Bold & Brave: Ten Heroes Who Won Women the Right to Vote

by Kirsten Gillibrand, Maira Kalman (Illustrations)

The perfect read for the one-hundredth anniversary of the nineteenth amendment and in advance of the upcoming presidential election, this inspiring picture book from United States Senator Kirsten Gillibrand shares the stories of ten suffragists who fought for women's right to vote.

Bold & Brave  introduces children to strong women who have raised their voices on behalf of justice--and inspires them to raise their own voices to build our future.

Here are the stories of ten leaders who strove to win the right to vote for American women--a journey that took more than seventy years of passionate commitment. From well-known figures, such as Susan B. Anthony and Sojourner Truth to lesser known women such as Alice Paul and Mary Church Terrell, these are heroes who dreamed big and never gave up. Senator Gillibrand highlights an important and pithy lesson from each woman's life--from "dare to be different" to "fight together."

With gorgeous illustrations by renowned artist Maira Kalman, this is a book that will inspire and uplift, a book to be cherished and shared.

The suffragists included Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, Jovita Idár, Alice Paul, Inez Milholland, Ida B. Wells, Lucy Burns, and Mary Church Terrell.

Genres: Nonfiction, Picture Books, History, Biography, Childrens, Politics, Feminism

40 pages, Library Binding

First published November 13, 2018

About the author

Kirsten Elizabeth Gillibrand is an American politician and the junior US Senator from New York, in office since 2009. Previously, she served in the United States House of Representatives, representing New York's 20th congressional district (2007–09). She is a member of the Democratic Party.

Reviews

[Calista · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a historical account of 10 important women who spent their lives working to give women the right to vote in this country and many of these women never saw their work come to fruition. In 1919, the 19th amendment passed that gave women the right to vote. We have only had the right to vote for 100 years now. Why aren’t we celebrating this nationally?

Anyway, it’s a nice run through of brave woman fighting for equality in this country.

For a 6 year old boy, this is not the most exciting material to read. A page or 2 about a dead woman in history and what she did. Yes, I read this to the nephew and he was bored. He wanted something exciting to happen. He did give this 2 stars and not 1, but he is not a fan of this book. I then gave the book to my niece to read on her own and she did read it to herself. She said it was interesting, but it wasn’t her favorite. She gave this 3 stars.

[Monica Kim | Musings of Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Bold & Brave: Ten Heroes Who Won Women the Right to Vote” written by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand & Illustrated by Maira Kalman is an inspiring picture book about ten suffragists who fought for women's right to vote. The illustrations are stunning, and the style seems perfectly chosen for the content. It’s also very different style than the other picture books out there; almost seems like for adults, although the writing style is for children.
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The book begins with a quick look back at senator’s great-grandmother, grandmother, and mother — all strong women who fought for what they believed in, and never backed down. Then we’re introduced to ten trailblazing women in a two-page profiles, that includes each individual's particular challenges, accomplishments, and legacy, and Kalman's full-page bold, colorful portraits. The book ends on an inspirational note with mention of the 2017 Women's March in Washington, DC and a call to readers to "Stand up, speak out, and fight for what you believe in." Well-organized & thought-out, stunning illustrations, and diversity of women featured made this an inspirational and enjoyable read. Highly recommend it! 🤓✌️📖
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The suffragists included are: Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, Jovita Idár, Alice Paul, Inez Milholland, Ida B. Wells, Lucy Burns, and Mary Church Terrell.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s book gives a brief summary about the lives of ten women who were brave and fearless in their quest for women’s suffrage and women’s rights. All the women she spotlights lived during different periods of American history, but all shared a commitment and determination to improve the lives of women. Gillibrand spotlights the qualities that each woman possessed, and encourages young girls to embrace.

[Jade Caprio · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a inspiring book! Everybody should check it out!

[Cindy Newton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for grad school class. Great nonfiction book to use for programming about women's rights and civil rights. Many of the women fighting for the right to vote were POC, so waging war on various fronts simultaneously. Written by a sitting female senator, so provides a great note about how far women have come since then.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this book except the cover, where marching suffragists looked like squashy little trolls. Maira Kalman's art work is lush and appealing, but the book jacket design is a flop. Gillibrand does nice job connecting her family's history to the wider story of the nineteenth amendment. And isn't she smart to have written this as we head into the next round of political craziness where, THIS time, women MUST make a difference.

[RH Walters · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was utterly smitten with this book when I saw it displayed at a children's library in St Paul and it just arrived via request in Grand Marais. The true stories are rich and good, and the illustrations divine, but I dislike the format of a little summary per activist because it cumulatively flattens them all. I wish Maira Kalman could've written the text and Kirsten Gillibrand could've been the editor, yet I'm still grateful for the lively collaboration of these big talents.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Senator Kristen Gillibrand wrote this book with Maria Kalman as illustrator. It details in one page biographies, several times omen images the American fight to allow women to to vote. The writing and illustrations are outstanding. Nice book!

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Almost a century ago, women were finally granted the right to vote. The journey to that basic right that had already been extended to white males and property owners prior to the nineteenth amendment, but the path to women's suffrage was a long one. This picture book highlights ten of the women who took action to give women that right: Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, Jovita Idar, Alice Paul, Inez Milholland, Ida B. Wells, Lucy Burns, and Mary Church Terrell. It's clear that they each took great risks by speaking up and demanding voting rights, and that some of their paths were quite different, but all offer inspiration for the next generation of feminists. As the final pages entreat, today's generation has the chance to change the world in many ways, inspired by the work accomplished by these women who did their bit earlier and paved the way for the next generation. The text is accompanied by handsome, full-page gouache illustrations of these groundbreakers. More than 18 additional bold and brave women are mentioned in the back matter so that interested readers can continue to learn even more about this topic, drawing inspiration for their own dreams, aspirations, and issues. Feminist that I am, I was pleased that I was familiar with all but three of the women profiled. It's disturbing that it took so long for a right so basic as suffrage to be granted to women, but now that we have it, I would hope we use it. This book would fit well in a social studies classroom library and, of course, as part of a feminist text collection.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

From United States Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, illustrated by the wonderful Maira Kalman comes this picture book about ten suffragists who fought for women's right to vote.
Senator Gillibrand's own great-grandmother, grandmother, and mother served as mentors to her to stand up and fight for what she believes in. In this book, she shares a few of the long line of women before them who spoke out for what's right, to be Bold and Brave.
The back cover shows the list of ten leaders who fought to win the right to vote for American women. It took seventy years! Additional women who fought are mentioned briefly in a timeline at the back.
Next year holds the one-hundredth anniversary of the Nineteenth Amendment, which granted women suffrage. "Bold & Brave" briefly shows the years that have come before it, and the continued striving for more, including the Civil Rights and Equal Rights for Women Movement of the sixties. It concludes with a bow to the Women's March in 2017.
Marvelous illustrations by artist Maira Kalman enhance the stories of these brave women, a book I will share with my own granddaughters!

[Penny Peck · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a solid collective biography of ten women who fought for the vote, with each entry a few paragraphs in length paired with a distinctively painted portrait. The narratives are brief but clear, describing what the person did in advocating for women to vote, while the artwork is more innovative, using a colorful palette dominated by pink and red shades, in a folk art style. The subjects include Stanton, Anthony, Truth, and Tubman, as well as the lesser known Jovita Idar, Alice Paul, Inez Milholland, Ida B. Wells, Lucy Burns, and Mary Church Terrell. The first few pages let Senator Gillibrand talk about the women in her family to set the scene, and children ages 8-10 will find this useful for school reports.

[Jo Oehrlein · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the frame story around the stories of the 10 women. The author tells of her family's history in the beginning and then at the end asks what the reader cares about enough to fight for it.

The ten women included are Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B Anthony, Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, Jovita Idar, Alice Paul, Inez Milholland, Ida B Wells, Lucy Burns, and Mary Church Terrell.

I wasn't familiar with Jovita Idar, Inez Milholland, and Mary Church Terrell, although I certainly was familiar with Inez Milholland's most famous saying, "Mr. President, how long must women wait for liberty?"

There's a good half-page of text on each woman, with a page and a half of illustrations.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

When my grandchildren are a bit older, this will go into rotation as a book that grandma (me) reads to them. I think it is important to know these ten women and this is a good introduction for anyone who is old enough to understand all the concepts.

Of course, I picked this up because of Alice Paul, my hero, but it was good to see Gillibrand’s perspective on all of these women and I loved the illustrations by Maira Kalman.

This is a quick read, but vital to all who believe that all people are entitled to vote in our democratic elections.

[Zibby Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about ten women who did something unique and brave or incredibly bold at the time. We get an idea of how widespread the women's suffrage movement was and that women were trying to accomplish a fundamental right for women—the right to vote—all across America, across two generations. I loved learning about women who ran the suffrage movement, what they accomplished, and how they accomplished things.

To listen to an interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://zibbyowens.com/transcript/kir...

[Colleen Chi-Girl · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a beautiful and powerful book featuring information on many women suffragettes from Harriet Tubman to Sojourner to Elizabeth Cady Stanton. The book can be read or done as an adult read aloud for elementary age kids. The illustrations really are outstanding. Bold and colorful and inviting. Bravo! I was fortunate enough to attend Senator Kirsten Gillibrand reading this aloud and taking questions. She was uplifting!

[Shelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy these mini picture biographical looks into the lives of remarkable people of history, while there is never enough information to write a book report, or fully walk away having been informed about the individual, they can be used as that catalyst to inspire young readers and listeners to want to find out more. Kirsten Gillibrand shines a light on ten woman who contributed in some way to the suffragists' movement. Many of these names may already be known but others maybe brand new.

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books focuses of women's suffrage, and the passing of the 19th amendment. It details ten prominent women throughout history that started and were involved in the movement, and what challenges they faced to have their voices heard. It also has a list at the back of the book of women who in many ways helped shape the nation. An excellent resource for further research, and knowledge.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book focuses on women who worked for suffrage in the United States, including the 1913 march on DC. Kalman’s illustrations are lovely, and I appreciate that women of color were included and that Gillibrand’s biographies are honest about the fact that some of their major struggles & obstacles were with the white women in the movement who did not welcome them.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read for younger readers. The pictures are beautiful and the group of women is diverse. There is also a timeline at the back that has several other women who helped shape our nation. This list is also diverse and has a brief bio to encourage slightly older readers who may want to continue reading more.

[Alyssa Gudenburr · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collected biography of various women who fought for women's right to vote. I really liked the variety of women shown in this book. This is a very long book but could be read independently or one person at a time for upper elementary children.

[Kathy (Bermudaonion) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great selection. The writing was a bit basic and focused mostly on a biography of the women rather than what they did and how they accomplished it. Great for kids! Good diversity.

[Allie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good variety of women profiled, but a bit too wordy.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

The illustrations are absolutely beautiful.
I love the women that were chosen to be highlighted, but the info was heavy handed, especially for a picture book.

[KC · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great collection of women who made a difference throughout history. Gorgeously illustrated.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book! I can't wait to be able to read it to my one year-old granddaughter!

[Baby Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!

Hello, friends! Our book today is Bold & Brave: Ten Heroes Who Won Women The Right To Vote, written by Kirsten Gillibrand and illustrated by Maira Kalman, a celebration of ten notable figures in the women’s suffrage movement.

Beginning with an introduction to strong female influences in Senator Gillibrand’s (D-NY) family, the focus shifts to women of the American suffrage movement who inspired them to pursue gender equality. Each woman is given a stunningly-illustrated portrait on one page with a brief yet detailed biography of their life, influences, and accomplishments on the opposite, focusing primarily on the work they did for women’s suffrage but sure to include other aspects of their legacy (imperative for figures like Harriet Tubman and Sojourner Truth). Familiar faces like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Staton are present, as well as perhaps lesser-known icons like Inez Millholland and Jovita Idár. At last, the book celebrates the passing of the 19th amendment in 1920 then jumps forward to the landmark Women’s March of 2017, showing that while the fight continues, its fighters are legion, and indefatigable.

Awesome. Giving a fantastic overview of ten women who should be household names for everyone, each woman is brought to life in brief yet impactful style. Gillibrand does a fair job of balancing her subjects’ backgrounds and unique challenges, and even honestly points out that there were plenty of women then (and unfortunately, today as well), who attempted to exclude racial minorities from the movement. Yet as good as the text and structure are, it’s Kalman’s art that shines brightest, with bold colors, striking portraits, and a general sense of feminine, feminist pride on every page. The length may be better for slightly older bookworms, but JJ was so enthralled by the art that she happily sat through to the end. A gorgeous and stirring reminder of those who fought for women’s voices, and what we owe their sacrifice. Baby Bookworm approved!

Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!

[Kelly]

I thought this was interesting that a senator wrote a book. She did a great job of it. Maira Kalman's illustrations were interesting as always.

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bold and Brave: Ten Heroes Who Won Women the Right to Vote by Kirsten Gillibrand, illustrated by Maira Kalman. PICTURE BOOK/NON-FICTION. Alfred A. Knopf, 2018. $19. 9780525579014

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

This anthology of one page suffragette bios is introduced by a U.S. Senator who describes how she was inspired by her mom and grandma and ultimately by all the women in this book. The book then takes us into the life and political activities of a variety of women involved in the fight for women to have the vote.

I adore this illustrator, so I was already inclined to love this book, but it truly is a good one. One thing that I love is that they included a large percentage of women of color who were activists for the vote. There was some complicated racial tension in the story of the vote, but this book acknowledges that and recognizes all sides.

Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...

[Emmy Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

I felt like this was a very wordy picture book, full of content. I think it would be best suited to a third grade classroom or student. I chose this book immediately because of the images, playful and full of bright color yet also very representative of the real people and occurrences. The book mentioned women of different races and backgrounds, making it relatable and inspiring to all young girls. Most interestingly to me was the fact that the author is a US Senator, which I did not know until I began to read the book. Gillibrand spoke about how her great grandmother, grandmother, and mother all inspired and empowered her, and how they were impacted by the women that had come before them. I would highly recommend this book.