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I Could Do That!: Esther Morris Gets Women the Vote
Full of humor and spunk – just like Esther!
"I could do that," says six-year-old Esther as she watches her mother making tea. Start her own business at the age of nineteen? Why, she could do that, too. But one thing Esther and other women could NOT do was vote. Only men could do that.
With lively text and humorous illustrations as full of spirit as Esther herself, this striking picture book biography shows how one girl's gumption propels her through a life filled with challenges until, in 1869, she wins the vote for women in Wyoming Territory – the first time ever in the United States!
I Could Do That! is a 2006 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.
"I could do that," says six-year-old Esther as she watches her mother making tea. Start her own business at the age of nineteen? Why, she could do that, too. But one thing Esther and other women could NOT do was vote. Only men could do that.
With lively text and humorous illustrations as full of spirit as Esther herself, this striking picture book biography shows how one girl's gumption propels her through a life filled with challenges until, in 1869, she wins the vote for women in Wyoming Territory – the first time ever in the United States!
I Could Do That! is a 2006 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published September 6, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
October 17, 2022
I finally got my hands on I Could Do That!: Esther Morris Gets Women the Vote and really enjoyed it, as did my kids. It has a great sense of the era and brings to life Esther's can-do personality and spunk (though, judging from the author's note, a lot about Esther's life is relatively unknown so there is probably some conjecture here). I especially liked the part when Esther hosts a tea party then works around to asking candidates (for the territorial legislature) to, if elected, introduce a bill that would allow women to vote. This reminded me a bit of Harriet Hemenway (She's Wearing a Dead Bird on Her Head!and Harriet's Ruffled Feathers) using what power she had (within her social sphere) to create the change she wanted to see in the world. The illustrations fit well with the text. There's a decent Author's Note and list of Resources.
June 5, 2018
This adorable picture book biography teaches girls they can do anything. In the 19th-century when girls were expected to sew and pour tea, Esther believed she could do that from a young age. As a middle-aged woman she traveled west and is credited with getting women the vote in Wyoming. The text is simple and tells a story. The can-do attitude is emphasized by repetitive phrases "I could do that" and "And she did." It helps associate the name with the deed. This is one strong-minded woman full of self-confidence. Unfortunately, not much is known about her real life. The author includes an author's note and list of resources.
The illustrations are really cute while still being realistic for the time. My favorite illustrations are young Esther pouring tea for her mourning family (the facial expressions on her father, brothers are great), Esther stopping the pro-slavery advocates intent on burning down her church, Esther bathing her family and older Esther leaning over the state legislators as they gamble. Of course I also love the timeline of other states and territories that gave women the vote prior to the 19th Amendment.
The illustrations are really cute while still being realistic for the time. My favorite illustrations are young Esther pouring tea for her mourning family (the facial expressions on her father, brothers are great), Esther stopping the pro-slavery advocates intent on burning down her church, Esther bathing her family and older Esther leaning over the state legislators as they gamble. Of course I also love the timeline of other states and territories that gave women the vote prior to the 19th Amendment.
March 10, 2024
Women’s History Month: book number 4.
It was delightful to learn how Wyoming became the first state (Actually, Territory) in the US to give permanent voting rights to women. Thank you, Esther Morris!
Esther was precocious. When she was six-years-old, Esther asked her mother if she could learn to make tea. On voting day, she asked questions and found out that only men could vote. 🤔
At age eight, she worked hard to learn how to sew. At age eleven, her mother died. She was the eighth of eleven children, and was determined to help run the household.
At age nineteen, Esther was 6 feet tall, living on her own, and sewing dresses for society ladies. When the ladies wanted matching hats, she learned how to make them. She wanted to open her own millinery shop, but was told that she was too young to run a business. She did it anyway - in Owego, New York.
Esther began attending abolitionist meetings at her church. A crowd of angry people who believed in owning slaves, threatened to tear down the church. Esther stopped them.
At age twenty-eight, Esther married Artimus Slack. They had a son they called Archy. When Artimus died, she told her friends that she was moving to Illinois to claim land that Artimus owned. Her friends said “You can’t do that! Illinois is the very edge of civilization. It’s full of dangerous people and wild animals.” Of course, Esther did! She fought long and hard to claim the land, but she was denied her inheritance because she was female. 😢 So she opened her second hat shop.
Esther met and married John Morris, and in 1851 gave birth to twin boys, Edward and Robert. John had a hard time making a living, so while she continued to care for her sons, cook, and wash clothes, she made money too.
When Esther was forty-six, she went with her husband to the presidential election polls and watched her husband vote through the window. 🤨 (Do you see a theme developing here?)
Esther was proud of her son, Archy, when he fought in the War to free the slaves. Soon afterward, a constitutional amendment gave African American men citizenship and the right to vote. After hearing Susan B. Anthony speak, Esther hoped that women would soon have voting rights! 🤗
In 1869, Esther’s family settled in South Pass City, Wyoming - the newly formed territory. Esther opened another hat shop. Women were scarce and there was always someone in need. Esther helped tend to the sick and wounded, deliver babies, sew clothing, and support young mothers.
“One day Esther read a proclamation tacked to a wall: ALL MALE CITIZENS 21 AND OLDER ARE CALLED TO VOTE IN THE FIRST TERRITORIAL ELECTIONS.”
It was time for Esther to do something about this! 🧐 She sent out invitations to the two candidates running for the territorial legislature to discuss their views with the citizens. Then she sent out invitations to the town’s most influential people for tea in her home, and to speak with the candidates. Then she prepared her home.
At the appointed hour, Esther cleverly said:
“One thing I like about Wyoming, is how everyone is important. It takes all of us to run a town, women as well as the men.” Everyone agreed.
“And it’s a place where people aren’t afraid to try new things.” Everyone agreed again.
Addressing the candidates:
“Then, would you, if elected, introduce a bill in the legislature that would allow all women to vote?”
SILENCE! 🤐
Colonel William Bright:
“Mrs. Morris, my wife would like to vote, too. She is intelligent and well educated. Truth be told, she would be a more informed voter than I. If I am elected, I will introduce that bill.” APPLAUSE! 👏
Not wanting to be outdone, the other candidate, Herman Nickerson, agreed to do the same.
Esther worked hard campaigning for this bill. On December 10, 1869, Governor John Campbell signed the bill into law!
Wyoming women got the vote!….. Esther’s influence didn’t stop there. She was the first woman in Wyoming to hold public office. 🥇🎈🎉
Again, THANK YOU, ESTHER MORRIS!
Thank you to the author, Linda Arms Wright!
Thank you, Nancy Carpenter, for the illustrations! They were charming, humorous, and fitting for the time period.
It was delightful to learn how Wyoming became the first state (Actually, Territory) in the US to give permanent voting rights to women. Thank you, Esther Morris!
Esther was precocious. When she was six-years-old, Esther asked her mother if she could learn to make tea. On voting day, she asked questions and found out that only men could vote. 🤔
At age eight, she worked hard to learn how to sew. At age eleven, her mother died. She was the eighth of eleven children, and was determined to help run the household.
At age nineteen, Esther was 6 feet tall, living on her own, and sewing dresses for society ladies. When the ladies wanted matching hats, she learned how to make them. She wanted to open her own millinery shop, but was told that she was too young to run a business. She did it anyway - in Owego, New York.
Esther began attending abolitionist meetings at her church. A crowd of angry people who believed in owning slaves, threatened to tear down the church. Esther stopped them.
At age twenty-eight, Esther married Artimus Slack. They had a son they called Archy. When Artimus died, she told her friends that she was moving to Illinois to claim land that Artimus owned. Her friends said “You can’t do that! Illinois is the very edge of civilization. It’s full of dangerous people and wild animals.” Of course, Esther did! She fought long and hard to claim the land, but she was denied her inheritance because she was female. 😢 So she opened her second hat shop.
Esther met and married John Morris, and in 1851 gave birth to twin boys, Edward and Robert. John had a hard time making a living, so while she continued to care for her sons, cook, and wash clothes, she made money too.
When Esther was forty-six, she went with her husband to the presidential election polls and watched her husband vote through the window. 🤨 (Do you see a theme developing here?)
Esther was proud of her son, Archy, when he fought in the War to free the slaves. Soon afterward, a constitutional amendment gave African American men citizenship and the right to vote. After hearing Susan B. Anthony speak, Esther hoped that women would soon have voting rights! 🤗
In 1869, Esther’s family settled in South Pass City, Wyoming - the newly formed territory. Esther opened another hat shop. Women were scarce and there was always someone in need. Esther helped tend to the sick and wounded, deliver babies, sew clothing, and support young mothers.
“One day Esther read a proclamation tacked to a wall: ALL MALE CITIZENS 21 AND OLDER ARE CALLED TO VOTE IN THE FIRST TERRITORIAL ELECTIONS.”
It was time for Esther to do something about this! 🧐 She sent out invitations to the two candidates running for the territorial legislature to discuss their views with the citizens. Then she sent out invitations to the town’s most influential people for tea in her home, and to speak with the candidates. Then she prepared her home.
At the appointed hour, Esther cleverly said:
“One thing I like about Wyoming, is how everyone is important. It takes all of us to run a town, women as well as the men.” Everyone agreed.
“And it’s a place where people aren’t afraid to try new things.” Everyone agreed again.
Addressing the candidates:
“Then, would you, if elected, introduce a bill in the legislature that would allow all women to vote?”
SILENCE! 🤐
Colonel William Bright:
“Mrs. Morris, my wife would like to vote, too. She is intelligent and well educated. Truth be told, she would be a more informed voter than I. If I am elected, I will introduce that bill.” APPLAUSE! 👏
Not wanting to be outdone, the other candidate, Herman Nickerson, agreed to do the same.
Esther worked hard campaigning for this bill. On December 10, 1869, Governor John Campbell signed the bill into law!
Wyoming women got the vote!….. Esther’s influence didn’t stop there. She was the first woman in Wyoming to hold public office. 🥇🎈🎉
Again, THANK YOU, ESTHER MORRIS!
Thank you to the author, Linda Arms Wright!
Thank you, Nancy Carpenter, for the illustrations! They were charming, humorous, and fitting for the time period.
September 1, 2018
Inspiring tale about a woman who did not allow nay sayers to get in her way and eventually proved "instrumental in gaining women's suffrage in Wyoming Territory."
Not only that, but her list of accomplishments is quite long and impressive: store-owner, milliner, abolitionist, judge, as well as a wife and mother.
The illustrations depict very expressive characters and I love how determined Esther appears throughout the book. The author's note and list of resources are helpful for those who want to learn more about this lesser-known figure from history.
Overall, it's a fun, fast read and very informative. I really enjoyed reading it.
This book was selected as one of the books for the June 2018 - Women's Suffrage discussion at the Picture-Book Club in the Children's Books Group here at Goodreads.
Not only that, but her list of accomplishments is quite long and impressive: store-owner, milliner, abolitionist, judge, as well as a wife and mother.
The illustrations depict very expressive characters and I love how determined Esther appears throughout the book. The author's note and list of resources are helpful for those who want to learn more about this lesser-known figure from history.
Overall, it's a fun, fast read and very informative. I really enjoyed reading it.
This book was selected as one of the books for the June 2018 - Women's Suffrage discussion at the Picture-Book Club in the Children's Books Group here at Goodreads.
July 23, 2016
I Could Do That!: Ester Morris Gets Women the Vote / Linda White/ 2005
Genre: Non-fiction
Format: picture book
Plot summary: In 1869, a woman whose "can-do" attitude had shaped her life was instrumental in making Wyoming the first state to allow women to vote, then became the first woman to hold public office in the United States.
Considerations: none
Review citation:School Library Journal, vol 51, issue 9
" readers are given an appealing, inspiring story, but is it historical fiction or nonfiction? White is successful in depicting a strong, dynamic woman. Whether brewing tea or learning to sew, from an early age Esther adamantly states, “I could do that!”–the mantra of her life."
Section source: School Library Journal
Recommended age: 6-9
Genre: Non-fiction
Format: picture book
Plot summary: In 1869, a woman whose "can-do" attitude had shaped her life was instrumental in making Wyoming the first state to allow women to vote, then became the first woman to hold public office in the United States.
Considerations: none
Review citation:School Library Journal, vol 51, issue 9
" readers are given an appealing, inspiring story, but is it historical fiction or nonfiction? White is successful in depicting a strong, dynamic woman. Whether brewing tea or learning to sew, from an early age Esther adamantly states, “I could do that!”–the mantra of her life."
Section source: School Library Journal
Recommended age: 6-9
November 22, 2016
Summary: Esther Morris is a young girl that can do anything! She learns to clean and make tea! When her mother dies she takes care of her family! Esther opens up a hat shop and takes care of sick people after her husband dies. One day she decides it's about time she gets to vote! She invites two politicians to her home and makes her case! Soon after women have the right to vote!
Grade: 1st-5th
Classroom: history
Individuals: girls that believe they can do everything!
Small group: discussion/activity to vote
Whole: discussion on right to vote
Books: Linda white books , voting books
Multimedia: recorded read alouds
Grade: 1st-5th
Classroom: history
Individuals: girls that believe they can do everything!
Small group: discussion/activity to vote
Whole: discussion on right to vote
Books: Linda white books , voting books
Multimedia: recorded read alouds
March 19, 2020
This book is about a girl who believed with all her might that she could do things anybody else could, whether it was because she was too young or because she was a woman she never cared to hear.
This story is in this text set because women having a right to vote is still so important, this book can be read for history as it has dates and information. It is also about her persevering when she is told she can’t do things, even though she knows either she can or she should be able to. Despite all she had gone through she kept hope, and put in the work to be able to do it.I really loved this book and the way it was said, it not only gives kids a voice and shows if they put in the work but it also shows how strong she came out after facing all the struggles. I illustrator did such a good job with the end pages, she chose to use teapots which would be a motif and even symbolize her famous line “I can do that” it only fits so well together because it was the first time she was told she couldn’t do something and did it anyway. She also had a combination of illustrations whether it be a double page spread, a cutout, or a frame, it kept the images interesting and the readers engaged. With this book I would have my students think about things they have accomplished after either others doubting them or them doubting themselves, and if they can’t then think of what they struggle with and how they could persevere through that and make the situation better.
This story is in this text set because women having a right to vote is still so important, this book can be read for history as it has dates and information. It is also about her persevering when she is told she can’t do things, even though she knows either she can or she should be able to. Despite all she had gone through she kept hope, and put in the work to be able to do it.I really loved this book and the way it was said, it not only gives kids a voice and shows if they put in the work but it also shows how strong she came out after facing all the struggles. I illustrator did such a good job with the end pages, she chose to use teapots which would be a motif and even symbolize her famous line “I can do that” it only fits so well together because it was the first time she was told she couldn’t do something and did it anyway. She also had a combination of illustrations whether it be a double page spread, a cutout, or a frame, it kept the images interesting and the readers engaged. With this book I would have my students think about things they have accomplished after either others doubting them or them doubting themselves, and if they can’t then think of what they struggle with and how they could persevere through that and make the situation better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2024
This is a biography of a six-year-old girl, Esther. This book is attended for 7-9-year-olds. "I could do that," says six-year-old Esther. while watching her mother making tea. Start her own business at the age of nineteen. attends a meeting at a Baptist church. She gets married. this is a chronological life story of Esther herself, this is a picture book biography that shows how one girl's gumption " I could do that " propels her through a life filled with challenges until, in 1869, she wins the vote for women in Wyoming Territory – the first time in the United States. A great story for young girls. The power of positive thinking.
The illustration is humorous full colors and creates pictures of excitement and keeps the reader interested. The oil pastels are vibrate.
The illustration is humorous full colors and creates pictures of excitement and keeps the reader interested. The oil pastels are vibrate.
October 8, 2018
Genre: Historical Fiction
Copyright Date: 2005
Thoughts: I'm so confused why I never learned about Esther Morris? I have never heard her name until I picked this book up from the library and I am amazed. She was the reason for women being able to vote in Wisconsin, was the first women to ever hold political office and was part of one of the first anti slavery churches. What a great book telling all of this information in a simple way.
Classroom Use: Ruth is an inspiration and a name that should be taught in all schools. She is incredibly fascinating and paved the way for so many women in America. A great read for kids of all ages.
Copyright Date: 2005
Thoughts: I'm so confused why I never learned about Esther Morris? I have never heard her name until I picked this book up from the library and I am amazed. She was the reason for women being able to vote in Wisconsin, was the first women to ever hold political office and was part of one of the first anti slavery churches. What a great book telling all of this information in a simple way.
Classroom Use: Ruth is an inspiration and a name that should be taught in all schools. She is incredibly fascinating and paved the way for so many women in America. A great read for kids of all ages.
September 12, 2017
"I could do that," says six-year-old Esther as she watches her mother making tea. Start her own business at the age of nineteen? Why, she could do that, too. But one thing Esther and other women could NOT do was vote. Only men could do that.
With lively text and humorous illustrations as full of spirit as Esther herself, this striking picture book biography shows how one girl's gumption propels her through a life filled with challenges until, in 1869, she wins the vote for women in Wyoming Territory – the first time ever in the United States!
With lively text and humorous illustrations as full of spirit as Esther herself, this striking picture book biography shows how one girl's gumption propels her through a life filled with challenges until, in 1869, she wins the vote for women in Wyoming Territory – the first time ever in the United States!
June 13, 2018
Linda White and Nancy Carpenter beautifully created this informatively fun read for educators to share young readers and listeners. Esther Morris was a woman ahead of her time, she continually fought for what she knew was right - such as permitting the women of Wyoming to have an equal vote in their government. Her actions led to woman's suffrage in her home state a full 50 years before the passing of the 19th Amendment.
October 4, 2020
I LOVED this book a lot and wish I had more books like it when I was younger. This book sends out a great message while also teaching children some history. I Could Do That sends a great message out to both young girls and boys stating you can do anything you want if you work hard enough. I loved the illustrations of Esther Morris growing older as the story went along. The book takes us through Esther Morris's life.
February 16, 2021
Genre: Biography
Grade: 3-6
This book is a great introduction to learning how women got the right to vote. It also has a wonderful message about fighting for your dreams and what you believe in. Esther Morris was such a fun and inspiring person to read about and the picture book was really well done. One of my favorite parts was the end pages at the back where it continues the history by giving the days of when states gave women the right to vote.
Grade: 3-6
This book is a great introduction to learning how women got the right to vote. It also has a wonderful message about fighting for your dreams and what you believe in. Esther Morris was such a fun and inspiring person to read about and the picture book was really well done. One of my favorite parts was the end pages at the back where it continues the history by giving the days of when states gave women the right to vote.
April 12, 2018
A beautiful historical picture book about a woman I wish I’d known about when I was a kid. Amazing to learn she was the first successful U.S. suffragette, gaining the right of women to vote in Wyoming a full 50 years before the 19th amendment gave women the right to vote nationwide (and 23 years prior to the next state to do so - Colorado in 1893).
October 27, 2019
As a lover of women's history and as I start into my study of women's right to vote this book was wonderful as a stepping off point. I even read it out load to my 11 year old son, who enjoyed the story. Any time we can find a book that tells the tale of women as well as this, it should be given high standing. Well done Linda Arms White... on the keep shelf this one goes.
June 10, 2020
Loved and learned SO much about a story from women's history that I had never known - Esther Morris, the first woman elected to public office in the United States - and about the fact that Wyoming Territory had women's suffrage in 1870!
Great addition to school library collections and as a read-aloud for units about voting rights, women's suffrage, Westward expansion, and women's history.
Great addition to school library collections and as a read-aloud for units about voting rights, women's suffrage, Westward expansion, and women's history.
September 5, 2017
Very interesting book based on the true story of Esther Morris, the first female judge and the first woman in the United States to hold a political office. Apparently she was instrumental in getting Wyoming's women the right to vote.
Kids enjoyed the story.
Kids enjoyed the story.
November 13, 2017
Genre: Biographical Nonfiction
Grade: 4-6
Review:
I love the topic of this book and am glad there is a children's book about the women's right to vote. It is an important topic in history and this book gives great incite as to what it was like and how one person changed history.
Grade: 4-6
Review:
I love the topic of this book and am glad there is a children's book about the women's right to vote. It is an important topic in history and this book gives great incite as to what it was like and how one person changed history.
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March 31, 2021Charming book! But I feel obliged to point out that Wyoming wasn’t the first government in the US to grant women suffrage, as this claims. Women in New Jersey has the right to vote from 1776 to 1807.
May 6, 2021
A story about Esther Morris and how she got women vote in the Wyomi country before it was a state. It talks about her life and what she did and her I can attitude. Story to read to young readers very interesting.
September 23, 2017
Great bio about a frontier woman who thought woman should be able to vote. i would be interested in a more detailed account.
February 13, 2018
Very inspiring and entertaining!
March 16, 2019
An empowering story of an early feminist. Both my 7 year old and I loved this one. An inspiring read.
April 1, 2019
Great and accessible story about the little-known woman who fought for and won suffrage for the women of Wyoming, the first state in the Union to allow women to vote.
May 13, 2019
How could I have gone years of schooling without hearing of Esther Morris and her fight for women suffrage? A must read that is for sure!
July 30, 2019
A true story about a woman who used her courage, intelligence, and hard work to change the world. Not only informative and inspiring, but also great fun to read!
November 3, 2019
I had never heard of this important political person prior to reading this book. Very cool.
December 30, 2019
A biography of Esther Morris from her childhood into adulthood where she was instrumental in bringing women's suffrage to Wyoming and serving as the first female judge.
February 21, 2020
Scholastic storybook treasure CD
April 17, 2020
An elementary and up picture book biography of Esther Morris who fought for women's rights and helped to get Wyoming women the right to vote and became one of the first women public service workers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews