Fight of the Century: Alice Paul Battles Woodrow Wilson for the Vote

Using a framework based on boxing match rounds, Rosenstock describes the pitched battle between two complicated historical figures. Alice Paul, a fierce advocate for the passage of the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote, faces the conservatism of President Woodrow Wilson, who blocked the amendment for years (it was ratified in 1920). Rosenstock's fidelity to the boxing metaphor ("So he ducks. He dodges," "Alice spins and catches Woodrow off guard") creates a rigid framework that sometimes distracts, and Paul and Wilson's personal motivations remain opaque--supplemental materials help somewhat and note Paul's compromised legacy due to her support of discriminatory practices against black suffragists. Stylized, colorful illustrations by Green are accented with bold black lines and incorporate boxing motifs. Ages 7-10. (Feb.)

Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Gr 2-5--Rosenstock explains the history of women's suffrage and the eventual ratification of the 19th amendment in the form of a boxing match between activist Alice Paul and President Woodrow Wilson. The diligence and coordination of Paul and her supporters and their battle to win public support, especially in light of World War I, are portrayed in an enticing and accessible manner. The narrative framework works well to depict the struggles the suffragettes faced. It took nearly five years to convince President Wilson to support women's voting rights. The full-color illustrations, rendered in muted tones, are reminiscent of vintage boxing posters and add to the boxing match aesthetic. The text provides substantial information in an approachable manner for young readers. An author's note, a time line, and a plentiful bibliography present more details for those interested in delving deeper or conducting additional research. VERDICT This title, especially with the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th amendment approaching, is likely to be a favorite for children interested in history and activism, as well as educators. A suggested purchase for all collections.--Ellen Conlin, Naperville Public Library, IL

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Utilizing the language and structure of a boxing match, this fast-paced selection covers Alice Paul's activism, ongoing support of women's suffrage, and continuing advocacy for passage of the 19th Amendment during Woodrow Wilson's two presidential terms. Illustrations based on Jazz Age lithographs and boxing posters combine nicely with suspenseful, articulate text that includes some of Paul's ancillary accomplishments... A lively, inspiring depiction of an indomitable fighter for women's rights. —Kirkus Reviews

This accessible storybook uses the metaphor of a prizefight to explain the battle between suffragist Alice Paul and President Woodrow Wilson over votes for women. The illustrations invoke period photographs, and while most portray actual historical events, some creatively show the protagonists squaring off in a boxing ring... this is an engaging way of making history fun and relevant. —Booklist

Rosenstock explains the history of women's suffrage and the eventual ratification of the 19th amendment in the form of a boxing match between activist Alice Paul and President Woodrow Wilson. The diligence and coordination of Paul and her supporters and their battle to win public support, especially in light of World War I, are portrayed in an enticing and accessible manner. The full-color illustrations, rendered in muted tones, are reminiscent of vintage boxing posters and add to the boxing match aesthetic. This title, especially with the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th amendment approaching, is likely to be a favorite for children interested in history and activism, as well as educators. —School Library Journal

On the anniversary of the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment, Rosenstock replays the epic battle of wills between activist Alice Paul and President Woodrow Wilson as a quasi-literal ring match. (R)eaders who have little foreknowledge (and possibly little prior interest) in Paul and her crusade will glom onto this fact-rich retelling. Green's buoyant digital artwork is well suited for turning the picture book into a lure for independent readers. Final notes comment on how Paul's fraught relationship with Black suffragists has tainted her reputation; photos of Paul and Wilson, a women's suffrage timeline, bibliography, and source notes are included. —The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books