The Voice of Liberty

Carpenter (Born Criminal) introduces young readers to three lesser-known suffragists: Matilda Joslyn Gage and Lillie Devereux Blake, friends and leaders in the National Women’s Suffrage Association, and Devereux’s daughter, Katie Devereux Blake, a teacher. In this fictional retelling of an historical event, the three hatch a plan to protest for women’s suffrage during the Statue of Liberty’s 1886 unveiling. Denied a spot on Bedloe’s Island during the ceremony, they instead raise funds to charter a smelly cattle barge to carry them and other suffragists in the naval parade, during which they raise their voices for female enfranchisement. Cartoonish illustrations from Fotheringham (Thomas Paine and the Dangerous Word) animate this picture book view of a pivotal moment in the U.S. women’s suffrage movement. Back matter provides extra biographical details about Gage and the Devereux Blakes, as well as a brief history of Lady Liberty and an illustrated timeline of the fight for women’s equality in the U.S. This inspirational story of three women who refused to take no for answer should clearly resound with today’s climate of protest and the centennial of the 19th Amendment’s ratification. Ages 7–11. [em](Sept.) [/em]