Emmeline Pankhurst
Lisbeth Kaiser
Frances Lincoln Childrens Books
ISBN 9781786030191
Little People, Big Dreams is a collection of books about famous women and their lives. This book tells the story of Emmeline Pankhurst. The book is written like a story, despite being factual and retelling true events. The story begins with Emmeline as a child growing up in Manchester, England. She had a nice upbringing with her family in a large house, although they spent a lot of time trying to help others who were much less fortunate. Emmeline learnt to read when she was three and began to dream about what she would become when she was older. One night, she heard her mother and father discussing how it was a shame she wasn't a boy; as a girl she would have very few choices about her future. Emmeline wondered why. She started to read about women's rights and attended talks with her mother, learning about how they were treated unfairly. As she grew older, she married a lawyer who had the same beliefs as her. They campaigned together until he became sick and died, leaving Emmeline with children to care for and no rights to help her. As they grew older, Emmeline and her daughters formed a new group who began to campaign for women's rights. Many women joined their group, however, it wasn't an easy ride with many of them getting injured and arrested. Once the war broke out, Emmeline encouraged women to take over jobs that the men could no longer do. After the war, their voices were heard and women were given the right to vote.
This is a detailed story with lots of information about the struggles that women went through to be seen as equal to men. It is a fantastic book to help children to understand how life used to be, as well including some brilliant pictures to help to tell the story. At the end of the book, there is a more detailed, technical timeline for older children and adults to enjoy.
This biography is inspiring for children in many ways; it fuels their curiosity, shows them they can do whatever they want if they put their minds to it and it also teaches them about what life could have been like without people like Emmeline!
Picture Book / Ages 7+ / Reviewed by Lucy Newton, teacher.