One Step Forward

Gr 7 Up–Historical fiction based on the real suffragist Matilda Young, who was imprisoned for protesting for the right to vote. Her narrative, in verse, covers the years of the Wilson presidency and the push to get the 19th Amendment through Congress and the states. Matilda, her sisters, and mother are suffragists, but her father and brother are not. These conflicts at home mirror the larger divide in society over suffrage. Two of her sisters’ participation in the National Women’s Association gives Matilda entrance into the suffrage movement. Her sister Sophia provides moral support with notes of encouragement. The poems have titles, dates, a count of days picketing, or an X as Matilda marks the days until her release from jail. The poetry reflects the events and emotions—a square concrete poem for her jail cell, text side by side as she and Sophia walk and talk, and shrinking text as Matilda feels silenced. Quotes from speeches and documents included are in italics. Women finding and employing their voices is a theme throughout. Matilda tells of her time in the workhouse, “I scream for hours calling out using my voice until it’s hoarse.” The violence historically dealt the suffragists from the public, police, and jailers is described in detail, bringing home with clarity the brutality they faced. Extensive notes are provided in the back matter. Additional information, a time line, and several bibliographies provide more details and facts.