The Suffragist Playbook: Your Guide to Changing the World

This collaboration between friends Robb and Roberts (Suffragists in Washington, D.C.), both scions of political families, dually functions as a well-documented history of the suffrage movement in the U.S. as well as a practical manual for activism. Each of the nine chapters, titled with an instructive statement (“Pay Attention to How Things Look,” “Do Your Homework,” “Recruit the Allies You Need”), covers an aspect of how to run a movement, utilizing examples from suffragists’ experiences to bolster explanations of what it takes to mount an effective campaign for change. Chapters also introduce lesser-known suffragists, such as Lucy Stone and Mary Church Terrell. By not shying away from discussions of racism, jail and torture, opposition, and infighting, this how-to guide shows that “women’s history is action packed,” and that the suffragists served as models for other activists to follow. While photographs or illustrations would have been a welcome addition, the language is relatable, employing current vernacular and a conversational tone (“We’re looking at you, Philadelphia”), which makes for an inspiring read for aspiring activists. Ages 12–up. [em](Oct.) [/em]