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Suffragette: The Battle for Equality
A New York Times best-selling illustrator turns his talents to a lavish history of the women’s suffrage movement in the U.K. and the U.S. just in time for the hundredth anniversary of the Nineteenth Amendment.
Imprisonment, hunger strikes, suffrajitsu — the decades-long fight for women’s right to vote was at times a ferocious one. Acclaimed artist David Roberts gives these important, socially transformative times their due in a colorfully illustrated history that includes many of the important faces of the movement in portraiture and scenes that both dignify and enliven. He has created a timely and thoroughly engaging resource in his first turn as nonfiction author-illustrator. Suffragette: The Battle for Equality follows the trajectory of the movement in the U.K. and visits some key figures and moments in the United States as it presents the stories of Millicent Garrett Fawcett, Emmeline Pankhurst, Ida B. Wells, Susan B. Anthony, and many more heroic women and men — making it a perfect gift for young readers of today. Dr. Crystal Feimster of Yale’s Department of African American Studies contributes a foreword that speaks to the relationship and differences between the British and American suffrage efforts.
128 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 31, 2018
14 people are currently reading
353 people want to read
About the author
David Roberts
168 books58 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
David Roberts was born in Liverpool. He always loved drawing from an early age and couldn’t wait to escape high school and go to art college. There he developed a keen interest in pottery and fashion and went on to study a degree in fashion design at Manchester Metropolitan University. After university he worked as a milliner and began to get work as a fashion illustrator but always felt his true calling was in children’s book illustration.
He signed up with Christine Isteed at Artist Partners in 1995 and has never looked back since. So after working as a shelf stacker, egg fryer, hair washer, film extra and coffee-maker David finally realised his dream of becoming a children’s book illustrator when his first book ‘Frankie Stein’s Robot’ written by Roy Apps was published in 1998. This book was shortlisted for the 'Mother Goose Award' for emerging illustrators.
Since then he has illustrated works by some fantastic authors such as Philip Ardagh, Daren King, Julia Donaldson, Jacqueline Wilson, Tom Baker and Chris Priestley. David considers himself privileged and lucky to be doing a job he loves. His most recent works include ‘Iggy Peck, Architect’ by Andrea Beaty, ‘The Troll’ by Julia Donaldson and ‘The Dunderheads’ by Paul Fleischman which was shortlisted for the 2010 Kate Greenaway Award.
David is also the creator of the ‘Dirty Bertie’ character about a little boy with bad habits such as picking his nose and trumping loudly!
David now lives in London.
David Roberts was born in Liverpool. He always loved drawing from an early age and couldn’t wait to escape high school and go to art college. There he developed a keen interest in pottery and fashion and went on to study a degree in fashion design at Manchester Metropolitan University. After university he worked as a milliner and began to get work as a fashion illustrator but always felt his true calling was in children’s book illustration.
He signed up with Christine Isteed at Artist Partners in 1995 and has never looked back since. So after working as a shelf stacker, egg fryer, hair washer, film extra and coffee-maker David finally realised his dream of becoming a children’s book illustrator when his first book ‘Frankie Stein’s Robot’ written by Roy Apps was published in 1998. This book was shortlisted for the 'Mother Goose Award' for emerging illustrators.
Since then he has illustrated works by some fantastic authors such as Philip Ardagh, Daren King, Julia Donaldson, Jacqueline Wilson, Tom Baker and Chris Priestley. David considers himself privileged and lucky to be doing a job he loves. His most recent works include ‘Iggy Peck, Architect’ by Andrea Beaty, ‘The Troll’ by Julia Donaldson and ‘The Dunderheads’ by Paul Fleischman which was shortlisted for the 2010 Kate Greenaway Award.
David is also the creator of the ‘Dirty Bertie’ character about a little boy with bad habits such as picking his nose and trumping loudly!
David now lives in London.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
August 3, 2023
Yes, I do realise and accept that David Roberts’ 2018 Suffragette: The Battle for Equality is on the 2019 Kate Greenaway Medal Short List (which is similar to being selected for a Caldecott Honour designation in the USA). Furthermore, I have indeed and certainly found Suffragette: The Battle for Equality textually important, informative, and even with its length and occasional over-wordiness generally delightfully readable and approachable for the intended age group, for older children from about the age of ten onwards (as well as of course for interested adults). And if I were just and only to consider David Roberts' written words and his accompanying artwork, I would most likely be ranking Suffragette: The Battle for Equality with a high three star rating, for a very good and decent marriage of informative narrative and visually stunning and colourfully expressive illustrations, but with the small caveat that the author, that David Roberts, is in my humble opinion sometimes just a trifle too universally accepting and uncritical of the more vandalism and wanton destruction oriented actions and reactions practiced and engaged in by some of the more radical suffragettes (and that especially I for one would definitely want to see somewhat of an acknowledgement by the author that Emily Wilding Davidson's fatal stunt at the races could very easily also have killed both the poor horse and Amner's jockey and that therefore, labelling her as just a martyr for women's rights might be somewhat problematic and overly lauding, even frustratingly and totally condoning).
However, and this is a huge "however" for me, I am getting ABSOLUTELY SICK AND TIRED of the fact that for so so many especially longer and entirely non-fiction picture books, so very often there seems to be (and this in particular with tomes recently published in the United Kingdom) an almost deliberate non inclusion of any source acknowledgements whatsoever (that there are no footnotes, no endnotes, no bibliographies and with this of course also no suggestions for further reading). And indeed, that Suffragette: The Battle for Equality falls absolutely and completely into that sad and frustrating category, this has both made me furious and also, indeed, lowered my final ranking for Suffragette: The Battle for Equality from three to but two stars (since in my opinion, a densely historical and factual book such as Suffragette: The Battle for Equality absolutely does require at the very least a bibliography of books cited and used by the author and the total lack thereof in my opinion makes this book pretty well useless academically, for there is no way for readers to either check and verify David Roberts' facts and presented details or to engage in supplemental research on the topic of women's voting rights and the fight for universal suffrage). Really disappointing, and no, with this complete lack of bibliographical information, there is NO WAY that I can and will consider recommending Suffragette: The Battle for Equality except with very very major reservations.
However, and this is a huge "however" for me, I am getting ABSOLUTELY SICK AND TIRED of the fact that for so so many especially longer and entirely non-fiction picture books, so very often there seems to be (and this in particular with tomes recently published in the United Kingdom) an almost deliberate non inclusion of any source acknowledgements whatsoever (that there are no footnotes, no endnotes, no bibliographies and with this of course also no suggestions for further reading). And indeed, that Suffragette: The Battle for Equality falls absolutely and completely into that sad and frustrating category, this has both made me furious and also, indeed, lowered my final ranking for Suffragette: The Battle for Equality from three to but two stars (since in my opinion, a densely historical and factual book such as Suffragette: The Battle for Equality absolutely does require at the very least a bibliography of books cited and used by the author and the total lack thereof in my opinion makes this book pretty well useless academically, for there is no way for readers to either check and verify David Roberts' facts and presented details or to engage in supplemental research on the topic of women's voting rights and the fight for universal suffrage). Really disappointing, and no, with this complete lack of bibliographical information, there is NO WAY that I can and will consider recommending Suffragette: The Battle for Equality except with very very major reservations.
March 30, 2018
2018 marks 100 years since the first women’s votes in the UK. That’s 100 years since all women over the age of 30, with some claim to property, could vote. Not all women. That would take another 10 years. As such, there’s been a quite a bit of literature released to mark the occasion, including this little book.
It’s rather succinct at just over 100 pages, yet managed to get the main points across in a way that is palatable for everyone. I enjoyed reading this with my 5 year old, and the illustrations in particular are a wonderful way to engage a younger audience in such an important historical moment in time. I also liked that it didn’t focus solely on Pankhurst and the suffragettes, but also included the more peaceful, yet no less important, suffragists.
The book also highlights the ungoing fight women still face for complete equality. I would encourage anyone to follow in Millicent Garrett Fawcett’s footsteps in joining the Fawcett Society who still campaign for equality and women’s rights in her legacy.
It’s rather succinct at just over 100 pages, yet managed to get the main points across in a way that is palatable for everyone. I enjoyed reading this with my 5 year old, and the illustrations in particular are a wonderful way to engage a younger audience in such an important historical moment in time. I also liked that it didn’t focus solely on Pankhurst and the suffragettes, but also included the more peaceful, yet no less important, suffragists.
The book also highlights the ungoing fight women still face for complete equality. I would encourage anyone to follow in Millicent Garrett Fawcett’s footsteps in joining the Fawcett Society who still campaign for equality and women’s rights in her legacy.
July 1, 2018
Sometimes I like reading books aimed at children. Narratives tend to cut through all the wordy nonsense in that of some adult non fiction books and this is a great example of that. It's also beautifully illustrated.
We don't just get the story of the suffragettes; there's an interesting section on the right to vote itself. It's comprehensive without being boring. It gives a great overview of the Suffrage and the key payers. I wish I'd seen this book when I was younger. If my children weren't grown up I'd definitely buy it for them.
We don't just get the story of the suffragettes; there's an interesting section on the right to vote itself. It's comprehensive without being boring. It gives a great overview of the Suffrage and the key payers. I wish I'd seen this book when I was younger. If my children weren't grown up I'd definitely buy it for them.
April 4, 2018
“Dedicated to the memory of all the suffragettes and suffragists who did right and persisted knowing Failure was Impossible.”This year we celebrate the hundredth anniversary of the Representation of the People Act 1918, which gave some women over the age of 30 the right to vote for the very first time in the UK. In December, we mark 100 years since the first general election in which they voted.
In recognition of this historic event, David Roberts has produced a superbly illustrated children's book that captures the courage and passion of the early 20th century suffragette movement.
Roberts' distinctive drawings depicting the battle for female emancipation are imbued with compassion and good humour, showing the brave and resourceful women at both the nadir and pinnacle of their struggle. His narrative is at once uncomplicated, erudite and insightful, and it perfectly encapsulates the activists' aspirations and frustrations as they fought for their enfranchisement with every means available to them.
He is particularly good at hats, which, of course, were essential headwear for ladies and gents during this period. In Roberts' illustrations, the suffragettes wear their remarkable titfers like helmets and their heavy Edwardian attire like armour, donning their official WSPU purple, green and white sashes with considerable pride.
His amusing stories about the women outfoxing the police to sneak into Parliament in order to heckle, and the warmth with which he captures their facial expressions, often furrowed with audacity and determination, make reading Suffragette: The Battle for Equality an absolute pleasure. This book is an outstanding introduction to a significant era in our history.
“Courage calls to courage everywhere, and its voice cannot be denied.”Many thanks to Pan Macmillan for providing an advance review copy of this title.
– Millicent Garrett Fawcett
April 20, 2018
REVIEW
Both myself and my daughter love reading anything/everything Suffragette so as soon as I saw this book and I instantly wanted to read it.
The cover shows women suffragettes with their long hair freely blowing in the wind whilst they are running. The running women would be considered scandalous as women don't run, their hair should be tied back/up and most of all women should be dressed in a certain way to meet societies expectations.
I really love the book cover it depicts the kind of protests the women were prepared to make in order to get their voices heard. The illustrations of the women are so well done and I would say appeal to both children and adults.
The genres I have seen listed for this book are Non-Fiction, Adults & Children which do it the book well but I would also add history/historical too.
This book begins with a foreward/introduction by Lauren Laverne, radio DJ, she readily admits that her knowledge of the suffragettes was quite limited. The only suffragette she has knowledge of is the fictional character, Mrs Banks (Mary Poppins). Lauren thinks that Mrs Banks came across as a posh lady and she remembers her wearing a sash proclaiming her as a suffragette, and rushing off to meetings etc.
In reality some of the suffragettes were "posh" or perhaps a better way of saying it is that these were women "well to do" or had money.
The illustrations in this book may appear to be fun little illustrations, but they are not just caricatures. The suffragettes were very real people and I think that the illustrations in this book represent them and their cause at the time very well. As eventually the Suffragettes did win their battle for the right to vote, most people remember the suffragettes as winners, however they did not win the right to vote easily. There were many small battles that failed before they won the war! It was not an immediate, or quick win either. It was a slow, gradual or compromises to gain small wins.
The other thing Lauren, and I admit I remember about Mrs Banks (from Mary Poppins) is her badge. The real suffragettes had badges ad slogans such as "Votes For Women", "Deeds Not Words", "Dare To Be Free" which were also displayed on banners. There was also newspapers such as "The Suffragette", "Votes or Women" and "The Vote" anything to spread the world to the masses and attract them to join and fight the cause too.
The introduction by the author David Roberts explains how he was inspired to write this book. It was 1984 when David learnt about the Suffragettes. It was his school teacher who had strewn some books on a table ad given the class an end of year exam project to both write about and illustrate. It was a book about suffragettes that caught Davids attention. David was intrigued by the two women wearing prison uniforms on the front cover. David did his project and years later it was that project that he based this book on. David enjoyed creating illustrations from some of the stories he read about.
The book introduces the reader to the big names and the more controversial escapades in the suffragette movement such as, Mary Leigh hurling slates off a rooftop at the Prime Ministers car! Or Miss Spark & Miss Shaw barracading themselves in at the top of the Monument Tower in London in order to unfurl a masssive banner which read, "Death or Victory" and then showered the crowd below with pamphlets declaring "Votes For Women". The Suffragettes didn't always get treated well or welcomed. For example Muriel Matters was pelted with rotten fish when she gave speech.
Some of the laws around that time seem odd in our modern day, such as, when/[ if a woman married she had to promise to obey her husband!
Obviously the names you immediately associate with the suffragettes is "Pankhurst", I think most people will have heard those names and perhaps also
Mary Smith, from Yorkshire became the first woman to petition the government for the right to vote in 1832. Her argument was that women paid taxes to the government so they should be allowed to vote.
Nowadays the colour's most associated with the WSPU are the Green, White and Violet, some say these colour's are used as a code that means Give Women Votes. However this is said to not be the case. Apparently Green represents for "Hope", White "Purity" and the Purple/Violet represents "Dignity".
It's fair to say I have read other books about the suffragettes so already knew some of the stories, but I also read quite a few new ones too. I found the book captivating, factual, amusing at times and interesting all the way through. This book would be the ideal book for adults and children alike who have a love of history or would like something a little different to read to learn about the suffragettes ad their cause, as well as the different sections and groups of the suffragettes, from the totally peaceful section, to the militants who set fire to post boxes and threw stone through shop windows!
My immediate thoughts upon finishing this book were that it was as interesting, informative,and beautifully illustrated book.
I feel I should add a small negative which was the copy of the book I read was a little disjointed in that sentences and paragraphs were sometimes placed in the wrong order. I would presume that is because the e-copy that I read was an arc, rather than a final finished e-book. I'd certainly love to see a physical edition of this book purely for the fantastic illustrations!
What more can I say I really enjoyed reading this book and thought the illustrations were brilliant and bought the whole book to life.
Emmeline Pankhurst died on the 14th June 1928 just weeks after the equal franchise act was made law. Meaning all women over the age of 21 were eligible to vote! The irony that Emmeline didn't live to see that day! It makes you wonder what the Pankhursts would have to say about our present world were there's the whole men getting paid more than women for doing exactly the same job. I reckon they would have had those banners back out along with organising more marches and demonstrations.
Both myself and my daughter love reading anything/everything Suffragette so as soon as I saw this book and I instantly wanted to read it.
The cover shows women suffragettes with their long hair freely blowing in the wind whilst they are running. The running women would be considered scandalous as women don't run, their hair should be tied back/up and most of all women should be dressed in a certain way to meet societies expectations.
I really love the book cover it depicts the kind of protests the women were prepared to make in order to get their voices heard. The illustrations of the women are so well done and I would say appeal to both children and adults.
The genres I have seen listed for this book are Non-Fiction, Adults & Children which do it the book well but I would also add history/historical too.
This book begins with a foreward/introduction by Lauren Laverne, radio DJ, she readily admits that her knowledge of the suffragettes was quite limited. The only suffragette she has knowledge of is the fictional character, Mrs Banks (Mary Poppins). Lauren thinks that Mrs Banks came across as a posh lady and she remembers her wearing a sash proclaiming her as a suffragette, and rushing off to meetings etc.
In reality some of the suffragettes were "posh" or perhaps a better way of saying it is that these were women "well to do" or had money.
The illustrations in this book may appear to be fun little illustrations, but they are not just caricatures. The suffragettes were very real people and I think that the illustrations in this book represent them and their cause at the time very well. As eventually the Suffragettes did win their battle for the right to vote, most people remember the suffragettes as winners, however they did not win the right to vote easily. There were many small battles that failed before they won the war! It was not an immediate, or quick win either. It was a slow, gradual or compromises to gain small wins.
The other thing Lauren, and I admit I remember about Mrs Banks (from Mary Poppins) is her badge. The real suffragettes had badges ad slogans such as "Votes For Women", "Deeds Not Words", "Dare To Be Free" which were also displayed on banners. There was also newspapers such as "The Suffragette", "Votes or Women" and "The Vote" anything to spread the world to the masses and attract them to join and fight the cause too.
The introduction by the author David Roberts explains how he was inspired to write this book. It was 1984 when David learnt about the Suffragettes. It was his school teacher who had strewn some books on a table ad given the class an end of year exam project to both write about and illustrate. It was a book about suffragettes that caught Davids attention. David was intrigued by the two women wearing prison uniforms on the front cover. David did his project and years later it was that project that he based this book on. David enjoyed creating illustrations from some of the stories he read about.
The book introduces the reader to the big names and the more controversial escapades in the suffragette movement such as, Mary Leigh hurling slates off a rooftop at the Prime Ministers car! Or Miss Spark & Miss Shaw barracading themselves in at the top of the Monument Tower in London in order to unfurl a masssive banner which read, "Death or Victory" and then showered the crowd below with pamphlets declaring "Votes For Women". The Suffragettes didn't always get treated well or welcomed. For example Muriel Matters was pelted with rotten fish when she gave speech.
Some of the laws around that time seem odd in our modern day, such as, when/[ if a woman married she had to promise to obey her husband!
Obviously the names you immediately associate with the suffragettes is "Pankhurst", I think most people will have heard those names and perhaps also
Mary Smith, from Yorkshire became the first woman to petition the government for the right to vote in 1832. Her argument was that women paid taxes to the government so they should be allowed to vote.
Nowadays the colour's most associated with the WSPU are the Green, White and Violet, some say these colour's are used as a code that means Give Women Votes. However this is said to not be the case. Apparently Green represents for "Hope", White "Purity" and the Purple/Violet represents "Dignity".
It's fair to say I have read other books about the suffragettes so already knew some of the stories, but I also read quite a few new ones too. I found the book captivating, factual, amusing at times and interesting all the way through. This book would be the ideal book for adults and children alike who have a love of history or would like something a little different to read to learn about the suffragettes ad their cause, as well as the different sections and groups of the suffragettes, from the totally peaceful section, to the militants who set fire to post boxes and threw stone through shop windows!
My immediate thoughts upon finishing this book were that it was as interesting, informative,and beautifully illustrated book.
I feel I should add a small negative which was the copy of the book I read was a little disjointed in that sentences and paragraphs were sometimes placed in the wrong order. I would presume that is because the e-copy that I read was an arc, rather than a final finished e-book. I'd certainly love to see a physical edition of this book purely for the fantastic illustrations!
What more can I say I really enjoyed reading this book and thought the illustrations were brilliant and bought the whole book to life.
Emmeline Pankhurst died on the 14th June 1928 just weeks after the equal franchise act was made law. Meaning all women over the age of 21 were eligible to vote! The irony that Emmeline didn't live to see that day! It makes you wonder what the Pankhursts would have to say about our present world were there's the whole men getting paid more than women for doing exactly the same job. I reckon they would have had those banners back out along with organising more marches and demonstrations.
February 7, 2021
Before I delve into Rachel Holmes biography of Sylvia Pankhurst - I thought a quick primer of the different groups / factions and a clear political timeline might be in order and this book helped enormously. I learnt about waring factions of the suffragettes and suffragists - the length of the battle to be seen in the voting booth as well as shared in the horror that force feeling must have been. This is book is exquisitely illustrated too - I wanted a print of every single page up on my wall!
May 22, 2018
It's so beautiful and informative
December 21, 2019
David Roberts has penned a well-researched and detailed chronological summary for a youth audience of women's fight to vote. The cover description suggests that it covers the suffrage movement in both the United States and the United Kingdom, and though there are token mentions of the parallel cause happening simultaneously in the U.S., this is really a book about the fight for women's suffrage in the U.K. Despite feeling misled about the scope, as an American it was actually quite interesting to read about some of the key players across the pond, as my own education obviously focused on efforts closer to home. The contrast between the surprisingly more bold and violent actions in the UK and the rather more peaceful campaigns in the U.S. (at least on the part of the women!) was also intriguing.
I received this ARC via LibraryThing's Early Reviewers program.
I received this ARC via LibraryThing's Early Reviewers program.
October 20, 2019
Despite the book only being very recently published, the subject matter is of great importance, but also presented in an appropriate way for children.
The illustrations are wonderful and allow the reader to imagine the life of the women and men involved in the movement vividly and accurately.
The blurb summarises the book perfectly - 'David Roberts has held a life long interest in the women's suffrage movement, and that passion shines through on every page. His compelling writing and exquisite pictures combine to create a fascinating book of breathtaking brilliance.’
The subject of the book is thoroughly deserving of such attention to detail and care. The book is beautifully put together and you can't help but flick through the pages to the illustrations and get drawn into the story.
The book is extremely tactile and satisfying to pick up and explore. The true stories within the book give it a gravitas, all held together with the illustrations to give a full bodied snapshot of real events. It is appropriate for children and adults to inform them and make them aware of the lengths these pioneering women went to in closing the gap between men and women in society to allow us to live how we do today and the sacrifices made to make the world a better place for women to live in.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone.
The illustrations are wonderful and allow the reader to imagine the life of the women and men involved in the movement vividly and accurately.
The blurb summarises the book perfectly - 'David Roberts has held a life long interest in the women's suffrage movement, and that passion shines through on every page. His compelling writing and exquisite pictures combine to create a fascinating book of breathtaking brilliance.’
The subject of the book is thoroughly deserving of such attention to detail and care. The book is beautifully put together and you can't help but flick through the pages to the illustrations and get drawn into the story.
The book is extremely tactile and satisfying to pick up and explore. The true stories within the book give it a gravitas, all held together with the illustrations to give a full bodied snapshot of real events. It is appropriate for children and adults to inform them and make them aware of the lengths these pioneering women went to in closing the gap between men and women in society to allow us to live how we do today and the sacrifices made to make the world a better place for women to live in.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone.
March 22, 2018
There is no denying this book is incredibly informative of the Suffragette movement. Detailed and simply written, Suffragette is a fantastic read from start to finish that highlights what happened for women to get the vote, however what really makes you pay attention is the art.
This book is the perfect book for a young reader as the text is broken up by incredible illustrations of all kinds of women throughout history who have helped the cause and so many pages of this book I want hanging on my wall (the double spread of Deeds Not Words for example, I would love in a frame!). This book is also formatted in a way that makes it so easy to read that it’s hard to stop.
An incredible book that charts the history of the right to vote, it comes at the perfect time, 2018 being the 100th anniversary of the start of women voting in the UK, and it’s done beautifully here.
(I received an ARC from Netgalley for a honest review).
This book is the perfect book for a young reader as the text is broken up by incredible illustrations of all kinds of women throughout history who have helped the cause and so many pages of this book I want hanging on my wall (the double spread of Deeds Not Words for example, I would love in a frame!). This book is also formatted in a way that makes it so easy to read that it’s hard to stop.
An incredible book that charts the history of the right to vote, it comes at the perfect time, 2018 being the 100th anniversary of the start of women voting in the UK, and it’s done beautifully here.
(I received an ARC from Netgalley for a honest review).
March 27, 2018
This is such an important book and will no doubt be a staple in classrooms, libraries and family bookshelves alike!
The informative text is coupled with beautiful illustrations which highlight the key points on the path for women to secure the right to vote.
Focusing on several of the major players in the suffragette movement it manages to be informative without being overwhelming and I’ve no doubt that this will spark further reading in the subject.
It’s perfect t for fans of Sally Nicholl’s Things A Bright Girl Can Do.
Thank you to Netgalley for the chance to read this book, I will definitely be getting a physical copy of this and giving several as presents!
The informative text is coupled with beautiful illustrations which highlight the key points on the path for women to secure the right to vote.
Focusing on several of the major players in the suffragette movement it manages to be informative without being overwhelming and I’ve no doubt that this will spark further reading in the subject.
It’s perfect t for fans of Sally Nicholl’s Things A Bright Girl Can Do.
Thank you to Netgalley for the chance to read this book, I will definitely be getting a physical copy of this and giving several as presents!
August 2, 2022
Napisana w sposób przystępny (generalne dedykowana dzieciom, ale na pewno starszym, by mogli ją zrozumieć), chronologiczny i uporządkowany, wyodrębnia najciekawsze i najistotniejsze fragmenty, w dodatku jest bajkowo ilustrowana. Oprawa graficzna zasługuje na dużo uwagi. Przepięknie wydana książka podkreślająca wagę walki o równość i prawo do głosowania dla wszystkich obywateli Wielkiej Brytanii – każdego mężczyzny, każdej kobiety. Zawierająca wielkie oraz inspirujące czyny i słowa walecznych kobiet, krótkie opisy sylwetek czy przybliżenie konkretnych ruchów feministycznych. Na końcu znajdziemy także informacje o tym jak wyglądała ta walka na świecie.
Dlaczego to było takie istotne? Ponieważ kobiety traktowano jak własność. W przysiędze małżeńskiej kobiety obiecywały posłuszeństwo. Mąż natomiast mógł ją wyrzucić z jej własnego domu, zabronić kontaktu z dziećmi i to bez żadnego konkretnego powodu. Dopiero w 1839 roku zezwolono kobietom ubiegać się o opiekę nad dziećmi poniżej siódmego roku życia. W dodatku uważano, że kobieta jest zbyt głupia, by decydować o losie kraju, a tym samym – wybierać rządzących. Co szokujące – wiele kobiet przyklaskiwało temu. Przykładem może być królowa Wiktoria.
A zaczęło się od niewinnej petycji Mary Smith, która stała się kluczem do rozwiązania tej sytuacji. Walka była zacięta – częste kary więzienne dla uczestników ruchów, zakłócanie spotkań i kampanii, odważne akty nieposłuszeństwa obywatelskiego, np. niepłacenie podatków i niebranie udziału w spisie ludności obowiązkowym, przykuwanie się łańcuchami do barierek, wskakiwanie na samochód premiera, nadawanie siebie pocztą, rozgniewany tłum obrzucający kobiety różnymi przedmiotami, walka o uwagę prasy – nawet kosztem własnego życia, pisanie gazet. Niesamowite i przerażające historie. Kobiety biorące udział w protestach bały się o stratę pracy i zrujnowanie sobie reputacji, ale to ich nie powstrzymywało przed działaniem mającym polepszyć ich sytuacje.
Pewien dziennikarz, w celu rozróżnienia wojujących aktywistek od aktywistek nastawionych pokojowo, wymyślił pewien podział: sufrażetki (np. walczące WSPU) oraz sufrażystki. Rząd na początku uważał wszystkie aktywistki za zwykłe histeryczki (jak często o nich mówiono), ale w pewnym momencie przestał sobie radzić z ich sposobami walki. Gdy w więzieniach zaczęły stosować strajki głodowe, w pewnym momencie zaczęto je karmić siłą poprzez rurkę i lejek, co było bolesne i bardzo nieprzyjemne. Społeczeństwo z pogardą patrzyło na to bezlitosne rozwiązanie, ale w pewnym momencie także miało dość sufrażetek, bo stosowały zbyt agresywne metody w walce z rządem. Przykładem może być rozbijanie szyb czy zniszczenie obrazu „Wenus z lustrem”.
Sytuacja zaczęła się zmieniać, gdy w trakcie wojny to kobiety musiały objąć wiele męskich stanowisk. Jednak i to nie przyniosło wyczekiwanego rezultatu. Dopiero po ponad 60 latach kobiety uzyskały głos, choć nadal niepełny.
Dlaczego to było takie istotne? Ponieważ kobiety traktowano jak własność. W przysiędze małżeńskiej kobiety obiecywały posłuszeństwo. Mąż natomiast mógł ją wyrzucić z jej własnego domu, zabronić kontaktu z dziećmi i to bez żadnego konkretnego powodu. Dopiero w 1839 roku zezwolono kobietom ubiegać się o opiekę nad dziećmi poniżej siódmego roku życia. W dodatku uważano, że kobieta jest zbyt głupia, by decydować o losie kraju, a tym samym – wybierać rządzących. Co szokujące – wiele kobiet przyklaskiwało temu. Przykładem może być królowa Wiktoria.
A zaczęło się od niewinnej petycji Mary Smith, która stała się kluczem do rozwiązania tej sytuacji. Walka była zacięta – częste kary więzienne dla uczestników ruchów, zakłócanie spotkań i kampanii, odważne akty nieposłuszeństwa obywatelskiego, np. niepłacenie podatków i niebranie udziału w spisie ludności obowiązkowym, przykuwanie się łańcuchami do barierek, wskakiwanie na samochód premiera, nadawanie siebie pocztą, rozgniewany tłum obrzucający kobiety różnymi przedmiotami, walka o uwagę prasy – nawet kosztem własnego życia, pisanie gazet. Niesamowite i przerażające historie. Kobiety biorące udział w protestach bały się o stratę pracy i zrujnowanie sobie reputacji, ale to ich nie powstrzymywało przed działaniem mającym polepszyć ich sytuacje.
Pewien dziennikarz, w celu rozróżnienia wojujących aktywistek od aktywistek nastawionych pokojowo, wymyślił pewien podział: sufrażetki (np. walczące WSPU) oraz sufrażystki. Rząd na początku uważał wszystkie aktywistki za zwykłe histeryczki (jak często o nich mówiono), ale w pewnym momencie przestał sobie radzić z ich sposobami walki. Gdy w więzieniach zaczęły stosować strajki głodowe, w pewnym momencie zaczęto je karmić siłą poprzez rurkę i lejek, co było bolesne i bardzo nieprzyjemne. Społeczeństwo z pogardą patrzyło na to bezlitosne rozwiązanie, ale w pewnym momencie także miało dość sufrażetek, bo stosowały zbyt agresywne metody w walce z rządem. Przykładem może być rozbijanie szyb czy zniszczenie obrazu „Wenus z lustrem”.
Sytuacja zaczęła się zmieniać, gdy w trakcie wojny to kobiety musiały objąć wiele męskich stanowisk. Jednak i to nie przyniosło wyczekiwanego rezultatu. Dopiero po ponad 60 latach kobiety uzyskały głos, choć nadal niepełny.
September 13, 2020
✦ "Courage calls to courage everywhere,
and its voice cannot be denied."
- Millicent Garrett Fawcett
✦ 'DEEDS, NOT WORDS.'
- the WSPU
✦ "Failure is impossible."
- Susan B. Anthony
*** *** ***
The best book I’ve read so far in 2020 and I have to bow down to David Roberts for doing a brilliant job in both the text and illustrations.
Suffragette: The Battle for Equality isn't only an appreciation for all the women and men who fought for their right to vote but also the astonishing stories of courage and persistence I’d never imagined before. They were poor working-class people, they were little women who dared to dream big for a future of equality and didn't back down for once – even often being imprisoned and forced fed hundred times.
The book digs deep into the suffrage campaign, from the perspectives of women's suffrage supporters, moving stories of some brave individuals (my favourites including Muriel Matters with the flying machine, Emily Wilding Davison and her extreme acts, Millicent Garrett Fawcett's peaceful approach for sixty-one years throughout the campaign) to the view of the Antis and the battle for women's suffrage worldwide.
Either campaigning violently (like the renowned suffragettes of the WSPU) or peacefully (like the suffragists of some groups such as my favourite one - the WFL along with the NUWSS) pushing towards the victory of the women’s suffrage movement, each member - to me - should be seen as more of an individual with so much in life than just a heroine charmingly appeared on paper and ink. Thus, I will look for more books to read more and educate myself after finishing this one (recommendations are welcome!).
*
The more I read, the more I feel small – not in a way that what I read belittles who I am but it shows me how I'm capable of so much more. They give hope for who seeks to it, not a hope flashing in one night but a kind of hope that is built from faith through time and effort.
November 1, 2019
This is a great book to have in libraries - school, public, private. It is written in a tone that is easy to understand yet is not scaled down so much that the information is not of value to the older student.
While a picture book that engages the reader visually and helps to maintain that interest the illustrations generate, the information itself captivates the reader. It is not simply about the movement in the United Kingdom and United States to permit the vote to women nor is it a group of just mini-biographies about the involved individuals. It is a well-done mixture of historical information about women's voting (or voice) in politics from centuries prior to the actual Suffragette movement, leading up to the actual movement that resulted in women legally being able to vote in elections.
Example: On page 14 the author presents that in 1832 Women's Vote was Lost. Then further details the involvement of propertied women who were involved in the decision making and vote governing affairs of the people for centuries prior to 1832. I found that particularly interesting.
The harshness and forceful behavior on the part of those men and women who rallied for the cause of women's voting privilege as well as the forceful reaction of the police was not pretty then. This type of behavior has continued be the the plan and focus of groups seeking change in government or other movements. Rhetoric transformed into upheaval and violence seems to be the method of choice. I personally would hope that teachers and parents point out that this is not necessarily the choice method to utilize to achieve change.
Suffragette: The Battle for Equality is well done, covers a lot of very good material, is a good teaching source that is as good to look at as it is good to learn by.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.
While a picture book that engages the reader visually and helps to maintain that interest the illustrations generate, the information itself captivates the reader. It is not simply about the movement in the United Kingdom and United States to permit the vote to women nor is it a group of just mini-biographies about the involved individuals. It is a well-done mixture of historical information about women's voting (or voice) in politics from centuries prior to the actual Suffragette movement, leading up to the actual movement that resulted in women legally being able to vote in elections.
Example: On page 14 the author presents that in 1832 Women's Vote was Lost. Then further details the involvement of propertied women who were involved in the decision making and vote governing affairs of the people for centuries prior to 1832. I found that particularly interesting.
The harshness and forceful behavior on the part of those men and women who rallied for the cause of women's voting privilege as well as the forceful reaction of the police was not pretty then. This type of behavior has continued be the the plan and focus of groups seeking change in government or other movements. Rhetoric transformed into upheaval and violence seems to be the method of choice. I personally would hope that teachers and parents point out that this is not necessarily the choice method to utilize to achieve change.
Suffragette: The Battle for Equality is well done, covers a lot of very good material, is a good teaching source that is as good to look at as it is good to learn by.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.
December 11, 2019
I was unable to give this the attention it deserved, but I paged through most of it, and read several large chunks. For me, the biggest win was the interested teen patron who noticed it on my desk and said, "whoa, that looks really cool," and then asked to take a picture of it. We flipped through a few bits together, looked at some of the mini-bios and basked in the fabulous illustrations. If someone else hadn't been waiting for it, I would have sent it right home with them.
Usually I'm a fan of photographs. But with all the suffrage books coming out lately, I think this passion project by phenomenal illustrator and author David Roberts hits all the right notes. The illustrations burst with details and help to break the information into digestible chunks. Although the story focuses mainly on England's fight for women's suffrage (including some of the differences between the fight for upper class votes versus lower class) there are some nice bits about the United States and the disparities between the white and black suffragettes. World-wide suffrage activists are included at the end. Ultimately, David Roberts' enthusiasm for the topic just shines through.
Some pieces I found particularly intriguing were the bits about the anti-suffragists - including Queen Victoria and Winston Churchill - as well as the activist who was trampled by the King's horse (a story told in the movie Suffragette). And as with any movement, its progression from peaceful to violent is fascinating, especially when looked at alongside the tactics of those in power to suppress it. I always find it interesting that ideas like women's suffrage are so controversial and ridiculous... until they're not.
A short bibliography is included, which features some very interesting looking articles about some of the non-white activists.
Usually I'm a fan of photographs. But with all the suffrage books coming out lately, I think this passion project by phenomenal illustrator and author David Roberts hits all the right notes. The illustrations burst with details and help to break the information into digestible chunks. Although the story focuses mainly on England's fight for women's suffrage (including some of the differences between the fight for upper class votes versus lower class) there are some nice bits about the United States and the disparities between the white and black suffragettes. World-wide suffrage activists are included at the end. Ultimately, David Roberts' enthusiasm for the topic just shines through.
Some pieces I found particularly intriguing were the bits about the anti-suffragists - including Queen Victoria and Winston Churchill - as well as the activist who was trampled by the King's horse (a story told in the movie Suffragette). And as with any movement, its progression from peaceful to violent is fascinating, especially when looked at alongside the tactics of those in power to suppress it. I always find it interesting that ideas like women's suffrage are so controversial and ridiculous... until they're not.
A short bibliography is included, which features some very interesting looking articles about some of the non-white activists.
October 19, 2020
This is a very beautifully illustrated and methodical time time through the history of suffrage, written in manageable and digestible chunks (or chapters). The language is high-brow and challenging but still accessible to children with the help of a more knowledgeable other, and will introduce them to many terms in the political and legal landscapes. I would recommend this book for upper KS2 to read for themselves (but definitely engaging with them in discussion afterwards or during their reading of it and encouraging them to ask questions they have or make notes of things they do not fully understand). It can also be read as a class with lots of interaction and discussion in KS1 or lower KS2. It would be an excellent resource for history lessons or even PSHE lessons when thinking about the concept of equality and fairness. I love the fact that it is written by a male- it shows that it is a topic that is relevant for both genders and may allow boys to feel more interested in the topic, rather than excluded from it. It also gives a powerful feel for how long it takes, and how much has to be sacrificed, to make changes in the system, and how powerful is the notion of "never giving up" on what you believe. It provides a platform to learn appreciation for where we are today and the rights we have, through thinking about the many sacrifices made by those who came before us to get us here.
November 12, 2019
Emmeline Pankhurst said "women don't want to be lawbreakers, they want to be lawmakers." David Roberts mentions this quote in "Suffragette." This book is an important part of any middle or elementary school library collection. It tells the story of the women's right to vote movement and gets into personal details on different suffragettes. It doesn't paint individuals as perfect--there were some racist suffragettes who were only seeking to get rights for rich, white women. Most of these women were willing to break the law to get their point across--by voting illegally and protesting and simply asking questions at political party meetings. They used civil disobedience to get their point across. The author does a great job of keeping readers' interest with shocking arrests based on simple protests, the mistreatment of suffragettes as they spoke in front of audiences, and the talking about the women who protested the suffragette movement. "Deeds not words" was mentioned often--it is what got the job done.
Read
November 18, 2019#partner Thank you @candlewickpress for this review copy! "Suffragette: The Battle for Equality" by David Roberts released October 8 and is available now.
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David Roberts is a NY Times bestselling illustrator--you know him from books like "Ada Twist, Scientist" and "Iggy Peck, Architect". With this book, he is now the author and illustrator as he tells the story of the suffrage movement in Europe and America. The illustrations are everything you've loved about Roberts in his previous books--charming, eye-catching, unique. It's is writing that will keep you engaged. His writings are straight-forward and gives the history--nothing here is whitewashed or breezed over. However, his writing is easily accessible for middle grade readers. Nothing seems elaborate and overdone. Your readers are going to read this and recognize the passion of the women who knew their rights and worked to help others know. They will leave this book with inspiration and empowering heroes. I am looking forward to sharing this book with my girls
.
David Roberts is a NY Times bestselling illustrator--you know him from books like "Ada Twist, Scientist" and "Iggy Peck, Architect". With this book, he is now the author and illustrator as he tells the story of the suffrage movement in Europe and America. The illustrations are everything you've loved about Roberts in his previous books--charming, eye-catching, unique. It's is writing that will keep you engaged. His writings are straight-forward and gives the history--nothing here is whitewashed or breezed over. However, his writing is easily accessible for middle grade readers. Nothing seems elaborate and overdone. Your readers are going to read this and recognize the passion of the women who knew their rights and worked to help others know. They will leave this book with inspiration and empowering heroes. I am looking forward to sharing this book with my girls
July 16, 2020
I adore this book! The art is great and the book is set up with short passages that each cover a different part of the battle for women's suffrage. It mostly focuses on the battle in England, but there are pages devoted to the United States as well. I am ashamed that I didn't know more about this subject before reading. Some of the women discussed in the book are my new heroes. :) There are funny stories and there are tragic stories. I was dismayed at how many of these historical characters were hypocritical in the extreme--women who oppressed black women while fighting against oppression or women who were smart and professional who argued that women were not smart or professional enough to vote. The battle for suffrage actually reminds me greatly of the current Black Lives Matter movement. It seems that every battle for equality goes through the same stages and has similar issues. But, I take comfort from the fact that most of the battles for equality are inevitable and as the NUWSS described their battle-- "a glacier, slow moving but unstoppable".
October 4, 2020
♥️ V O T E S F O R W O M E N ♥️
I am an absolute sucker for the power of a beautiful picture book, and with a subject matter like this, I can’t help but fall in love.
I love this book for many reasons, but as I was reading it, I was struck by the parallels that could be drawn to current events, and how the story of the suffragette’s sometimes unpalatable struggle for suffrage can add perspective to the riots, protest and unrest that has been brought about by the BLM movement in recent months. Though sometimes shocking on the surface, the parallels can shine a light on the idea that sometimes, the end justifies the means. You can’t always play by the rules when the system is stacked against you.
The book in itself is an empowering celebration of the sacrifice and struggle of our sister (and brother!) suffrage fighters, and will take pride of place in my classroom!
I am an absolute sucker for the power of a beautiful picture book, and with a subject matter like this, I can’t help but fall in love.
I love this book for many reasons, but as I was reading it, I was struck by the parallels that could be drawn to current events, and how the story of the suffragette’s sometimes unpalatable struggle for suffrage can add perspective to the riots, protest and unrest that has been brought about by the BLM movement in recent months. Though sometimes shocking on the surface, the parallels can shine a light on the idea that sometimes, the end justifies the means. You can’t always play by the rules when the system is stacked against you.
The book in itself is an empowering celebration of the sacrifice and struggle of our sister (and brother!) suffrage fighters, and will take pride of place in my classroom!
April 9, 2021
I'll be honest, the main reason I picked up this book was because of the gorgeous illustrations, but I thought it would be a good thing to learn more about the suffragist movement as well. This is intended as a children's book, but, as an adult, I liked being able to just enjoyably read about a topic and learn a thing or two. I read a few pages everyday and I think that made it more enjoyable. This was mostly about the U.K., which I found interesting, but I would like to know more about the fight in the U.S. so I'll have to continue my education. The U.S. was covered a little bit, but I do wish there were a few more pages about it. But it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the book. I would definitely recommend this if you want to learn about something in an easy, digestible way.
March 21, 2022
Very pleasant reading!!!! It clearly reviewed the campaigns of women suffrage in UK at the beginning of 20th century, with very easy-to-understand and emotional words. I burst into tears many times while reading it, while seeing the suffragettes taking risk of being arrested and force-fed to fight, to rebel, to express their anger toward inequality and eager to equality. And I would say many scenarios are even full of romance- like, when two suffragettes climbed up the monument tower, waved the banner read “Death or Victory”, and let loose the “Votes for Women” leaflets from the top of the tower. This is part of the story we can hardly read from the so-called“mainstream” history books. It IS much more than worthy to be read!
Plus, the pictures in the books are all super cute!
Plus, the pictures in the books are all super cute!
October 16, 2019
This book is so beautiful. It's also educational; did you know Churchill ordered police brutality on suffragettes? Yes, I'd give this to a kid learning about voting rights.
That being said, this is definitely, absolutely written by a white British man. This is about British suffrage, and about white suffrage. This very much disappointed me, considering the illustrations included women of different races. However, racism is glossed over. See also, he calls women learning self defense post a brutal encounter with police "amusing." Excuse me what????
My favorite spread was the last pages, briefly profiling suffragettes from around the world. I want a book about them too.
That being said, this is definitely, absolutely written by a white British man. This is about British suffrage, and about white suffrage. This very much disappointed me, considering the illustrations included women of different races. However, racism is glossed over. See also, he calls women learning self defense post a brutal encounter with police "amusing." Excuse me what????
My favorite spread was the last pages, briefly profiling suffragettes from around the world. I want a book about them too.
February 25, 2020
I saw this book in the children's library and was attracted to it because of the subject and because the cover had such beautiful illustration. Although this is a book geared to tweens, I loved it. It gives a good history of the suffragette movement in the UK but also in America. The illustrations in the book are beautiful and enhanced to story told. I especially liked the conclusion which had illustrations of flags and the the women from the different countries where the women gained the right to vote. As an almost 80 year old woman I would encourage all girls and women to check out this book.
March 2, 2020
Wow, this was really good. Definitely wordy for a children's non-fiction book, but I'm glad that it's more extensive than its contemporaries on the subject; I've been reading other children's books on suffragists and they're often oversimplified and focused solely on white women. I'm glad that this book didn't ignore the discriminatory racial and class injustices of the movement and voting laws on either side of the pond. It covered both UK and US sides of the struggle for votes for women, though it tended to heavily favor British history (which makes sense I guess, given the Author's nationality). Definitely recommend to anyone, regardless of age.
March 31, 2020
David Roberts' illustrations are always fun. The book as a whole isn't exactly fun, of course - I'm not sure if this topic could be "fun," but the illustrations add whimsy. Focus is on suffrage in the UK, with a few tidbits about the US (though the jacket implied it would be about both). It's a children's book that tries to cover a very broad range of territory, so there's a lack of depth in many of the stories. There are a few very engaging moments and (sadly) some dull stretches. I don't think I know any actual children who would enjoy reading the whole book, but the illustrations will draw readers at least to individual pages.
January 21, 2021
I highly recommend this book, especially for fans of the Enola Holmes movie. :)
Students age 10 and 11 would do well with the vocabulary, but the author does explain a number of the key terms.
From the introduction, I knew I would love this book! Although the author focuses on the British Women's Suffrage, there are asides about the U.S. movement too.
The author addresses the complicated relationship between classism, racism, and sexism throughout the Suffrage movement. I appreciated how this book discusses how organizers drew from Native American traditions and various philosophers to inform their arguments for equal rights.
Students age 10 and 11 would do well with the vocabulary, but the author does explain a number of the key terms.
From the introduction, I knew I would love this book! Although the author focuses on the British Women's Suffrage, there are asides about the U.S. movement too.
The author addresses the complicated relationship between classism, racism, and sexism throughout the Suffrage movement. I appreciated how this book discusses how organizers drew from Native American traditions and various philosophers to inform their arguments for equal rights.
March 23, 2022
A book exploring the history of the Women's Rights Movement in both the United Kingdom and the United States.
David Roberts gives the reader in depth look into the road women had to travel to get their right to vote, with the book being divided into sections of year after. Each section covers a specific year and gives a broad telling of what suffragettes accomplished in that year, what they had to suffer through, accompanied with illustrations of some of the most important events for suffragettes that took place in each year.
If your interested in learning more about the Suffragette Movement I recommend taking a look at this book
David Roberts gives the reader in depth look into the road women had to travel to get their right to vote, with the book being divided into sections of year after. Each section covers a specific year and gives a broad telling of what suffragettes accomplished in that year, what they had to suffer through, accompanied with illustrations of some of the most important events for suffragettes that took place in each year.
If your interested in learning more about the Suffragette Movement I recommend taking a look at this book
October 27, 2021
This beautiful, detailed picture book holds stories about women fighting for their right to vote. I loved how the author included vivid details in the picture about women protesting, attending meetings, demanding the government for their rights. It shows how long the process and the journey that women went through just to get a simple right. I also admire how he showed women from different countries fighting for the same right. This would be a perfect book to talk about women's history and suffrage in school.
September 9, 2022
W przepięknej szacie graficznej książka „Sufrażystki i sufrażetki. Walka o równość” Davida Robertsa to pozycja, która z pewnością przykuje wzrok niejednej osoby nieobojętnej wobec sprawy kobiecej. Choć na pierwszy rzut oka może sprawiać wrażenie pozycji przeznaczonej raczej dla dzieci, zawiera pewne treści, które zdecydowanie nie są skierowane do najmłodszych odbiorców (chociażby przymusowe karmienie). Myślę, że jednak swoją inspirującą treścią i bogatymi ilustracjami lektura również byłaby wartościowa nie tylko dla dorosłych czy osób dość obeznanych w temacie, lecz przede wszystkim dla tych, którzy chcą nieco poszerzyć swoje horyzonty. Choć nieraz w polskim przekładzie brakowało mi użycia feminatywów, które powinny raczej występować w tekście o tego rodzaju tematyce – to „Sufrażystki i sufrażetki. Walka o równość” wciąż stanowi interesujący zbiór kluczowych postaci w tytułowej walce o równość, który chociażby ze względu na fantastyczne grafiki warto przeczytać.
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