I have partnered with The Children’s Book Review and author Jasmine A. Stirling to bring you a book review of Jasmine’s latest picture book, Dare to Question: Carrie Chapman Catt’s Voice for the Vote. Be sure to check out the giveaway at the end of the review for your chance to win a signed copy of the book and a $100 Amazon gift card.
Dare To Question: Carrie Chapman Catt’s Voice for the Vote
Written by Jasmine A. Stirling
Illustrated by Udayana Lugo
Ages 5+ | 48 Pages
Publisher: Union Square Kids (2023) | ISBN-13: 9781454934578
Publisher’s Book Summary: Jasmine A. Stirling, author of A Most Clever Girl: How Jane Austen Discovered Her Voice, delivers a powerful, poetic picture book biography about suffragist Carrie Chapman Catt, perfect for fans of I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark and the Rebel Girls series.
As a child, Carrie Chapman Catt asked a lot of questions: How many stars are in the sky? Do germs have personalities? And why can’t Mama vote? Catt’s curiosity led her to college, to a career in journalism, and finally to becoming the president of The National American Woman Suffrage Association. Catt knew the movement needed a change—and she set to work mobilizing women (and men) across the nation to dare to question a woman’s right to vote.
On August 18, 1920, Catt pinned a yellow rose to her dress and waited while lawmakers in Tennessee cast their deciding votes to ratify the 19th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America. After a seventy-year campaign, had women finally won the right to vote?
Stirling’s suspenseful retelling of the dramatic final “yea” that changed the history of women’s rights brings the past to life for young readers.
Amazon
Bookshop
Barnes and Noble
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jasmine A. Stirling is the author of A Most Clever Girl: How Jane Austen Discovered Her Voice (Bloomsbury Publishing, 2021), named a Best Book of the Year by A Mighty Girl and Book Riot, and winner of the IPNE Book Award. It is currently being translated to Mandarin.
Her new book, Dare to Question, Carrie Chapman Catt’s Voice for the Vote (Union Square & Co, 2023, Booklist starred review), tells the story of the queer power couple who transformed the suffrage movement. Her third book, about Jeanne Barret, the botanist who disguised herself as a man and became the first woman to circumnavigate the globe, comes out in 2025.
Learn more about Jasmine.
Follow her on Instagram at @jasmine.a.stirling.author
ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR
Udayana Lugo is a self-taught illustrator of mixed heritage. Having worked as a designer of many varied things, from jewelry to auto-parts and from furniture to whole interiors, she still does that but in children’s books which are her true passion. She and her husband have lived in Mexico, Italy, and England, but they call British Columbia their home, along with their two kids. When not working on a book, you can find her walking her dog or baking something with her children.
REVIEW OF DARE TO QUESTION: CARRIE CHAPMAN CATT’S VOICE FOR THE VOTE
Carrie Chapman Catt had many questions as a young child in the 1800s. She was inquisitive about everything – including why her dad went out to vote but her mom stayed home on the farm.
Her dad just laughed at all these questions, but Carrie’s curiosity continued growing, and she wanted to change how society viewed women. She wanted women to have the right to vote.
After going to college (which her father didn’t support), Carrie dedicated her time and energy to the women’s suffrage movement. She learned from women like Susan B. Anthony and devoted her life to bringing about change.
Determined, despite opposition, Carrie Chapman Catt fought for what she believed in. Even when it seemed like women were not going to get the right to vote, she continued to push forward.
The author’s note at the back of the book sums up the story nicely. “Carrie dedicated her life to the idea that change comes when everyday people question the status quo and take small steps toward making the world more just and free.”
Dare to Question inspires people who are facing opposition in their life and those who want to make the world a better place to live. It encourages people to see the incredible impact they can have on the world around them. We don’t have to be well-known to make a difference. Never discount what one person can do and how one person can change the course of history.
People who enjoy historical events will enjoy reading Dare to Question. Being a picture book, it is a good introduction for elementary-age students who are learning about when women fought for their right to vote.
This book does mention Carrie’s relationship with a woman after she lost both of her husbands. There is not an LGBTQ focus in this book, but since this relationship was part of Carrie’s life, it is mentioned.
ENTER HERE for the chance to win a personalized, signed copy of Dare To Question: Carrie Chapman Catt’s Voice for the Vote, a set of 5 Girl Power Enamel pins, and a $100 Amazon gift card!
One (1) grand prize winner receives:
-A personalized, signed copy of Dare To Question: Carrie Chapman Catt’s Voice for the Vote
-A set of 5 Girl Power Enamel pins
-A $100 Amazon gift card!
Four (4) winners receive:
-A personalized, signed copy of Dare To Question: Carrie Chapman Catt’s Voice for the Vote
Heart to Heart 
I love the book cover, and the book sounds interesting.
LikeLike