Susan B. Anthony

Reach for this book when your child starts noticing unfair rules at school or in the community and asks why things are allowed to be unequal. This biography is a powerful tool for navigating conversations about justice, showing how one person's persistence can shift the laws of an entire nation. It follows Susan B. Anthony from her Quaker upbringing through her tireless work as an activist and her famous arrest for the 'crime' of voting. Teri Kanefield uses primary sources like letters and diaries to make this historical figure feel human and relatable rather than a statue in a museum. It is an ideal choice for middle schoolers (ages 10 to 14) who are developing their own sense of moral agency. You might choose this to inspire a child who feels discouraged by a long term challenge, as it highlights the 'grit' required to see a mission through to the end, even when success takes a lifetime.