A Lady Has The Floor: Belva Lockwood Speaks Out for Women’s Rights by Kate Hannigan; illustrated by Alison Jay
Picture book – Suggested Grades 2-4
Summary:
The text and illustrations of this well written, true story go hand in hand to give the reader a sense of the boldness needed to gain girls’ and women’s rights. The illustrations appear as if painted by Grandma Moses, even with cracked lines to indicate dry old paint. The book’s jacket design, script, colors, and drawings are typical of a book printed in the 1940s. This impeccable attention to detail enhances the sense of historical setting related by both the text and Belva’s outbursts.
Belva Lockwood’s efforts to secure the right to vote didn’t stop her from running for the presidency in 1884 when affiliated with the National Equal Rights Party. Her “firsts” paved the way for those who carried on.
Suggestions for in-class activities:
Belva reacts to her troublesome situations with bold exclamations during the story. When reading aloud, invite attentive listeners to take turns repeating them in forceful voices.
Change classroom protocol by recognizing a student’s desire to speak. For example, “The young lady has the floor,” or “The young gentleman has the floor,” when students must stand. Discuss the importance of this protocol in civil proceedings.
Making a list of Belva’s accomplishments by rereading the text and consulting the book’s timeline will give students a better appreciation of her many accomplishments. The timeline is also a good springboard to further reading.
Discussion questions:
If the book were published in 2020 what could be added?
Are there any inequalities that still need attention? Who’s working to make changes and how?
Comments by Virginia Lopez, retired educator
Find more information about the book from the publisher here.
