I’m Obviously a Vivian Kirkfield Fan

If you aren’t familiar with Lucy Stone, I encourage you to read One Girl’s Voice-How Lucy Stone Helped Change the Law of the Land written by Vivian Kirkfield and illustrated by Rebecca Gibbon. Kirkfield’s picture book biographies are so well-written I feel transported back in time.

While reading this book, I had to share parts with my husband because I was so shocked by Lucy’s story. In the 1830’s a girl’s mind was not valued. Since her father refused to buy her schoolbooks, she collected nuts and berries to buy them herself. To pay for college, she awakened at 5 a.m. and worked at odd jobs for half the pay of a man until 2 a.m. That is some serious dedication!

She had the honor of composing a speech for her graduation from Oberlin College BUT WAS NOT ALLOWED TO READ IT.

Lucy became an orator against slavery. “When men hurled books and rotten vegetables, Lucy stood taller….Nothing could put out the fire in her heart.”

Lucy Stone Blackwell was one voice, one person, but she fought for equal rights for women. Her one voice changed history.

It confounds me, as it did Ms. Kirkfield, that women could not own a credit card or a mortgage prior to The Equal Credit Opportunity Act of 1974. Currently in the United States, I am deeply saddened and angered as women’s rights have gone backward. I hopefully believe we have some modern day Lucy Stones to champion equal rights for women.

Check out this book, my friends.