Customer Reviews

I Could Do That!: Esther Morris Gets Women the Vote (Melanie Kroupa Books)

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This terrific picture book biography introduces readers to Esther Morris, the driving force behind suffrage in Wyoming and the first woman to ever hold elected office. From her earliest days, Esther was daring and smart; her constant refrain when confronted with anything new lead to the title, "I could do that!" We share Esther's sorrow when her mother dies when Esther is only 11 and follow Esther through her life as a wife, mother, and pioneer. Esther's 6-foot stature garnered attention and her intelligence proved her worth. By 1869, Wyoming women had the vote in their territory; the book reminds us, that despite Esther's achievements, she never voted for president. The illustrations are a particularly strong point of this title. The two-page spread depicting Esther's family in mourning has a wonderful shape and color. All is black, white and gray except for the purple settee and Esther's orange-red hair. Esther is part of the family, but apart as well, standing off to one side; she is also the only person in the picture taking action (serving tea) to others who are sipping and/or sniffling. A wonderful read-aloud for grades 2-4.

This delightful picture book tells the story of a pioneer for women's rights, Esther Morris, whose story was completely new to me. We first meet Esther as a determined six-year old, who meets each new challenge by piping up with the refrain, "I could do that," whether it's making tea, sewing, taking care of her younger brothers and sisters when her mother dies, or opening her own hat shop at a time when it was unusual for young women to own their own business.

When her first husband dies, she can't claim his land in Illinois because women weren't allowed to inherit from their husband. She later remarries and moves to the Wyoming Territory, where women were scarce, outnumbered six to one by men! She opens another hat shop, but also helps deliver babies, nurse the sick, and do whatever else needed doing on the frontier. When the territory holds its first elections, she gets a commitment from the male candidates to introduce a bill giving women the vote in Wyoming, and didn't let them forget their promise. In 1869, Wyoming women indeed got the right to vote, before any other state or territory in the country. When the county's judge resigns in protest, Esther takes over his job as justice of the piece, the first woman in the country to hold public office. White's version of Esther's extraordinary story ends triumphantly with Esther casting her first vote in an election. Like the Smith sisters whom I wrote about yesterday, Esther did not live long enough to be able to vote in a presidential election.

Esther's story is greatly enhanced by the wit and humor of the brightly colored folksy illustrations by Nancy Carpenter, who has illustrated numerous historical titles. I particularly liked her use of a vibrant yellow as the background color for many of the two-page Wyoming spreads, which seemed to suggest the bright light, heat, and dust of the Wild West territory. She also exploits Esther's great height (she was six feet tall, a giant among women--and men-- in that age) to great effect in many of the illustrations, as Esther towers over the men for whom she pours tea while they discuss the upcoming election.

An author's note with further information on Esther Morris and a list of resources, both print and web sites, to explore Esther Morris' story further.

We absolutley LOVE this book. It sends a great message to children and especially young girls. You can do ANYTHING--and let nothing or no one stop you. Esther Morris was a hero and we appreciate her contribution to women's rights.

This is a very cute book telling the true story of Esther Morris and the advent of the woman vote. The language is fun and accessible but it doesn't sugarcoat events.

The eighth of eleven children and six foot tall, Esther had a interesting life and courage to spare. In this time of primaries, as we breathe politics in the air, this books brings a refreshing read!

I would say children as young as 5 would enjoy this story (mine did), but it spans a wide range, as I enjoyed it as well! The atmospheric illustrations drew us into the captivating and inspiring life story of the young Shero as she struggles against the odds to make a difference. My favorite is the tea party/candidate forum in her home that becomes a pivotal moment in this well-told tale of an admirable woman. A delight!