The men who shaped early America are well-known and often discussed. Few history-shaping colonial women are household names. The Extraordinary Suzy Wright sets about to change that, telling the little-known story of Quaker Susanna (Suzy) Wright (1697–-1784), a frontierswoman, renowned poet, and political activist.
Suzy helped settle the Pennsylvania frontier, where she worked to protect the rights of the Native Americans. She also acted as legal counselor to her less literate neighbors, preparing wills, deeds, indentures, and other contracts.
Surviving documents correspondence between Suzy and a host of Suzy’s her contemporaries—including Benjamin Franklin; James Logan, Pennsylvania’s governor and chief justice; and a few signers of the Declaration of Independence—reveal that Suzy, from her home on the frontier, exerted considerable influence in the highest circles of Pennsylvania government. In the Quaker spirit of personal modesty, she never sought fame, but she achieved it during her lifetime for her compassion, integrity, and wisdom.
Praise for The Extraordinary Suzy Wright
★ Starred Review: This “thoughtful and insightful biography explores the life of a most unusual woman for her time.” – Kirkus Review
“A thoughtful reminder of America’s debt to Quakerism, Kanefield’s book vividly captures Suzy Wright’s life and liberty.” – The Washington Post.
“Independent-minded tweens obsessed with Laura Ingalls Wilder will devour this photo-filled account of an intrepid woman who conquered the frontier before her, giving medical care to Native Americans, training herself as a lawyer, and advising Benjamin Franklin.” – FamilyFun Magazine
“This excellent resource and commentary on the life of a little-known but meritorious woman provides fascinating study for readers age 12 and older studying women’s history in Colonial America.” – Midwest Book Reviews.
“In this handsomely designed, eye-opening, finely crafted biography, Teri Kanefield tells Wright’s story–and the early Pennsylvania history of Quakers, Native Americans, indentured servants and more–in crystal-clear prose enhanced by period illustrations, letters and contemporary photographs.” – Shelf Awareness, March 16, 2016.
“A unique look at Colonial America, the American frontier, and the Revolutionary War through the eyes of an extraordinary woman. The fascinating and inspiring story includes an author’s note, bibliography, and index.” – Continental Newstime, June 30, 2016.
“This is a lovely book. It’s filled with photos, side stories, and odd facts about life in that era.” – Jo Ann Kakola, Book Blogger.