Bodyguard Unit, The: Edith Garrud, Women's Suffrage, and Jujitsu

Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the idea that rules aren't always fair, or when they need to see that physical strength isn't just about size, it is about strategy and self-possession. It is a perfect fit for the middle schooler who feels small in a big world and wants to know how people in history found their voices when they were being silenced. This graphic novel tells the true story of Edith Garrud, the four foot eleven martial arts expert who trained the Bodyguards of the Women's Social and Political Union. Through bold illustrations and archival photos, it explores the gritty reality of the British suffrage movement, including police brutality and the 'Cat and Mouse Act.' It is a sophisticated look at the ethics of self-defense and the resilience required to change the world, suitable for ages 10 and up due to its honest depiction of historical conflict.