The centennial anniversary of the 19th amendment’s ratification on August 18th serves as a poignant reminder of the Women’s Suffrage Movement’s significance. This underexplored era in American history spans over seven decades, with some tracing its inception to the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848. However, it is essential to acknowledge that women had been advocating for their rights and voicing concerns about voting long before this pivotal event.
The passage of the 19th amendment was a momentous occasion not only because it enshrined women’s right to vote but also because it marked a crucial milestone in the struggle for equality. As someone who hails from Nashville, Tennessee, where the amendment was ratified, I have developed a deep appreciation for this period in history.
The Women’s Suffrage Movement is intricately linked to other significant social and political events of the 19th and 20th centuries, including abolition, World War I, the treatment of Native Americans, and the advent of industrialism and worker’s rights. Notably, the movement built upon the labor and efforts of people of color, despite the exclusionary practices that often marginalized their contributions. The dominant narratives surrounding prominent figures like Susan B.
Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton have historically downplayed the crucial roles played by women of color, particularly African American women. In an effort to rectify this imbalance, I have curated a list of 20 books that strive to be inclusive, diverse, and representative of the Women’s Suffrage Movement. While there are numerous titles that explore African American women’s involvement, I am aware of only one book that specifically addresses Native American women’s roles.
Regrettably, I could not find any publications that comprehensively examine the influence of lesbian women on the movement. Despite the abundance of literature available, it is clear that further research is necessary to fully grasp the complexities and nuances of this pivotal era in history.
20 Books About The Women’s Suffrage Movement
Adult Nonfiction
The Woman’s Hour by Elaine Weiss
The Woman’s Hour delves into the rich history of the Women’s Suffrage Movement, culminating in the ratification of the 19th amendment on August 18, 1920, in Nashville. The first half of the book provides a comprehensive look at the movement’s evolution leading up to this pivotal moment. In contrast, the second half unfolds like a political thriller, offering a gripping account of the events that transpired during those fateful days.
Weiss masterfully weaves together factors such as bribery, racism, and in-fighting, along with one mother’s guilt trip, to create a tense narrative that kept me on the edge of my seat even though I knew the outcome. As an audiobook listener, I wholeheartedly recommend this book for its engaging storytelling and informative approach.
If you’re looking for a compelling account that not only explores the passion behind the movement but also provides a thorough overview, then The Woman’s Hour is an excellent choice.
She Votes: How U.S. Women Won Suffrage, and What Happened Next by Bridget Quinn (August 11)
By incorporating stunning visuals from over 100 female artists, She Votes brings a unique dimension to the Women’s Suffrage Movement. The publication takes a comprehensive approach, featuring portraits of influential women of color such as Sojourner Truth and Sacajawea, as well as exploring the movement’s historical roots and contemporary relevance. This beautifully illustrated book seamlessly blends captivating text with vibrant artwork, making it an engaging read for adults.
Moreover, its inclusive perspective and accessible narrative make it a thoughtful gift option for yourself or others.
The Women’s Suffrage Movement edited by Sally Roesch Wagner
Dr. Sally Roesch Wagner’s comprehensive book is an indispensable resource for anyone seeking a nuanced understanding of the Women’s Suffrage Movement. The collection of primary documents is accompanied by insightful commentary from Dr. Wagner, a renowned historian of women’s history. Her analysis begins with the Iroquois Nation’s struggles to preserve tribal women’s rights in the face of white patriarchal culture’s sexism and racism.
She then explores how the African American abolitionist movement significantly influenced the suffrage movement. As you read through the primary documents, you’ll be struck by Dr. Wagner’s candid observations about the racist and sexist tactics employed by prominent white suffragists, including Susan B. Anthony. The commentary is thought-provoking, and it’s impossible not to be affected by the cringeworthy moments. Ultimately, Dr.
Wagner argues that it would have been better for women to secure the vote at a later date without resorting to racist tactics than to win it prematurely at the expense of African American voters’ rights. This poignant observation resonated with me.
Sisters in Spirit: Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Influence on Early American Feminists by Sally Roesch Wagner
Dr. Wagner dedicates a significant portion of her writing to exploring the profound impact of the Iroquois Nation on the women’s suffrage movement, delving deeper into this topic in her work ‘Sisters in Spirit’. Interestingly, Iroquois women held equal authority alongside men within the Six Nations Confederacy, exercising political power and enjoying personal freedoms.
This unique aspect of their society resonated deeply with pioneering suffragists such as Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucretia Mott, and Matilda Joslyn Gage. Dr. Wagner’s meticulous research provides a rich understanding of the early history of women’s suffrage, highlighting its inextricable link to Iroquois ideals of equality and feminism.
African American Women in the Struggle for the Vote, 1850-1920 by Rosalyn Terborg-Penn
In her meticulous examination, Dr. Rosalyn Terborg-Penn sheds light on the pivotal roles played by African American women within the Women’s Suffrage Movement. By delving into the motivations behind their involvement and the marginalization they faced at the hands of white suffragists, Terborg-Penn masterfully recounts the remarkable story of African American women who not only braved exclusion but went on to establish a thriving suffrage movement of their own.
This meticulously researched tome stands out as the most authoritative and in-depth exploration of African American women’s experiences within the suffrage movement.
Women, Race & Class by Angela Y. Davis
Crusade for Justice: The Autobiography of Ida B. Wells by Ida B. Wells
Ida B. Wells’ remarkable life was marked by her tireless advocacy for African American women’s empowerment, including their right to vote and participate in politics. A pioneering journalist, teacher, and activist, she co-founded the NAACP and established the Alpha Suffrage Club in Chicago, a testament to her commitment to social justice.
This seminal memoir not only chronicles her experiences as a mother but also her courageous fight against white violence and lynching, making it an essential read alongside the works of contemporaries like Frederick Douglass and W. E. B. Du Bois.
Mr. President, How Long Must We Wait?: Alice Paul, Woodrow Wilson, and the Fight for the Right to Vote by Tina Cassidy
While many histories focus on the polite and peaceful aspects of Alice Paul’s suffragist work, this dual biography sheds light on her more militant approach. Inspired by England’s successful campaign for women’s suffrage, Paul brought a new level of activism back to the United States. Her protests, which included picketing the White House, put constant pressure on President Woodrow Wilson and kept the suffrage movement in the public eye.
The relentless efforts of Alice Paul ultimately contributed to the passage of the 19th Amendment, securing women’s right to vote.
All Stirred Up: Suffrage Cookbooks, Food, and the Battle for Women’s Right to Vote by Laura Kumin (August 4)
Kumin’s work is particularly compelling because it delves into how early feminists leveraged seemingly mundane aspects like cooking, food culture, and social events to amplify their suffrage movement. What resonates most is her inclusion of authentic historic recipes and visuals that showcase women’s resourcefulness in driving change. As someone who doesn’t have a culinary background, I’m excited to venture beyond my comfort zone and attempt some of the included dishes.
Adult Fiction
Stories From Suffragette City edited by M.J. Rose and Fiona Davis (October 27)
On a crisp autumn morning, October 23, 1915, a sea of determination swept up Fifth Avenue as 25,000 women united to demand their right to vote in New York City. This monumental suffrage parade marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle for women’s suffrage. The short stories that follow are set on this very day, offering intimate portraits of the women who marched and their personal motivations for joining the movement.
Thirteen talented authors bring these characters to life, including Dolen Perkins-Valdez, Chris Bohjalian, Kristin Hannah, and many more.
The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow (October 13)
In the midst of the Women’s Suffrage Movement, a trio of sister witches emerges as unlikely champions of change. Juniper, Bea, and Agnes defy the status quo by harnessing the power of spells derived from beloved fairytales and nursery rhymes to fuel their fight for women’s rights.
As they navigate a world where magic has been largely suppressed and women are persecuted for exercising their powers, these three sisters prove that even the most marginalized individuals can be powerful agents of change.
Let Us Dream by Alyssa Cole
In 1917 Harlem, Bertha Hines – a feisty cabaret owner and suffragist – is too busy fighting for women’s rights to bother with romance. That is, until she hires Amir Chowdhury, a talented Bengali Muslim chef, who brings a spark of passion into her life in more ways than one. With Alyssa Cole at the helm, this romance promises to be an unforgettable read.
For those new to Cole’s work, this novel serves as a fantastic introduction to her writing style, which seamlessly blends social justice themes with richly detailed historical settings – a winning combination for fans of the genre.
YA and Middle-Grade Nonfiction
The Woman’s Hour (Adapted for Young Readers) by Elaine Weiss
While preserving the essence of Weiss’s book for adults, this adaptation streamlines the suspenseful narrative and historical details while incorporating engaging illustrations and explanatory sections that demystify key terminology. This engaging resource serves as an excellent introduction to the Women’s Suffrage Movement for middle-grade readers, yet its thought-provoking themes and historical significance also make it appealing to teenagers and adults.
Votes for Women!: American Suffragists and the Battle for the Ballot by Winifred Conkling
For those intimidated by comprehensive histories of women’s suffrage, Conkling’s work provides a valuable starting point. By offering a thorough yet concise overview of the movement, she successfully avoids overwhelming readers with excessive detail. Moreover, her exploration of the interconnectedness between the women’s suffrage movement and the abolitionist movement is particularly noteworthy.
Furthermore, Conkling’s analysis tackles head-on the racist undertones that were present within the movement, making this history book a thought-provoking and accessible resource for both teenagers and adults.
Lifting as We Climb: Black Women’s Battle for the Ballot Box by Evette Dionne
This young adult book stands out among its adult counterparts by providing a comprehensive history of African American women’s involvement in the suffrage movement. Beyond offering a detailed account of events, author Dionne also sheds light on the lives of influential figures like Ida B. Wells, Fannie Hamer, and Frederick Douglas, who played crucial roles in shaping the movement.
What’s more, the book challenges the common narrative that the Women’s Suffrage Movement was predominantly white by showcasing a diverse range of African American women who contributed to the cause. While its primary focus is on middle-grade readers, this engaging and thought-provoking account will resonate with teens and adults alike.
Children’s Books
How Women Won the Vote: Alice Paul, Lucy Burns, and Their Big Idea by Susan Campbell Bartoletti, Illustrated by Ziyue Chen
This engaging read is designed for older elementary to middle-grade readers, featuring an abundance of stunning illustrations, photographs, timelines, and voting memorabilia that transport readers into the past. At its core is the Women’s March of 1913 in Washington, D. C., where two trailblazing women, Alice Paul and Lucy Burns, played a pivotal role in shaping history.
Their tireless efforts culminated in the eventual passage of the 19th amendment, making this text an accessible and captivating introduction to the suffrage movement for young readers.
Bold & Brave: Ten Heroes Who Won Women the Right to Vote by Kirsten Gillibrand, Illustrated by Maira Kalman
In Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s **Bold & Brave** , ten captivating women from the movement are brought to life through concise bios, featuring well-known figures like Susan B. Anthony and Sojourner Truth alongside lesser-known yet equally influential women such as Inez Milholland and Jovita Idár. The book courageously tackles the issue of racism within the movement, showcasing Senator Gillibrand’s unflinching commitment to honesty.
Accompanied by Maira Kalman’s striking illustrations, this is undoubtedly the most visually stunning book on the list. While I initially purchased it for my daughter, I’ve found myself just as enamored with its pages, flipping through them with equal enthusiasm.
Friends for Freedom by Suzanne Slade, Illustrated by Nicole Tadgell
The bond between Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass was a testament to their unwavering commitment to combating slavery and advocating for the rights of African Americans and women. This picture book meticulously documents their enduring friendship, which weathered public ridicule, triumphs, setbacks, and disagreements, as well as the tender watercolor illustrations by Nicole Tadgell that bring their story to life.
The narrative culminates with a thoughtful exploration of the research undertaken by both the author and illustrator to ensure the book’s historical accuracy.
Ida B. Wells: Let the Truth Be Told by Walter Dean Myers, Illustrated by Bonnie Christensen
This powerful picture book biography chronicles the remarkable life of activist and suffragist Ida B. Wells, tracing her journey from birth as a slave to her courageous anti-lynching and women’s suffrage activism. The narrative is punctuated by authentic quotes from Wells herself, offering an intimate glimpse into her thoughts and motivations.
Notably, the book tackles the harsh realities of lynching head-on, featuring a detailed, full-page spread of a historic photograph depicting a noose being hung from a tree. This thought-provoking introduction to Ida B. Wells’ life and times provides an invaluable primer on the major social issues that defined her era.
Around America to Win the Vote by Mara Rockliff, Illustrated by Hadley Hooper
This charming picture book has captured my child’s heart, and it’s a standout on this list. The story follows Nell Richardson and Alice Burke, two suffragists who embarked on an adventure across the United States with a black kitten in tow. Their bright yellow car became a symbol of their mission to convince people that women deserve the right to vote.
Despite facing treacherous weather conditions, including blizzards and muddy terrain, these determined women persevered, ultimately ensuring that the message of women’s suffrage reached rural areas. The vibrant illustrations are infused with a sunny yellow theme, featuring a kitten on every page – a winning combination for younger readers. It’s a testament to the power of women like Richardson and Burke who played a crucial role in shaping the course of history.