Ballots for Belva-A True Story of a Woman's Race for the Presidency: By Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen

            In 1884, the only people allowed to vote in United States' elections were men. However, this did not stop Belva Lockwood wanting to do something about this unfairness. Belva realized that while it was not legal for her to vote, it was legal for others to give her their votes, so she decided to run for president of the United States of America, and miraculously, she received votes!
         Belva had spent her entire life trying to move the mountains that stood between her and her dreams. She went to law school, becoming the first woman to practice law in federal courts and the first to argue a case before the Supreme Court of the United States. She was a well respected lobbyist, public speaker, and women's rights activist. Despite these previously held, well respected roles, Belva Lockwood's presidential campaign was riddled with challenges. But despite the lack of financial support and large number of critics she faced, Belva never hesitated in her commitment to equality for all. She was determined to earn the respect-and votes- of her fellow citizens.
        While Belva did not win the presidency, author Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen does a fabulous job with this little-known but richly deserving subject. The use of narrative to tell the story of Belva Lockwood allows the reader to see Belva as a real person, as opposed to someone from long, long ago who has no relatable qualities. This book uses a linear storyline of Belva's life, from childhood, to adulthood, to law school, and then running for president that organizes the information in a very easy to follow and understandable manner. Full bleed, color illustrations by Courtney A. Martin are both visually appealing and content enriching, letting the reader feel as though they have stepped back in time and are standing right alongside Belva on her journey. The author further enhances the educational purposed of this text through the addition of an "Author's Note" that gives more information about Belva's mission, a glossary with words related to voting and women's rights, a timeline of women's suffrage in the United States, and a bibliography of selected sources the reader could visit for further information. These many informational additions help to take the educational value of this book to the next level, giving readers a chance to go beyond just the knowledge taught in the text.
     This book would be best used in grades 2 through 6. The language, if certain words are discussed (i.e.-suffrage, ballot, etc.), is simple enough for younger readers, yet educationally valuable enough for upper-elementary aged students. This informational picture book would be a great read aloud addition to a study of equal rights, women's rights, or the process of running for president. Belva's story serves as an inspiration that reminds modern-day readers how far we have come since Belva's time, and shows us the way to keep fighting for equality of all people, on all levels.

Picture Source: http://www.amazon.com/Ballots-Belva-Story-Womans-Presidency/dp/1419716271