About the Series
The Making of America series traces the constitutional history of the United States through overlapping biographies.
The debates that raged when our nation was founded have been argued ever since: How should the Constitution be interpreted? What is the meaning, and where are the limits, of personal liberty? What is the proper role of the federal government? Who should be included in “we the people”?
Each biography in the series tells the story of an American leader who played a major role in shaping the United States of today. The result is a history of American constitutional law through a series of overlapping biographies.
Book #4
“In an in-depth biography of this important historical figure, Kanefield relies heavily on primary-source materials, especially Anthony’s own revealing words. . . A fine biography, both enlightening and entertaining, on a critical topic.” Kirkus Review.
“When the name Susan B. Anthony resonates with middle-school readers, it’s generally in connection with women’s suffrage and collectible U.S. dollar coins. Here Kanefield presents the entire package of her activism over a remarkably lengthy career, from temperance to voting rights to abolition to child labor, with particular attention to the indefatigable zeal with which Anthony conducted her crusades, often to the annoyance of her allies and possible detriment of her causes. The fracture among progressives over prioritizing voting rights for black men or all women after the Civil War is clearly explained, as are the legal and political ploys wielded by Anthony’s foes to keep women pure, innocent, and domesticated. .. Photographs and period illustrations embellish the text, and notes, a timeline, a bibliography, and an index are included, as well as excerpts from three of Anthony’s addresses.” The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books.
“Biographical in nature, Teri Kanefield traces the life of this remarkable woman from girlhood to her death at the age of 86, focusing on her rise to become one of the most important voices in the suffragette movement. The narrative skillfully weaves together the details of Anthony’s life with those of other important figures at the time, including Frederick Douglass, helping readers to understand how both individual heroism and collective action and community spirit helped shape and change the nation.” The Children’s Book Review