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Ladies of Liberty: The Women Who Shaped Our Nation
Fans of #1 New York Times bestselling author Cokie Roberts, also a celebrated journalist for ABC and NPR, will love this stunning nonfiction picture book, Ladies of Liberty, based on her acclaimed work for adults. Highlighting the female explorers, educators, and writers as well as political and social activists that shaped our nation’s early history, this is the stunning follow-up to her children’s book Founding Mothers.
Beautifully illustrated by Caldecott Honor–winning artist Diane Goode, Ladies of Liberty pays homage to a diverse selection of ten remarkable women who have shaped the United States, covering the period of 1776 to 1824. Drawing on personal correspondence and private journals, Cokie Roberts brings to life the extraordinary accomplishments of these women who created the framework for our current society, a generation of reformers and visionaries.
Roberts features a cast of courageous heroines that includes African American poet Lucy Terry Prince, Native American explorer Sacagawea, first lady Louisa Catherine Adams, Judith Sargent Murray, Isabella Graham, Martha Jefferson Randolph, Elizabeth Bayley Seton, Louise D’Avezac Livingston, Rebecca Gratz, and Elizabeth Kortright Monroe. This compelling book offers a rich timeline, biographies, and an author note, bringing these dynamic ladies to life!
Beautifully illustrated by Caldecott Honor–winning artist Diane Goode, Ladies of Liberty pays homage to a diverse selection of ten remarkable women who have shaped the United States, covering the period of 1776 to 1824. Drawing on personal correspondence and private journals, Cokie Roberts brings to life the extraordinary accomplishments of these women who created the framework for our current society, a generation of reformers and visionaries.
Roberts features a cast of courageous heroines that includes African American poet Lucy Terry Prince, Native American explorer Sacagawea, first lady Louisa Catherine Adams, Judith Sargent Murray, Isabella Graham, Martha Jefferson Randolph, Elizabeth Bayley Seton, Louise D’Avezac Livingston, Rebecca Gratz, and Elizabeth Kortright Monroe. This compelling book offers a rich timeline, biographies, and an author note, bringing these dynamic ladies to life!
38 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 6, 2016
About the author
Cokie Roberts
28 books147 followersCokie Roberts was an American journalist and bestselling author. Her career included decades as a political reporter and analyst for National Public Radio and ABC News, with prominent positions on Morning Edition, The MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour, World News Tonight, and This Week.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
October 3, 2019
I love Cokie Roberts!
February 23, 2020
News commentator and author Cokie Roberts, who has previously explored the history of American women in her
Founding Mothers
- both an adult and children's version were produced - returns to that topic in this follow up, which looks at the lives of notable women in the early days of the American republic. After a brief introduction and chronology, Roberts profiles ten women, including:
Lucy Terry Prince, an African-American who bought her own freedom, married fellow freedman Abijah Prince, who was a soldier in the Revolution, and worked and lived in Vermont and Massachusetts in the 18th century. Prince was the author of the first known poem by an African-American, "The Bars Fight," which chronicled an Indian attack on the settlers of Deerfield.
Judith Sargent Murray, an author who published numerous magazine articles which argued for the equality of men and women at a time when women could not vote, or own property once married. In her article "On the Equality of the Sexes," she argued that women were as intelligent as men, and would show the same abilities, if properly educated. Initially published under the pseudonym 'The Gleaner,' Murray's work was released under her own name when she decided to bring out a book.
Isabella Graham, a Scots-American widow who, knowing what it meant to be an impoverished woman struggling to raise children alone, founded a number of schools for girls, as well as The Society for the Relief of Poor Widows with Small Children, an organization still in operation in New York City today.
Sacajawea, a Shoshone Indian woman famous for guiding explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark on their westward expedition. Her knowledge of local terrain, bravery in the face of danger, and Shoshone connections all proved very useful to Lewis and Clark, who credited her with helping them to reach the Pacific.
Martha Jefferson Randolph, Thomas Jefferson's elder daughter, who was his life-long confidante, hostess and comforter. She ran the White House for her father during his presidency, and managed the plantation at Monticello for many years afterward. Martha's eighth child was the first White House baby, born while she was in residence.
Elizabeth Bayley Seton, a New York woman who married a wealthy merchant and had numerous children, before her husband's illness and financial losses greatly altered her circumstances. Seton converted to Catholicism after the death of her husband, opened a girls' school in Baltimore, and founded the first American order of nuns, The Sisters of Charity.
Louise D'Avezac Livingston, a French woman who fled her home on Hispaniola during the Haitian Revolution, eventually finding her way to New Orleans. Whilst there she met and married New Yorker Edward Livingston, who would go on to become Secretary of State under President Andrew Jackson, as well as serve as America's ambassador to France. Livingston described the Battle of New Orleans in her letters, and was one of the country's first campaigners for the environment.
Rebecca Gratz, a beautiful and wealthy Jewish woman from Philadelphia, who worked to found numerous organizations to help the poor. Concerned when she realized that Jewish children were being taught Christianity in mainstream orphanages, she opened the first Jewish orphanage in the Americas, accepting children from all over the United States and Canada. Legend has it that Gratz was the inspiration for the character of Rebecca, in Sir Walter Scott's famous novel, Ivanhoe .
Elizabeth Kortright Monroe, a beautiful young socialite who, at the age seventeen was married to James Monroe, who would go on to become the fifth president of the United States. Whilst the Monroes were living in Paris, Mrs. Monroe is famous for having had a hand in freeing Mme. de Lafayette, driving to the Bastille where she was imprisoned and asking to see her.
And finally, Louisa Catherine Adams, a young English woman who married John Quincy Adams, son of second president John Adams and his wife Abigail, who was then living in England. Louisa followed her husband throughout his diplomatic career in various European countries, and once in the United States, actively worked, through her social engagements, to make him the sixth president.
As the brief profiles above make clear, these "Ladies of Liberty" were a fascinating bunch, many of them accomplishing important things and effecting lasting change through their various charitable activities. Roberts adapted this picture-book history from her longer work, of the same name, for adult readers, and she is to be commended for presenting such an array of mostly unknown women to her young readers, who might otherwise never have encountered them. The accompanying artwork by Diane Goode, who also illustrated the children's edition of Roberts' Founding Mothers , is engaging, bringing to life the historic figures under discussion in the text. Highly recommended to all young history lovers, and to anyone looking for juvenile titles dealing with women in history, or the early days of the American Republic.
Lucy Terry Prince, an African-American who bought her own freedom, married fellow freedman Abijah Prince, who was a soldier in the Revolution, and worked and lived in Vermont and Massachusetts in the 18th century. Prince was the author of the first known poem by an African-American, "The Bars Fight," which chronicled an Indian attack on the settlers of Deerfield.
Judith Sargent Murray, an author who published numerous magazine articles which argued for the equality of men and women at a time when women could not vote, or own property once married. In her article "On the Equality of the Sexes," she argued that women were as intelligent as men, and would show the same abilities, if properly educated. Initially published under the pseudonym 'The Gleaner,' Murray's work was released under her own name when she decided to bring out a book.
Isabella Graham, a Scots-American widow who, knowing what it meant to be an impoverished woman struggling to raise children alone, founded a number of schools for girls, as well as The Society for the Relief of Poor Widows with Small Children, an organization still in operation in New York City today.
Sacajawea, a Shoshone Indian woman famous for guiding explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark on their westward expedition. Her knowledge of local terrain, bravery in the face of danger, and Shoshone connections all proved very useful to Lewis and Clark, who credited her with helping them to reach the Pacific.
Martha Jefferson Randolph, Thomas Jefferson's elder daughter, who was his life-long confidante, hostess and comforter. She ran the White House for her father during his presidency, and managed the plantation at Monticello for many years afterward. Martha's eighth child was the first White House baby, born while she was in residence.
Elizabeth Bayley Seton, a New York woman who married a wealthy merchant and had numerous children, before her husband's illness and financial losses greatly altered her circumstances. Seton converted to Catholicism after the death of her husband, opened a girls' school in Baltimore, and founded the first American order of nuns, The Sisters of Charity.
Louise D'Avezac Livingston, a French woman who fled her home on Hispaniola during the Haitian Revolution, eventually finding her way to New Orleans. Whilst there she met and married New Yorker Edward Livingston, who would go on to become Secretary of State under President Andrew Jackson, as well as serve as America's ambassador to France. Livingston described the Battle of New Orleans in her letters, and was one of the country's first campaigners for the environment.
Rebecca Gratz, a beautiful and wealthy Jewish woman from Philadelphia, who worked to found numerous organizations to help the poor. Concerned when she realized that Jewish children were being taught Christianity in mainstream orphanages, she opened the first Jewish orphanage in the Americas, accepting children from all over the United States and Canada. Legend has it that Gratz was the inspiration for the character of Rebecca, in Sir Walter Scott's famous novel, Ivanhoe .
Elizabeth Kortright Monroe, a beautiful young socialite who, at the age seventeen was married to James Monroe, who would go on to become the fifth president of the United States. Whilst the Monroes were living in Paris, Mrs. Monroe is famous for having had a hand in freeing Mme. de Lafayette, driving to the Bastille where she was imprisoned and asking to see her.
And finally, Louisa Catherine Adams, a young English woman who married John Quincy Adams, son of second president John Adams and his wife Abigail, who was then living in England. Louisa followed her husband throughout his diplomatic career in various European countries, and once in the United States, actively worked, through her social engagements, to make him the sixth president.
As the brief profiles above make clear, these "Ladies of Liberty" were a fascinating bunch, many of them accomplishing important things and effecting lasting change through their various charitable activities. Roberts adapted this picture-book history from her longer work, of the same name, for adult readers, and she is to be commended for presenting such an array of mostly unknown women to her young readers, who might otherwise never have encountered them. The accompanying artwork by Diane Goode, who also illustrated the children's edition of Roberts' Founding Mothers , is engaging, bringing to life the historic figures under discussion in the text. Highly recommended to all young history lovers, and to anyone looking for juvenile titles dealing with women in history, or the early days of the American Republic.
September 27, 2019
2.75 stars of drudgery with little to nothing that I haven’t heard elsewhere.
October 1, 2019
Excellent illustrations and Cokie Roberts lovely descriptions of several of our founding mothers - some familiar, like Sacagawea, Elizabeth Seton and Louisa Adams - others brand new heroines for my long list of inspiring women! Of particular note to me, Louise D'Avezac Livingston, born in Haiti, a child bride who lost three children before her much older husband died as revolution forced her to flee Haiti for New Orleans with her younger sister. Survived the Battle of New Orleans in 1812, her husband Edward Livingston was appointed Secretary of State by Andrew Jackson. She went from prominence in New Orleans society to Washington DC, where her brains and interesting life made her a star there as well. She went to France when her husband was appointed Ambassador to France, and after his death, she retired to his family estate in New York, where she was on of the country first envrionmentalists.
Also Rebecca Gratz, a jewish woman from Philadelphia who founded many organizations to help women and children. The first one was the Female Assoc. for the Relief of Women and Children in Reduced Circumstances, which she founded with her mother and sister. Then, still seeing need all around her, she founded the Fuel Society, The Sewing Society, The Philadelphia Orphan Asylum -and when she learned the orphans were all taught Christianity, she opened the first Jewish Orphanage in America, with Hebrew language and HebrewSunday School for kids gathered from all over the USA and Canada. She also found time to raise her 6 nieces and nephews after her sister died. It's rumored that the character Rebecca, a Jewish woman whose love of Christian Ivanhoe is doomed in Walter Scott's novel Ivanhoe is based on Rebecca Gratz.
Also Rebecca Gratz, a jewish woman from Philadelphia who founded many organizations to help women and children. The first one was the Female Assoc. for the Relief of Women and Children in Reduced Circumstances, which she founded with her mother and sister. Then, still seeing need all around her, she founded the Fuel Society, The Sewing Society, The Philadelphia Orphan Asylum -and when she learned the orphans were all taught Christianity, she opened the first Jewish Orphanage in America, with Hebrew language and HebrewSunday School for kids gathered from all over the USA and Canada. She also found time to raise her 6 nieces and nephews after her sister died. It's rumored that the character Rebecca, a Jewish woman whose love of Christian Ivanhoe is doomed in Walter Scott's novel Ivanhoe is based on Rebecca Gratz.
April 6, 2017
Text: 4 stars
Illustrations: 4 stars
Picture book collection of mini-biographies that focus on women's contributions to our nation's history. Some of the usuals appear among some women I've never heard of, producing a nice mix. Very dense for a picture book, but each individual double-page biography can be read separately. The history spans a hundred years, and the women are not presented chronologically, but there is a timeline in the front of the book to organize the information. Good starting point for a school report or introduction to various classroom topics (such as colonial women, women behind famous men, women questioning traditional roles, establishment of social programs, etc.). Illustrations depict what each woman looked like. Lovely endpapers.
Illustrations: 4 stars
Picture book collection of mini-biographies that focus on women's contributions to our nation's history. Some of the usuals appear among some women I've never heard of, producing a nice mix. Very dense for a picture book, but each individual double-page biography can be read separately. The history spans a hundred years, and the women are not presented chronologically, but there is a timeline in the front of the book to organize the information. Good starting point for a school report or introduction to various classroom topics (such as colonial women, women behind famous men, women questioning traditional roles, establishment of social programs, etc.). Illustrations depict what each woman looked like. Lovely endpapers.
August 28, 2018
This book should be called "Ladies of Liberty: Because Women Lived Here, Too".
I was expecting a lot more out of this book, but aside from a few women, most of them just wrote letters about clothes and their children and all the things their men were doing. Not that these women should just be swept under the rug, but it seemed to be simply their reactions to things we already know about. And there was a LOT of time dedicated to what the men were doing. A LOT. Especially when considering that the women are supposed to be the subject of the book.
It could have used some heavy editing, too. The focus between women would shift sometimes mid-paragraph, with little to no segue. Some women were known by multiple names, which is fine, except the author would use them interchangeably, or use one name for several paragraphs or pages, then suddenly throw in the other name. There seemed to be no reason for it.
I was expecting a lot more out of this book, but aside from a few women, most of them just wrote letters about clothes and their children and all the things their men were doing. Not that these women should just be swept under the rug, but it seemed to be simply their reactions to things we already know about. And there was a LOT of time dedicated to what the men were doing. A LOT. Especially when considering that the women are supposed to be the subject of the book.
It could have used some heavy editing, too. The focus between women would shift sometimes mid-paragraph, with little to no segue. Some women were known by multiple names, which is fine, except the author would use them interchangeably, or use one name for several paragraphs or pages, then suddenly throw in the other name. There seemed to be no reason for it.
August 15, 2017
A two page timeline from 1727 10 1825 introduces the influential women who strove to educate girls and women, emphasize women's rights, and found schools and orphanages. The women discussed range from well-known historical figures such as Sacagawea and several presidential wives, to Rebecca Gratz who started a society for Jewish women and Hannah Adams who wrote a book about New England history and was the first woman in America to support herself through writing. Ten two page spreads about specific women are combined with a two page spread on women educators and reformers and another two page spread on women writers.
July 18, 2019
Cokie Roberts, long listened to on NPR, has proven to be as talented a wordsmith as she is a journalist. I had no doubts that the material would be well researched, but it was also presented in a clear and concise manner, moreover in a style that kept me listening one disk after the next.
A professional radio personality is one of the acceptable careers to be allowed to read her own books. I felt man times like I was listening to an extended piece that she had prepared for the radio. I guess I now know that she writes her own copy, but I had long suspected this about the NPR crew in general.
A professional radio personality is one of the acceptable careers to be allowed to read her own books. I felt man times like I was listening to an extended piece that she had prepared for the radio. I guess I now know that she writes her own copy, but I had long suspected this about the NPR crew in general.
March 1, 2019
I found this book very well written and very informtive, like reading a history book ,which I guess it is. I learned so much from reading this book about the First Ladies and other women of that time. How very intelligent and out spoken these incredible women were for the times in which they lived in. I would recommend this book for anyone wishing to learn more about our Country and the Ladies who helped make this country from the very beginnng.
June 19, 2017
Delightful. We all need more books like this one. I would have loved to read this as a young girl, but I am just as glad to read it now. The true stories told here are inspirational. And the illustrations are lovely. Kudos to Roberts and Goode for introducing the rest of us to these strong, good, and courageous women.
July 24, 2017
Love how this book focuses on women, in a history that is mainly geared toward men. Little girls need this, and I think more women would be historians if history lightened the load on the men's point of view in history. Not all history is about war, or battles, it is about the personal/social/political conflict that effects everyone.
March 7, 2018
The illustrations are a phenomenal addition to the colorful history of the women who contributed to the shaping of the USA. The bio of each woman is written for the young reader that is avid to learn.
November 5, 2018
Excellent book about the ladies that shaped our nation but found it difficult at times to keep up with who was being spoken about. This book gave a ton of information that I did not previously know but was difficult to follow at times.
January 12, 2019
While this book is quite dry, in my opinion, I did learn from it. There were several women that I had known little to nothing about. I feel that, since it is directed toward children, that the information could have been presented in a manner to really captivate the children's interest.
February 13, 2019
Recommended to high school students by the wife of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, this book examines the contributions by America's original foremothers. It is an interesting study of the influence of women, especially at a time in which they possessed no real power.
May 21, 2019
A deep, enlightening look back at the women who stood beside our country's leaders and how those women in some cases defied cultural convention to shape political discourse and work for society's good.
February 17, 2017
I enjoyed this, but was sad to see that there was no mention of women like Betsy Ross, Deborah Sampson, and so on.
June 18, 2019
A fun look at how the women of the post-revolutionary era helped shape our country. Good stories and primary sources. I would like a bit more arc, or connection between them.
October 7, 2019
So interesting!!
May 31, 2020
Illustrated nonfiction children's literature
Grades 3-5
This, the second book by Roberts focusing on the accomplishments of early American women, looked at the lives of women who impacted American history after the founding of the nation. Not all were white women. Roberts included one slave woman known for her poetry and eloquence, and Native American Sacagawea. Some of the women included in the book were new to me. Many started schools or worked to aid children of poverty, the organizations they founded still being in existence today. The illustrations in the book had an early American flavor, looking like books printed back in the late 1700's. I think girls who read this book will be inspired by their accomplishments.
Grades 3-5
This, the second book by Roberts focusing on the accomplishments of early American women, looked at the lives of women who impacted American history after the founding of the nation. Not all were white women. Roberts included one slave woman known for her poetry and eloquence, and Native American Sacagawea. Some of the women included in the book were new to me. Many started schools or worked to aid children of poverty, the organizations they founded still being in existence today. The illustrations in the book had an early American flavor, looking like books printed back in the late 1700's. I think girls who read this book will be inspired by their accomplishments.
April 8, 2020
Cokie Roberts and her illustrator, Dianne Goode gave us more of a good thing in this follow up to their important book, Founding Mothers. Those profiled in this volume include a Native American, the first American Citizen, First Ladies and the woman who eventually became the first American saint. In between we meet educators, writers and all kinds of pioneers that helped birth this young country.
Makes me miss Cokie Roberts(who I was lucky enough to once meet) even more.
Makes me miss Cokie Roberts(who I was lucky enough to once meet) even more.
September 10, 2023
I wanted to like this book as the artwork was great but when half of the descriptions of the “Ladies of Liberty” in the time lines were formatted along these lines “A (insert male name here) was elected president and his wife…” I just couldn’t love it. It also implied that boarding schools and orphanages that these women created for Indigenous or destitute kids were all so great. Sadly, evidence coming forward in recent years suggest otherwise in so many cases.
November 12, 2020
A nice collection of strong women who made an impact on the country. There's nothing terribly exciting here, but it could be a springboard to a more in-depth study of any of these ladies, all of whom have interesting stories.
March 15, 2025
They took her book written for adults and condensed it down to a children's book. The mini bios of women early in American history were short and not particularly well written. I liked that they tried to gather as many signatures as possible.
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January 11, 2026read for the 2026 library challenge
January 29, 2020
Sigh. I LOVE Cokie Roberts, and her book is excellently researched and written. So why did I abandon it? Stress, people. Hopefully I'll pick this back up at some point in the future when I'm a bit more grounded, especially as I was just getting to the part where Dolly Madison becomes the first lady. I'm a big Dolly Madison fan! BUT, I found myself getting really angry at Thomas Jefferson. It's so disappointing when one's heroes fall from grace. I used to think TJ could do no wrong, but after learning about his attitudes towards women in general and his daughters in particular, not to mention the whole debacle with Sally Hemmings and their children, OOOF, I actually had thoughts of Trump flitting through my mind. And that's the last thing I need. So, I trotted off to read a feel good book in an effort to feel better.
June 20, 2020
Loved reading this book again because I learned so much more...and was again inspired by these incredible women. It is a book I will enjoy reading again and again.
June 20, 2020: What a WONDERFUL book. Loved learning about women who helped shape our nation.
June 20, 2020: What a WONDERFUL book. Loved learning about women who helped shape our nation.
January 16, 2020
I wish Cokie Roberts wrote my high school history books. By wrapping intrigue around fascinating characters, she brings early American history to life. Lessons which used to bore me to sleep sprang from the page, reborn through her engaging, witty way of storytelling. After reading “Ladies if Liberty,” the my knowledge about the post-revolutionary era is greatly deepened.
Additionally, by explaining treaty relationships through interpersonal connections (who knew the soon-to-be executed Czar of Russia had a massive crush on one of our own?), I have a renewed appreciation for long-standing rivalries and friendships.
My heart broke when I learned she’d passed. We’ve lost a national treasure. I’m looking forward to reading, “Founding Mothers.”
Additionally, by explaining treaty relationships through interpersonal connections (who knew the soon-to-be executed Czar of Russia had a massive crush on one of our own?), I have a renewed appreciation for long-standing rivalries and friendships.
My heart broke when I learned she’d passed. We’ve lost a national treasure. I’m looking forward to reading, “Founding Mothers.”
January 6, 2020
As the title indicates, this is a book about ten of the women that played major roles in the early years of the English settlement of the east coast of North America up through the presidency of John Quincy Adams. Three of the women were able to make a difference due to their being related to American presidents, specifically Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe and John Quincy Adams. Another woman that is featured is the Native American woman Sacagawea. She joined the Lewis and Clark expedition and despite giving birth on the journey, did a great deal to ensure its’ success.
The rest are generally not mentioned in the history books. For example, there is Lucy Terry Prince, a black woman poet and former slave. Judith Sargent Murray wrote a series of essays about the equality of the sexes under the pen name “The Gleaner.” Not even her husband knew that she was writing the material. When they were to be put into a book, she sought and was given assistance from President George Washington and Vice President John Adams. Isabella Graham was instrumental in forming organizations for the care of widows with children and orphans. She herself became a widow with seven children.
While some of the women in this book achieved their success due to the men in their lives, most of them were able to make a difference on their own drive and initiative. Generally, against great odds and social resistance. This is a good book for young people, as they will learn about women of substance that generally are not mentioned in the history books.
The rest are generally not mentioned in the history books. For example, there is Lucy Terry Prince, a black woman poet and former slave. Judith Sargent Murray wrote a series of essays about the equality of the sexes under the pen name “The Gleaner.” Not even her husband knew that she was writing the material. When they were to be put into a book, she sought and was given assistance from President George Washington and Vice President John Adams. Isabella Graham was instrumental in forming organizations for the care of widows with children and orphans. She herself became a widow with seven children.
While some of the women in this book achieved their success due to the men in their lives, most of them were able to make a difference on their own drive and initiative. Generally, against great odds and social resistance. This is a good book for young people, as they will learn about women of substance that generally are not mentioned in the history books.
December 1, 2019
Ladies of Liberty truly is a "WOW" book! Written by Cokie Roberts a political commentator for ABC News and NPR that has won countless awards for her work. This book begins with a letter of introduction that gives the reader a significant amount of background knowledge about the forming of America as a nation and the many wars fought to make it so. Next there is a two page timeline from 1727-1825 highlighting how women contributed to the making of America as we know it today. A diverse collection of women from different religions, races, and nationalities are honored in this book. The one thing they all have in common is the desire for equality of all people. I learned as much about the women of America's history as my students. I loved how Roberts weaved diary recordings into this work recalling how Martha Jefferson Randolph "was never a moment from his side" and "man a burst of grief" as her father mourned the loss of her mother as she grew to womanhood. Those direct quotes brought into perspective for me that these were "real people" with real life issues and still did great things in spite of the challenges of life. I would use this book as an inspiration point for deeper biography studies.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews