Ida B. Wells Marches for the Vote

A stunning picture book biography about the early life of Ida B. Wells, her incredible work as a suffragist, and her critical role in the Women's March of 1913.

Ida B. Wells grew up during a time when women did not have the right to vote. But Ida aspired for equality; she had learned from her parents to forge a life through hope and bravery, so she worked tirelessly to fight for an America that was fair to everyone regardless of race and gender. Her courageous activism made her one of the most influential civil rights leaders in American history. Here is Ida's story with a specific spotlight on her fearless role in the Women's March of 1913.

"Traveling to Washington, D.C., for a 1913 march to demand the right to vote for women, and relegated to the rear of the parade, Wells boldly winds her way to the front of the crowd, 'marching, marching, marching for the vote.' Jordan's stylized oil on cloth artwork gives a handmade feel to this account of one woman's courageous acts."--Publishers Weekly

"Johnson's compelling text tells the inspirational true story of a Black suffragist who fought injustice all her life.... Jordan's skillfully crafted oil on cloth illustrations effectively capture the historical era in which Wells lived and the determination she showed regardless of the challenge. The detailed back matter--including an author's note, a timeline, photographs, and source notes--offers young readers ample resources for learning more about a person and history that all young people should know."

--The Horn Book
"Johnson writes with the conviction of Ida B. Wells and her inherent beliefs about right and wrong.... Johnson is careful to lay the groundwork for her subject's many fine moments.... Until her name is as familiar as Abraham Lincoln's, we can't have too many books about Wells."--School Library Journal
Praise for H Is for Harlem:
A Kirkus Best Book of the Year
A School Library Journal Best of the Year
A Horn Book Fanfare Title
An Amazon Best Book of the Month
A Nerdy Book Club Best of the Year Selection
A Center for the Study of Multicultural Children's Literature Best Book of the Year
An ALSC Notable Book for Children
A NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Selection
A Junior Library Guild Selection

"Historically rich.... Harrison's stunning, colorful, highly textured illustrations complement and expand upon Johnson's textual snapshots, which offer just enough detail to encourage children to deepen their knowledge of Harlem. This is a beautiful and welcome celebration of Black joy. A gem that whets the appetite to learn more about a city where art is as alive as the people who live there." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Sumptuous and necessary...Harrison's mixed-media illustrations are meant to be savored for their layers of detail. Light seems to shine through these stunning, vibrant pages. Would that the English alphabet had more than 26 letters so that H Is for Harlem could have been longer." --Booklist, starred review

"An ode to the beating heart of African American culture with remarkable depth and breadth. This title is a celebration of Harlem's vibrancy, dynamism, and significance." --School Library Journal, starred review

"Harrison's arresting mixed-media illustrations render the abundant cast of important figures and myriad, unique surroundings in lifelike shades, lush textures, and generous dimensions, showing, as Johnson writes, that 'Harlem is a place like no other in the world.'" --Publishers Weekly, starred review

* "Engaging and beautiful.... What a splendid way to learn the alphabet!"--Horn Book, starred review

Praise for Ida B. Wells Marches for the Vote:

"[Ida B. Wells] is featured in this picture-book biography for another one of her passionate causes: women's suffrage. Jordan's colorful oil paintings set decisive scenes. Johnson's thoughtful, short descriptions emphasize Wells' character with refrains like 'That was a bold thing to do.' Johnson details more of Ida's courage as she takes a prominent place among the marchers to represent Black women, too. Concluding photos, an author's note, and a time line add historical context to Ida B. Wells' multifaceted fight for civil rights."
--Booklist

"A tribute to a tireless African American journalist and crusader for social justice.... The bold stare Wells directs out from the climactic final scene challenges viewers to realize that when it comes to gender and racial equality, there's still work to be done. Young activists in search of role models will find much to admire in this tough, courageous woman."--Kirkus Reviews

Dinah Johnson is the award-winning author of many books for young readers, including H Is for Harlem, illustrated by April Harrison, which received five starred reviews and was named a Kirkus Best Book of the Year, a School Library Journal Best Book of the Year, and a Horn Book Fanfare title. A professor of English at the University of South Carolina, she lives in Columbia. She invites you to visit her at dinahjohnsonbooks.com.

Jerry Jordan is a painter working in the style of contemporary realism. He counts the unsung artists of the Harlem Renaissance as his artistic role models. He lives in Madison, Wisconsin. This is his first book for young readers. He invites you to visit him on Instagram @purplehood2 or at artistjerryjordan.com.

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