Book Review of Dare To Question: Carrie Chapman Catt’s Voice for the Vote
The Children’s Book Review
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
What to Expect: Carrie Chapman Catt Biography, Suffragists, Politics and Government, and Women’s History
Jasmine A. Stirling’s Dare to Question: Carrie Chapman Catt’s Voice for the Vote honors the accomplishments of a remarkable suffragist leader.
Throughout the picture book biography, Stirling takes readers on a journey through the life of Carrie Chapman Catt—from her early days as a curious child to her groundbreaking career as a journalist to her love of Mollie Garrett Hay (they made a notable queer power couple) and finally to her landmark achievements as the president of The National American Woman Suffrage Association. Stirling applies her exceptional writing talent to bring the past to life and capture in detail Catt’s pivotal role in leading the successful campaign to ratify the 19th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America.
What sets Stirling’s work apart is her unique approach to storytelling, which balances historical accuracy with a playful and accessible language that makes it easier for young readers to grasp and understand the content. Through her attention to detail, Stirling shines a light on the timeless impact of Catt’s remarkable contributions to women’s rights. The book is punctuated with Udayana Lugo’s vibrant artwork that pops from the pages and an author’s note and additional information about Catt, which makes it an essential resource for anyone interested in the life and times of this incredible woman.
Dare to Question is a must-read for young readers interested in learning about extraordinary women who have transformed history, and it promises to inspire countless future generations of young girls to dare to dream and aspire to greatness.
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About the Author
Jasmine A. Stirling (she/her) is the award-winning author of A Most Clever Girl: How Jane Austen Discovered Her Voice (Bloomsbury, 2021), winner of the IPNE Book Award and a Book Riot and Mighty Girl Best Book of the Year.
Her new book: Dare to Question: Carrie Chapman Catt’s Voice for the Vote (Union Square & Co, 2023), tells the story of the queer power couple who ignited the suffrage movement and won the vote for women. Her third book, about a botanist who became the first woman to circumnavigate the world—while disguised as a man—comes out in 2025.
Jasmine was formerly an education technology executive, and designed products to make learning engaging. She also served on boards for education nonprofits serving low-income students of color.
Jasmine lives in an old house in San Francisco with her spouse, two daughters, and an absurdly adorable dog. Follow her on Instagram at @jasmine.a.stirling.author, and learn more at www.jasmineastirling.com.
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.
Bianca Schulze reviewed Dare To Question: Carrie Chapman Catt’s Voice for the Vote. Discover more books like Dare To Question: Carrie Chapman Catt’s Voice for the Vote by reading our reviews and articles tagged with poetry, rhyme, and humor.
