly taking readers by the hand and introducing them to suffragettes Alice Paul and Lucy Burns. Paul and Burns met in a London jail and fought their way through hunger strikes, jail time, and much more to win a long, difficult victory for America and its women.
Includes extensive back matter and dozens of archival images to evoke the time period between 1909 and 1920.
80 pages, Hardcover
First published May 19, 2020
About the author
Susan Campbell Bartoletti
40 books227 followersSusan Campbell Bartoletti is an American writer of children's literature. She was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, but eventually the family ended up in a small town in northeastern Pennsylvania. Susan started as an English teacher and inspired many students before deciding to pursue writing in earnest. She sold her first short story in 1989. Three years later in 1992 she published her first picture book, Silver at Night. She held a rigid routine, awaking early in the morning in order to write before she left to teach. In 1997 she turned to writing full time. Susan has since returned to inspiring future writers. She teaches writing classes at a number of MA and MFA programs, among them Spalding University in Louisville, Kentucky, and Hollins University in Roanoke, Virginia. Additionally she leads workshops offered through the Highlights Foundation.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
May 21, 2020
Listened to the audiobook via BookBeat UK!
This is a short historical listen about how two women went to London and marched with the suffragettes, met in a police station and travelled to their home country the USA to fight for the right of women to vote. Alice and Lucy were both so determined and never gave up their plans, persisting till the day that victory was successful. Interesting book!
This is a short historical listen about how two women went to London and marched with the suffragettes, met in a police station and travelled to their home country the USA to fight for the right of women to vote. Alice and Lucy were both so determined and never gave up their plans, persisting till the day that victory was successful. Interesting book!
December 10, 2020
I read this with my 4.5 year old daughter. As we read I would skip some sentences that were too mature/scary for her so I basically read her a paired down version of this book. However, we both loved it! I learned a ton and so did she! We both loved the combination of illustrations and real photos. I used this book to start conversations about some important topics - suffrage, protests, government, race, discrimination, etc. The morning after I read it to her, she asked me to read it again and she had a lot of good questions! I can’t wait to read this to her again and in more detail as she gets older!
March 30, 2022
Forgive my language here, but HOLY SH*T!
This is, By far, one of the best Women's History books I've ever read.
Now, I personally prefer a Non-Fiction (not specifically Biography or Autobiography) to read like a Fiction.
Susan Campbell Bartoletti gives us a fantastically detailed set of facts about the Women's March of 1913, the Nineteenth Amendment, the NWP (National Woman's Party), the racism against black women, both Alice Paul and Lucy Burns and their big idea, the massive arrests and police brutality, the horrid sexism, president Woodrow Wilson, the suffragette silver pins (shaped like a prison doors with heart shaped locks), the 108 women arrested in London, the over 3000 picketing, arrested and imprisoned women who fought for voting rights, and to the over 8 million women who got to vote in the November 1920 Election, are all here.
Interspersed throughout the entire content of Lucy and Alice's plans are photographs of these real women and others like them, and events that transpired during this time. It's engaging, its heartbreaking, its a wonder.
The illustrations by Zihue Chen are realistic and colorful.
The MANY additional facts about those 2 women including a detailed timeline, the 2017 March, and more are also included.
Even if you read one women's history book this year, let it be this one.
This is, By far, one of the best Women's History books I've ever read.
Now, I personally prefer a Non-Fiction (not specifically Biography or Autobiography) to read like a Fiction.
Susan Campbell Bartoletti gives us a fantastically detailed set of facts about the Women's March of 1913, the Nineteenth Amendment, the NWP (National Woman's Party), the racism against black women, both Alice Paul and Lucy Burns and their big idea, the massive arrests and police brutality, the horrid sexism, president Woodrow Wilson, the suffragette silver pins (shaped like a prison doors with heart shaped locks), the 108 women arrested in London, the over 3000 picketing, arrested and imprisoned women who fought for voting rights, and to the over 8 million women who got to vote in the November 1920 Election, are all here.
Interspersed throughout the entire content of Lucy and Alice's plans are photographs of these real women and others like them, and events that transpired during this time. It's engaging, its heartbreaking, its a wonder.
The illustrations by Zihue Chen are realistic and colorful.
The MANY additional facts about those 2 women including a detailed timeline, the 2017 March, and more are also included.
Even if you read one women's history book this year, let it be this one.
August 23, 2020
This book is the perfect balance of comprehensive/inclusive and accessible. I liked its organization and page layouts: alternating between short diagrams/pictures and paragraph text while also including a lot of primary source material and a BEAUTIFUL two-page spread of the suffragette march in DC. It was easy to digest in one sitting and provided a framework for understanding that would allow readers to pick up longer chapter books right after - especially Lifting As We Climb by Evette Dionne. Bartoletti includes mention of Black women in this movement as well as the racism against them by white suffragettes, but she missed the opportunity to clarify that when the amendment passed in 1920, it didn’t grant the right to vote for ALL women.
December 29, 2020
Dramatically beautiful illustrations accompany a simple well-written text to lead the reader through the story of Alice Paul and Lucy Burns. The two women met in a London police station, became friends, and took what they'd learned there about organizing for women's suffrage to their own country, the United States to push for the right for women to vote. Both end up in jail several times, battered, bruised. They are force-fed but persist in fighting for their idea that women deserve the right to vote. A delightful, informative read for women of all ages to share.
January 13, 2021
I'll be honest. I am floored by the inhumane treatment that these women received in their quest for voting rights equality. The behavior of people opposed to women's suffrage described within is appalling, sickening, and disgraceful. This is one of those books that will stick with me for a long time. Even further, the underlying racial discrimination encountered from within the suffragist movement at major protest events means that there isn't really any entirely good side. Certainly, I am on the side of the suffragists, but why can't one oppressed population recognize when they are perpetuating oppressive treatment toward some of their own? I mean, someone wants equality for themselves, but doesn't think they need to give what they want to get?
Now that I've ranted a bit, this book was phenomenal. I would advise that anyone that wants to better understand the women's suffrage movement give this one a read, regardless of their age. If you're literate enough to understand it, you'd be better for having read it. Great. Simply great.
Now that I've ranted a bit, this book was phenomenal. I would advise that anyone that wants to better understand the women's suffrage movement give this one a read, regardless of their age. If you're literate enough to understand it, you'd be better for having read it. Great. Simply great.
June 10, 2022
Very well-written. Gorgeous illustrations with photographs sprinkled throughout. The paper used makes this a treat to hold and read. The writing is interesting and engaging. The story flows and keeps the reader turning the pages. A non-fiction book that reads like an interesting piece of fiction is a treat in children books. I love the way it ends as well with an emphasis on the ongoing work of the women’s right movement.
November 8, 2022
Informative, and simply amazing, this book beautifully tells the story of women suffragists in the early 1900s and how they fought for women's rights no matter the cost. I loved it even though it is aimed at a younger audience and I highly recommend it to anyone and everyone who wishes to learn about the women's rights movement of 1913!
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July 5, 2020This book is cram packed with archival photos, facts, timelines, and much more that shows the incredible struggle women faced to pass an amendment to guarantee women the vote. It was sometimes violent and this book doesn't shy away from that (not does it glorify it). This is a wonderful nonfiction book to have for older elementary or middle school students learning about Suffrage.
February 5, 2021
It's hard to believe that women have only had the right to vote for 100 years. But at the same time, it's not hard to believe at all. We still have such a long way to go for true equality and equal rights. This is a good overview of women's suffrage in the United States, specifically the last 10 or so years before 19th amendment was passed. Truthfully, it didn't get deep enough into the subject for me, but it's a good start for kids who aren't already familiar with the history. And I learned some new things, too. I really appreciated the back matter, which gave me some good ideas of books I could read to learn more.
February 24, 2021
An excellent, thorough overview of the women's suffrage movement in the United States
August 9, 2022
A BIG THANK YOU to HarperCollins Children's Books for the ARC of How Women Won the Vote: Alice Paul, Lucy Burns, and Their Big Idea, originally published on the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment. From the quality of the paperback printing to the thorough coverage of two persevering women determined to win the right to vote, Alice Paul and Lucy Burns, Susan Campbell Bartoletti brings to life the unyielding courage of the women of the suffrage movement between 1909 and 1920 with primary sources, archival photographs, detailed timelines, and the colorful illustrations of Ziyue Chen.
This informative account would serve as an excellent resource and introduction to the subjects of government, democracy, suffrage, disenfranchisement, gender inequality, racial inequality, and voter suppression, among many others, for children ready to cover this material. Sections could easily be skipped and revisited later, depending on the age of the child, as the violent reality of the fight for suffrage is not glossed over—and the ever-present danger involved in winning the right to vote is not downplayed. It is made clear that much work still needs to be done so that future generations continue to benefit from the sacrifices of the strong women of the suffrage movement, and this new edition is a timely call to action. ★★★★★
I received this book free from HarperCollins Children's Books in exchange for an honest review.
5 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 8 March 2022
#goodreads #giveaway #howwomenwonthevote
This informative account would serve as an excellent resource and introduction to the subjects of government, democracy, suffrage, disenfranchisement, gender inequality, racial inequality, and voter suppression, among many others, for children ready to cover this material. Sections could easily be skipped and revisited later, depending on the age of the child, as the violent reality of the fight for suffrage is not glossed over—and the ever-present danger involved in winning the right to vote is not downplayed. It is made clear that much work still needs to be done so that future generations continue to benefit from the sacrifices of the strong women of the suffrage movement, and this new edition is a timely call to action. ★★★★★
"Alice Paul, Lucy Burns, and their big idea united women across the country and ended with victory—the Nineteenth Amendment. But, as Alice warned, the fight for human equality and true democracy isn't over. There's more work to be done."
I received this book free from HarperCollins Children's Books in exchange for an honest review.
5 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 8 March 2022
#goodreads #giveaway #howwomenwonthevote
December 30, 2020
How Women Won the Vote: Alice Paul, Lucy Burns, and Their Big Idea is a children's picture book written by Susan Campbell Bartoletti and illustrated by Ziyue Chen. It highlights of the continuing women's suffrage movement in the United States in the second decade of the 20th century.
Alice Stokes Paul was an American suffragist, feminist, and women's rights activist, and one of the main leaders and strategists of the campaign for the Nineteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits sex discrimination in the right to vote. Lucy Burns was an American suffragist and women's rights advocate. She was a passionate activist in the United States and in the United Kingdom. Together they ultimately formed the National Woman's Party.
Bartoletti's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. Bartoletti traces the history of American suffrage rather well with sidebars, captions, and the inclusion of photos and newspaper clippings. Backmatter includes source notes, further reading, and index. Chen’s clear and unaffected illustrations convey the conflict and struggle without sensationalism.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. When young Americans Alice Paul and Lucy Burns met in London in June 1909, they formed a connection that would energize the next 11 years of activism for women's suffrage in the United States. It recounts the women's experiences in England during 1909, ending with the hunger strike and forced feeding at Holloway prison. It details the organization of the 1913 parade in Washington for women's suffrage on the eve of President Woodrow Wilson’s inauguration, taking care to bring attention to the struggle of black women such as Ida B. Wells to be recognized and included. It also describes Paul's continued protests and founding of the National Women’s Party as suffragists’ efforts met with ongoing resistance.
All in all, How Women Won the Vote: Alice Paul, Lucy Burns, and Their Big Idea is a well-documented, highly condensed introduction with substantial visual appeal.
Alice Stokes Paul was an American suffragist, feminist, and women's rights activist, and one of the main leaders and strategists of the campaign for the Nineteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits sex discrimination in the right to vote. Lucy Burns was an American suffragist and women's rights advocate. She was a passionate activist in the United States and in the United Kingdom. Together they ultimately formed the National Woman's Party.
Bartoletti's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. Bartoletti traces the history of American suffrage rather well with sidebars, captions, and the inclusion of photos and newspaper clippings. Backmatter includes source notes, further reading, and index. Chen’s clear and unaffected illustrations convey the conflict and struggle without sensationalism.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. When young Americans Alice Paul and Lucy Burns met in London in June 1909, they formed a connection that would energize the next 11 years of activism for women's suffrage in the United States. It recounts the women's experiences in England during 1909, ending with the hunger strike and forced feeding at Holloway prison. It details the organization of the 1913 parade in Washington for women's suffrage on the eve of President Woodrow Wilson’s inauguration, taking care to bring attention to the struggle of black women such as Ida B. Wells to be recognized and included. It also describes Paul's continued protests and founding of the National Women’s Party as suffragists’ efforts met with ongoing resistance.
All in all, How Women Won the Vote: Alice Paul, Lucy Burns, and Their Big Idea is a well-documented, highly condensed introduction with substantial visual appeal.
January 1, 2022
-Disclaimer: I won this book for free through Goodreads giveaways in exchange for an honest review.-
Jam-packed with historic events everyone should know about!
It may be a children's book but I learned more from it than I did in school. It includes a wide variety of events I didn't even know happened. Which sent me on a little historical researching spree. It is crazy to think about all that has gone on and many have never heard about it.
There is a lot of valuable information in the book. It is always interesting how all the countries connect (or not). How certain people's lives intersect. And how history repeats itself.
On the other hand, there are some things in the book the reader should research for themselves. Not all information is presented in a neutral manner. Which may influence young-minds on certain things.
The illustrations have a great collection of colors. I enjoyed the contrast between the black and white historical pictures and the detailed illustrations. Overall, I am definitely glad I picked this one up!
Jam-packed with historic events everyone should know about!
It may be a children's book but I learned more from it than I did in school. It includes a wide variety of events I didn't even know happened. Which sent me on a little historical researching spree. It is crazy to think about all that has gone on and many have never heard about it.
There is a lot of valuable information in the book. It is always interesting how all the countries connect (or not). How certain people's lives intersect. And how history repeats itself.
On the other hand, there are some things in the book the reader should research for themselves. Not all information is presented in a neutral manner. Which may influence young-minds on certain things.
The illustrations have a great collection of colors. I enjoyed the contrast between the black and white historical pictures and the detailed illustrations. Overall, I am definitely glad I picked this one up!
March 1, 2022
I wanted this book to get 5 stars. It was so good, and I am writing an analysis of it for class. Unfortunately, there was a bit too much whitewashing at the end of the story for this book to receive 5 stars. The ending of the book leads readers to believe that all women in America won the vote in 1920 when that is simply not the case. Asian immigrants, Native Americans, and black women would all receive the right to vote at later dates. Black women would not receive the right to vote until 1965 when The Voting Rights Act was passed--both of my parents were alive during this time, and I bet if I ask him, my dad probably remembers. This book was very interactive, had lots of cool facts, pictures from the past, summaries of letters that were written, and even interactive maps. Even tho there were lots of cool things about this book, it, unfortunately, is getting 4 stars from me because I know we CAN and SHOULD be doing better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2024
I was astonished by how little I actually knew about the women's suffrage movement. Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton were the only names I knew associated with this, and they both died years before the 19th amendment. Alice Paul and Lucy Burns were totally new to me. In my head, the movement was mostly speeches, letters, and marches...I didn't realize how often women were attacked and arrested. The first section of this book details how the women dressed in layers, wrapped themselves in cardboard and thick yarn, and then wore their heaviest coats - for a march in JUNE - because they knew people would be throwing things at them and probably hitting them, too. I felt so much gratitude for how much these women did so that I could have the rights I have now.
This is basically a long picture book - easy enough to read in a single long sitting. The information is presented clearly enough that it's probably appropriate for 3rd grade and up.
This is basically a long picture book - easy enough to read in a single long sitting. The information is presented clearly enough that it's probably appropriate for 3rd grade and up.
June 25, 2020
3.5 stars
I grabbed this from the library because of the US's centennial of women's suffrage. And one of my groups on Ravelry is doing a Red Shawl Knit-A-Long for the centennial (because of Susan B Anthony's signature red shawl). I wanted to know more about the events leading up to the ratification of the 19th amendment.
This is a lovely little children's book telling the tale of Alice Paul and Lucy Burns - taking them from their college days in the UK (learning to protest) through their work in the US and finally success in 1920. I suspect it is better in print than in audio - having lots of headings and subheadings made it a bit disjointed. But it's nicely done and would be great for kids. And the narrator was terrific!
I grabbed this from the library because of the US's centennial of women's suffrage. And one of my groups on Ravelry is doing a Red Shawl Knit-A-Long for the centennial (because of Susan B Anthony's signature red shawl). I wanted to know more about the events leading up to the ratification of the 19th amendment.
This is a lovely little children's book telling the tale of Alice Paul and Lucy Burns - taking them from their college days in the UK (learning to protest) through their work in the US and finally success in 1920. I suspect it is better in print than in audio - having lots of headings and subheadings made it a bit disjointed. But it's nicely done and would be great for kids. And the narrator was terrific!
August 25, 2020
Using two women who were suffragists, Bartoletti frames how women won the vote including some warts that now are coming to the forefront like outright racism. With all of that in the mix, this longer biographical / historical picture book has love illustrations that every so often include an actual historical photograph which I LOVED as an addition to the story itself. Women were force fed during their imprisonment. They picketed out front of the White House, they were told to give up by other women. But they persevered and won the right to vote by pushing for the passage of the 19th amendment.
It's a smattering of elements using the framework of two "lesser known" but important historical figures who met at the rally in England before taking it back to the United States.
It's a smattering of elements using the framework of two "lesser known" but important historical figures who met at the rally in England before taking it back to the United States.
February 15, 2021
A great longer (80 pages) picture book to help older elementary students learn about the events leading up to the ratification of the 19th Amendment. It begins with the suffrage movement in Great Britain and goes through the first time that women can vote after the ratification of the 19th Amendment. It does not hide some of the racial discrimination that occurred within the movement. Along with eye-catching illustrations are photographs from the time period and other original sources. There is a timeline of significant suffrage events at the end that includes the information of Utah women’s disenfranchisement at the hands of the US Congress. A list of sources is included and a list of further reading. This is an excellent resource for the upper elementary school classroom.
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March 5, 2021Happy Women's History Month!
This was a pretty short and sweet historical account aimed at younger readers. For me, it served as a good overview and timeline for the UK and US suffrage movements. The force-feeding of the women while imprisoned was included in this account, introducing some of the hardships and cruelty that can be faced when trying to create social change.
I really appreciated the inclusion of women of colour and how they were received by some of the White Suffragists and especially the final thoughts that the book leaves the reader with, this was just the beginning. There is an emphasis on pursuing equality for all which is a great message and will hopefully inspire a new generation of activists.
This was a pretty short and sweet historical account aimed at younger readers. For me, it served as a good overview and timeline for the UK and US suffrage movements. The force-feeding of the women while imprisoned was included in this account, introducing some of the hardships and cruelty that can be faced when trying to create social change.
I really appreciated the inclusion of women of colour and how they were received by some of the White Suffragists and especially the final thoughts that the book leaves the reader with, this was just the beginning. There is an emphasis on pursuing equality for all which is a great message and will hopefully inspire a new generation of activists.
February 22, 2021
This is an absolutely stunning book about 2 prominent women in the suffragist movement and their history and contributions in fighting for women's rights. Not only did I love the storytelling in the book but I loved the combination of drawn illustrations and real photographs. I learned so much about Alice Paul and Lucy Burns that I never knew. While I don't necessarily agree with all of their methods, I was outraged at the injustices they were forced to endure. It is such a complete, well-written, well-executed story that I can't wait to add the book to my personal collection.
March 16, 2022
Super fun little book! I got really into it throughout the second half. It sucks that we weren't taught these cool stories about how women went about fighting for our right to vote. All I remember from school is being told some dates and moving on. This book actually takes you back in time to Paul & Burns' planned parade event and how they went about collecting activists, making banners, fundraising, being arrested, incorporating social justice, and calling out their President (Woodrow Wilson) to support change.
September 14, 2020
This is a book for tweens, but I loved reading it myself.
It gives a condensed version of how women in England and the US fought for the right to vote.
I was familiar with some of the story having seen several movies on the topic, but once again racism reared its ugly head, as the black women were rejected when they asked to be a part of the demonstrations.
I think it's very important for young people to be aware of how hard people fought for the rights they may be taking for granted.
It gives a condensed version of how women in England and the US fought for the right to vote.
I was familiar with some of the story having seen several movies on the topic, but once again racism reared its ugly head, as the black women were rejected when they asked to be a part of the demonstrations.
I think it's very important for young people to be aware of how hard people fought for the rights they may be taking for granted.
November 30, 2020
Lots of detail about Alice Paul, very little about Susan B Anthony. Leaves the impression that the latter had achieved virtually nothing and only the more militant tactics Paul imported from the Pankhursts in England won us the right to vote. But that is not argued, just implied. Now I’d like to read a book aimed at adults that would make such an argument. Don’t know how well kids would enjoy this book which is pretty rich in tactical detail
December 28, 2021
It's good to be reminded of the fight people had for our rights. I vote and don't even think about the struggle of what it was to be considered able to vote. In this book it was interesting how there were different aspects and methods of the fight, too. And the things the women had to endure while in prison made my stomach curdle. A great book, even though it's a simple book to remind people what it took to get us women this far.
July 29, 2020
A well done history for young people of the women’s suffrage movement in America. The graphics were excellent. Also, glad that racial discrimination was discussed as black women who wished to join the Washington parade were being discriminated against. The Timeline of the Suffrage events in the the United States was very helpful.
October 13, 2020
This book is a delightful way to learn about Alice Paul, Lucy Stone, and the events leading up to the passage of the 19th Amendment, as well as an encouragement to take action about what is important. Concisely and engagingly narrated, colorfully illustrated, and quick to read. Silently appreciated over coffee, or cheerfully read aloud to children, highly recommended.
October 14, 2020
Bartoletti takes readers through the experiences of Alice Paul and Lucy Burns as they first joined the women's voting rights movement in Great Britain and then came back to the United States to fight for these rights here. The illustrations and photos show the energy and danger involved in fighting for what is right and just.
April 7, 2021
I loved everything about this book until I got to the very last page. I wish they had not included a picture and description of the women’s march in Washington from 2017. In my opinion, that took away from the purpose of the rest of the book. They should’ve just left it out. Other than that, this is a fantastic book, written in an interesting way, and with great artwork.
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March 30, 2022Honestly I dnf'd this book. While it doesn't shy away from the way white women refused to march for the rights of women of color, their depiction of Ida B. Wells is not great, and the storytelling is difficult to follow at times. I'd rather history be told correctly, without half the story being left out.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews