This is a true story about two sisters, Abby and Julia Smith, who lived in Glastonbury, Connecticut, on a farm in the late 1800's. These sisters refused to pay an unfair amount of taxes that the town leaders (all men) wanted them to pay to make up for lost tax revenue. This particular act was apparently only requested of female landowners at the time. Without the right to vote for a say in the matter, the sisters began a fight that lasted for years. The story goes on to explain how, with the help of the townspeople, these sisters were able to avoid paying more than their fair share of taxes and keep their property and animals.
This book is a motivational resource to use to introduce the concept of suffrage and civil rights to students as it pertains to woman in history and the history of taxation without representation. The story is well written, easy to understand for elementary school students and the illustrations are eye catching in order to keep a young student's attention. I would also recommend this picture book to be read during Woman's History Month to help introduce other woman who fought for the woman's right to vote.
Recommended by Tina Nabinger, School Librarian
