What do you think?
Rate this book
The Voice That Won the Vote: How One Woman's Words Made History
In August of 1920, women's suffrage in America came down to the vote in Tennessee. If the Tennessee legislature approved the 19th amendment it would be ratified, giving all American women the right to vote. The historic moment came down to a single vote and the voter who tipped the scale toward equality did so because of a powerful letter his mother, Febb Burn, had written him urging him to "Vote for suffrage and don't forget to be a good boy." The Voice That Won the Vote is the story of Febb, her son Harry, and the letter than gave all American women a voice.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published March 15, 2020
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
August 20, 2020
Yes, yes, yes! Great timing, to have this book come out as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Nineteenth Amendment. And there was such fierce and abiding opposition (among almost all voting men) to having women vote, of course, and for so long. This book takes a particular and important angle on the very end of the process, that day in Tennessee--the thirty-sixth state to ratify--when Harry Burn, who regularly wore a red rose to signify his opposition to ratification, surprised the heck out of almost everyone at the State Capitol and quietly spoke one word, "Aye." That angle of "using your voice" is not an original one in children's books but it is still an important one, that a single person can make a difference in the tide of history.
In this case, Harry Burn had in his possession a letter from his activist mother, Febb Burn: "Dear Harry, Hurrah and vote for women's suffrage and don't keep them in doubt. Don't forget to be a good boy. With lots of love, Mom." Sentimental? Sure. A fact that her voice was an important aspect of the end of this process? Yep. One that recalls for me all the mothers that were influenced to oppose slavery by another woman, Harriet Beecher Stowe, through her passionately anti-slavery Uncle Tom's Cabin. {Okay, less dramatically, maybe, but still: A woman as central in the political process.]
Clearly this book has to be read in conjunction with some other book or historical information that acknowledges what the book gives a nod to, that this moment was the end of over 75 years of struggle by mostly women to be able to engage in the political process. And almost a century later it took for a woman (in the US, at least) to be selected to run for President, and I write this during the week Kamala Harris is selected to be Biden's "running mate" (or, Vice-Presidential candidate).
The book ought to have included a list of such resources about the long historical struggle; it does include a brief timeline of key moments that preceded 1918, with some names that young people could research, who have their own books to inspire: women such as Susan B. Anthony and Alice Paul, just two names to begin a wider search, two of thousands of women who protested and wrote letters and were jailed and were shamed and sometimes even beaten for taking what seems to us an obvious position, based on the position that "Women are human, too," (!!) as Harry said, a point made a few decades earlier through the Civil War about African-Americans.
So the 19th Amendment was signed into law in 1920; to this reviewer approaching 70 it doesn't seem so very long ago, with lessons to still be learned about Equal Rights and pay so much more. I really liked this book by Elisa Boxer, and the cool illustraions by Vivian Mildenberger.
In this case, Harry Burn had in his possession a letter from his activist mother, Febb Burn: "Dear Harry, Hurrah and vote for women's suffrage and don't keep them in doubt. Don't forget to be a good boy. With lots of love, Mom." Sentimental? Sure. A fact that her voice was an important aspect of the end of this process? Yep. One that recalls for me all the mothers that were influenced to oppose slavery by another woman, Harriet Beecher Stowe, through her passionately anti-slavery Uncle Tom's Cabin. {Okay, less dramatically, maybe, but still: A woman as central in the political process.]
Clearly this book has to be read in conjunction with some other book or historical information that acknowledges what the book gives a nod to, that this moment was the end of over 75 years of struggle by mostly women to be able to engage in the political process. And almost a century later it took for a woman (in the US, at least) to be selected to run for President, and I write this during the week Kamala Harris is selected to be Biden's "running mate" (or, Vice-Presidential candidate).
The book ought to have included a list of such resources about the long historical struggle; it does include a brief timeline of key moments that preceded 1918, with some names that young people could research, who have their own books to inspire: women such as Susan B. Anthony and Alice Paul, just two names to begin a wider search, two of thousands of women who protested and wrote letters and were jailed and were shamed and sometimes even beaten for taking what seems to us an obvious position, based on the position that "Women are human, too," (!!) as Harry said, a point made a few decades earlier through the Civil War about African-Americans.
So the 19th Amendment was signed into law in 1920; to this reviewer approaching 70 it doesn't seem so very long ago, with lessons to still be learned about Equal Rights and pay so much more. I really liked this book by Elisa Boxer, and the cool illustraions by Vivian Mildenberger.
Read
July 7, 2023قرأت مرةً شيئًا فيما معناه ”ما لم تسأل، ستظل الإجابة دائمًا 'لا'“ هذا الكتاب يظهر بعضًا مما تعنيه هذه العبارة، فصوتٌ واحد ساعد في تغيير قضية كبيرة، وإن كان بشكلٍ غير مباشر. إن كنت تمتلك شيئًا جيدًا لقوله، لماذا تكتمه بداخلك؟
March 16, 2020
No. No. One can not simply sum up the result of that many voices and actions in one woman and one letter. This is not fair. This is not right. No.
All the voices matter equally. Every single one of the voices matters the same amount of any other voice raised for equality.
Yes I get the point. be fierce and stand up for what you belive in. Speak from you heart and be courageous and don't forget, "It took courage. And courage has a way of making things right."
But still. No. Absolutely not.
All the voices matter equally. Every single one of the voices matters the same amount of any other voice raised for equality.
Yes I get the point. be fierce and stand up for what you belive in. Speak from you heart and be courageous and don't forget, "It took courage. And courage has a way of making things right."
But still. No. Absolutely not.
March 3, 2020
This book. THIS BOOK! Want a book that shows you exactly how to make an enormous difference? Want a book that shows you how to fight for what you believe in? Want a book that shows you the powerful tenderness between mother and son? Want a book that serves up history of the suffrage movement in America? Want a book that drives home what an absolute treasure the right to vote is? THIS is YOUR BOOK. Masterfully told with such an endearing, gentle, and crystal clear voice. Beautifully illustrated! Friends, find the money, buy this book and read it to every child you can!
May 4, 2020
4.5 stars
Don't mind me, just crying over a children's picture book again.
Beautifully illustrated and clearly told, this book tells the story of a vital milestone that I don't think I ever learned about in school.
In fact, it wasn't until I saw the excellent YouTube video by SoomoPublishing - viewable through other links like this one https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=co6qK... - inspired by Lady Gaga's Bad Romance (trust me: it works!) that I realized the decision to finally allow American women the right to suffrage quite literally came down to a single person's vote...and his brilliant mother.
An important reminder that every voice matters.
Highly recommended. And a quick note: as others have pointed out, while the illustrations are inclusive and indicative of the vital role Black women played in the women's suffrage movement, there isn't text specifically describing their contributions, though this may be due to the book's focus on one very specific event in women's history. As the book isn't attempting to be a complete overview of the movement, I didn't find this to be a dealbreaker, but do keep it in mind!
Don't mind me, just crying over a children's picture book again.
Beautifully illustrated and clearly told, this book tells the story of a vital milestone that I don't think I ever learned about in school.
In fact, it wasn't until I saw the excellent YouTube video by SoomoPublishing - viewable through other links like this one https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=co6qK... - inspired by Lady Gaga's Bad Romance (trust me: it works!) that I realized the decision to finally allow American women the right to suffrage quite literally came down to a single person's vote...and his brilliant mother.
An important reminder that every voice matters.
Highly recommended. And a quick note: as others have pointed out, while the illustrations are inclusive and indicative of the vital role Black women played in the women's suffrage movement, there isn't text specifically describing their contributions, though this may be due to the book's focus on one very specific event in women's history. As the book isn't attempting to be a complete overview of the movement, I didn't find this to be a dealbreaker, but do keep it in mind!
June 26, 2020
The Voice That Won The Vote as everything - an unexpected hero, an unusual structure that creates tension and keeps you turning the pages, a formidable woman, and the "boy" who listened to her and changed history. This is exactly the kind of story we need right now - one about making decisions based on your conscience and what is right vs. what will make you popular. I also love the subtext of listening to your loving mother. :-)
January 20, 2020
In exploring a forgotten footnote, The Voice that Won the Vote brings forth not just a bit of forgotten history, but a sound lesson that every effort matters, we just can’t know which small one will have the biggest impact - until it does! A beautifully rendered and engaging recounting of the influence of a mother’s love and a son’s courage in the fight to win the right to vote for women.
July 30, 2020
gettin really tired of all the "women get to vote!" books that don't clarify that it's only WHITE women.
March 12, 2026
Delightful treatment of the woman who wrote a letter to her Tennessee State Senator son during the 19th Amendment ratification vote. Her encouragement of him to change his vote to Aye made Tennessee the final state to ratify & gave women the vote. This book was put on my radar by a friend & I picked it up at my library, then saw several other picture books in the same section, so I came home with an armful of woman's suffrage books!
February 27, 2020
THE VOICE THAT WON THE VOTE is such a timely book. It celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Nineteenth Amendment and speaks to the courage required in standing up for one’s beliefs despite potential political peril. I enjoyed the introduction to two heroes, Febb Burn and her son Harry, both of whom had the courage to speak (or write) their truths in the face of opposition. This book highlights the importance of each voice (and pen!) in creating change. It’s also a love story between mother and son – a perfect gift for Mother’s Day! The illustration of the red roses (worn by those opposing women’s suffrage) versus the yellow roses (worn by those in favor) was powerful and moving. The author’s timeline of significant moments in the Women’s Suffrage Movement helps put Febb and Harry’s story into a larger context.
August 9, 2020
This book is beautifully written by an Emmy award-winning journalist who obviously has an eye for a great story. It highlights a part of the history of women's suffrage that is often overlooked, while communicating a universal truth — one voice really does have the power to change the world for the better.
Since great narrative nonfiction needs to keep a narrow focus to really shine, I recommend pairing this with a book like Kate Messner's History Smashers: Women's Right to Vote to add more context. With those two books, you'll have both an engaging story that reads like fiction along with a fact-filled book to flesh out additional details.
The Voice That Won the Vote is a winner, and I can't wait to read what the author writes next.
Since great narrative nonfiction needs to keep a narrow focus to really shine, I recommend pairing this with a book like Kate Messner's History Smashers: Women's Right to Vote to add more context. With those two books, you'll have both an engaging story that reads like fiction along with a fact-filled book to flesh out additional details.
The Voice That Won the Vote is a winner, and I can't wait to read what the author writes next.
January 30, 2020
This book is a wonderful introduction to the historic moment when women's right to vote was ratified into the United States Constitution. There's great storytelling here. It starts off with what a vote is, how women were not allowed to vote, and how difficult (and long) the struggle was for suffragists to change the law. Then with the stakes clearly outlined, the reader is hooked into the story of Febb Burn and her son--and Tennessee lawmaker-- Harry Burn.
One hundred years after the 19th Amendment was ratified, the themes of this book, such as standing up for what you believe in despite negative political consequences, are extremely relevant in today's political climate. The author includes this quote from Harry Burn which I loved: "I am happy simply because I followed my conscience. It kept telling me women are people."
Kids will be excited to learn even more about this historical moment, suffrage, and the 19th Amendment after reading this book. Loved it!
One hundred years after the 19th Amendment was ratified, the themes of this book, such as standing up for what you believe in despite negative political consequences, are extremely relevant in today's political climate. The author includes this quote from Harry Burn which I loved: "I am happy simply because I followed my conscience. It kept telling me women are people."
Kids will be excited to learn even more about this historical moment, suffrage, and the 19th Amendment after reading this book. Loved it!
February 19, 2020
By following an inner voice that tells him right from wrong, Harry Burn voted for women’s voting rights. Behind his historical vote was his mother’s influence and her belief that women should be in charge of their own choices, including voting rights. This inspiring story shows the value of standing up for what one believes in and encourages us to trust our inner voice even when “it goes against the louder voice” around all of us. Elisa Boxer's debut picture book is so timely and so inspiring in today’s climate with an election approaching fast. This book will be a good reminder for all of us to exercise our voting rights and make things right just like how Harry burn and his mother did. I believe that THE VOICE THAT WON THE VOTE will surely win the hearts of many readers for its inspiring and important message.
February 9, 2020
I've often felt that there should be more children's nonfiction exploring what it means to be an ally and an upstander, and The Voice That Won the Vote fits this need! Elisa Boxer's debut book opens by establishing the importance of voting, and quickly gives readers the context surrounding women's struggle to win the right to vote. Febb Burn writes a letter to her son, who just happens to be a Tennessee state legislator. Inspired by his mother's words, Henry Burn takes up the suffragist cause, at great personal cost.
The book also includes back matter and a timeline, giving further explanation and context to the Burns' story. This book would make a great addition to any social studies curriculum, especially in these modern times. Recommended for classroom and school libraries.
The book also includes back matter and a timeline, giving further explanation and context to the Burns' story. This book would make a great addition to any social studies curriculum, especially in these modern times. Recommended for classroom and school libraries.
February 3, 2020
The Voice That Won the Vote - Elisa Boxer’s story of an unsung hero in the story of women’s suffrage so resonated with me, especially in our current climate of politicians who don’t seem to use their voice to fight for what they truly believe is right. Febb Burn, fed up with watching the men march off to vote while she had to stay home, wrote her son Harry a letter that ended up changing his mind about voting for women’s suffrage and convincing him to stand up for what he really believed, thereby ratifying the 19th Amendment. This is a truly inspiring story about the power of one voice to change the course of history.
January 30, 2020
I love this picture book. It tells the inspiring story of a small, personal action that made all the difference for women’s suffrage. The story is beautifully told and illustrated, with all the right pacing. It has a moving narrative and engaging historical backmatter, opening the door for important conversations about voting and women’s suffrage. Kids and parents will love this heroic and compelling story celebrating women’s rights and the power of every voice.
April 6, 2020
The right to win the vote for women depended upon Harry Burn, a reluctant Tennessee lawmaker, and a letter from his mother, Febb Burn, that convinced him to vote for women's suffrage. It's an inspiring tale of familial love and political courage. The lovely illustrations by Vivien Mildenberger enhance the remarkable story.
February 29, 2020
The story of how women's suffrage in America came down to the vote in Tennessee, and depended upon one vote in the Tennessee legislature to ratify the 19th Amendment. Thanks to encourgement of his mother, Febb, Harry Burn, cast the deciding vote.
November 18, 2020
After I read The Voice that Won the Vote: How One Woman's Words Made History (Sleeping Bear Press, 2020), I realized that the cover and title were perfect. Inside the book was an unexpected story written by Emmy-winning journalist, Elisa Boxer. Illustrator Vivien Mildenberger's kid-friendly illustrations draw readers into the story.
The book opens by showing contemporary women lined up at a polling booth. But very quickly, the author turns the clock back to 1920 when women were denied the right to vote. Boxer tells the reader about Febb Burn, a woman in East Tennessee who studied, went to college, became a teacher, and had a farm.
Every year on election day the men on her farm would head to town hall to cast their votes.
And every year, Febb Burn would watch them go.
She was sick and tired of staying home, shut out of the process.
So, she sat on her front porch and wrote a letter.
A few days later that letter arrived on her son Harry's desk. He was the youngest lawmaker in Tennessee and a witness to history in the making.
Thirty-five states wanted women to vote, but the country needed thirty-six to make it law.
It all came down to Tennessee, the last state left to vote.
But the lawmakers in Tennessee were divided. Half wanted to allow women to vote, half didn't. After the first vote was tied, the lawmakers had to vote a second time.
It was a soul-searching moment for Harry Burn. Previously he had voted against women's suffrage. Most of the people he represented hated the idea of women voting and many of them were in the audience that day. I imagine he thought about the note he had received from his mother:
He surprised the other legislators and broke the tie by saying, "Yes."
When Harry was asked why he changed his vote, he replied,
"I know that a mother's advice is always safest for a boy to follow."
The people who elected Harry were shocked and angry. Harry understood that his decision probably cost him his political career. But, he told reporters:
"I am happy simply because I followed my conscience. It kept telling me women are people."
It took courage for Harry to stand up for his beliefs. At the next election, he and his mother were probably worried what the results would be. But when the votes were counted, they were thrilled when Harry was re-elected to the Tennessee legislature.
And no one was prouder than the woman who, without speaking a word, gave all women a voice.
The book ends with a long author's note about the pressure both Febb and Harry faced after his historic vote. It includes how the women's suffrage movement was linked to the anti-slavery movement. A pictorial timeline of significant events is also provided.
This book will be useful in second-fifth grade classrooms.
The book opens by showing contemporary women lined up at a polling booth. But very quickly, the author turns the clock back to 1920 when women were denied the right to vote. Boxer tells the reader about Febb Burn, a woman in East Tennessee who studied, went to college, became a teacher, and had a farm.
Every year on election day the men on her farm would head to town hall to cast their votes.
And every year, Febb Burn would watch them go.
She was sick and tired of staying home, shut out of the process.
So, she sat on her front porch and wrote a letter.
A few days later that letter arrived on her son Harry's desk. He was the youngest lawmaker in Tennessee and a witness to history in the making.
Thirty-five states wanted women to vote, but the country needed thirty-six to make it law.
It all came down to Tennessee, the last state left to vote.
But the lawmakers in Tennessee were divided. Half wanted to allow women to vote, half didn't. After the first vote was tied, the lawmakers had to vote a second time.
It was a soul-searching moment for Harry Burn. Previously he had voted against women's suffrage. Most of the people he represented hated the idea of women voting and many of them were in the audience that day. I imagine he thought about the note he had received from his mother:
He surprised the other legislators and broke the tie by saying, "Yes."
When Harry was asked why he changed his vote, he replied,
"I know that a mother's advice is always safest for a boy to follow."
The people who elected Harry were shocked and angry. Harry understood that his decision probably cost him his political career. But, he told reporters:
"I am happy simply because I followed my conscience. It kept telling me women are people."
It took courage for Harry to stand up for his beliefs. At the next election, he and his mother were probably worried what the results would be. But when the votes were counted, they were thrilled when Harry was re-elected to the Tennessee legislature.
And no one was prouder than the woman who, without speaking a word, gave all women a voice.
The book ends with a long author's note about the pressure both Febb and Harry faced after his historic vote. It includes how the women's suffrage movement was linked to the anti-slavery movement. A pictorial timeline of significant events is also provided.
This book will be useful in second-fifth grade classrooms.
February 12, 2020
This is a piece of history I had never heard about. In 1920, Tennessee was the tie-breaker state in a vote to give women the right to vote. And there was also a tie in the Tennessee legislature to determine which way the state would land! This is the story of the Tennessee lawmaker who cast the deciding vote in his state to make history. He stood with women's suffrage, persuaded by a letter that his strong and independent mother wrote to him. One interesting theme in this book that I haven't seen explored in other PB's on this topic is all the many ways women had to persuade men that they deserved the vote - and men had to buck convention and stand with women - both actions were required to change the laws. An enjoyable and enlightening story - with beautiful illustrations to boot.
April 3, 2021
I always say that there is a story behind how we got some of the laws / organizations in this country. Look no further than the book Radium Girls and you will discover how we got OSHA. Killers of the Flower Moon got us the FBI, and Rosemary: The Hidden Kennedy Daughter shows why we have such things as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as well as HIPAA.
Well, this book and its Author / Illustrator best illustrates how [white] women got the Right to Vote. I especially loved the b&w photo of Febb Burn, at the end of the book.
Well, this book and its Author / Illustrator best illustrates how [white] women got the Right to Vote. I especially loved the b&w photo of Febb Burn, at the end of the book.
March 1, 2020
An incredibly timely book celebrating the Woman suffrage centennial by telling us the story of an unsung hero, Febb Burn, who's voice changed everything. This book starts by emphasizing that each vote represents a voice, a say in our country and our future, and how all women's voices were silenced only 100 years ago. This book honors the courage and strength of women protesters, who risked their lives and to bring a voice to the voiceless...and highlighting a mother's words who made all the difference. What an important woman and what a significant part of history! Everyone should know the name of Febb Burn and her son, Harry Burn and every child should learn this part of our history! Excellent story and great back matter too!
June 7, 2020
Sometimes doing what’s right can seem overwhelmingly difficult in the face of peer pressure. In this amazing picture book, THE VOICE THAT WON THE VOTE, Elisa Boxer highlights this important time in women's suffrage and the courage of one strong willed mother, Febb Burn, to help turn the tide and provide a voice to the voiceless. Beautifully illustrated. Awesomely written. Great design. A great book for any young reader interested in this history, and with an overarching message to follow your heart that is more important than ever in these turbulent times.
January 27, 2020
One hundred years after the 19th amendment was ratified in the United States giving American women the right to vote, it remains as important as ever to recognize that sometimes it only takes one additional person standing up for what’s right to make a difference. The non-fiction picture book, THE VOICE THAT WON THE VOTE tells such a story—that of an unsung hero, Febb Burn, who wrote an impassioned letter advocating for women’s suffrage to her son Harry Burn, a Tennessee lawmaker who had the power to tip the scales in favor of suffrage. When people feel divided over politics, particularly in families, sometimes they don’t talk—but this story shows that perhaps speaking up for what’s right with courage and conviction and love—even (especially?) in a family—can and does sometimes make a difference. A timely and important book celebrating the women’s suffrage centennial, THE VOICE THAT WON THE VOTE will encourage kids to use their own voices to make the world better too.
February 28, 2020
Did you know that a woman's right to vote in the US came down to a mother, a son and a letter?
The beautifully textured illustrations in this book take us from the front porch farm of suffragette Fern Burn to the Tennessee office of State Representative Harry Burn. The tension and emotion played out on the expressively illustrated faces carries the reader into the tumultuous efforts to bring the vote to women and the almost equal fight to stop the vote for women. In a little known twist, the one vote swing that gave women the vote all boiled down to a mother and son. Who knew it was that close? And that it came down to Fern and Harry! Readers will enjoy the backmatter and the rally poster timeline.
The beautifully textured illustrations in this book take us from the front porch farm of suffragette Fern Burn to the Tennessee office of State Representative Harry Burn. The tension and emotion played out on the expressively illustrated faces carries the reader into the tumultuous efforts to bring the vote to women and the almost equal fight to stop the vote for women. In a little known twist, the one vote swing that gave women the vote all boiled down to a mother and son. Who knew it was that close? And that it came down to Fern and Harry! Readers will enjoy the backmatter and the rally poster timeline.
January 26, 2021
Hurrah and vote for suffrage.
A touching story of how the youngest Tennessee lawmaker, Harry Burn was encouraged by a note from his mama to cast the deciding vote for women’s suffrage.
A touching story of how the youngest Tennessee lawmaker, Harry Burn was encouraged by a note from his mama to cast the deciding vote for women’s suffrage.
April 19, 2021
This book was an awesome read to exemplify how women fought for their rights to vote in the United States! The genre of this book is considered "Biography ". This book is a good read for grades 3-5 when they are learning about Women's Suffrage. This story is based on a true story and can definitely be a supplement for social studies lessons. I enjoyed this read and recommend it for any social studies topic that includes Women's Suffrage, voting and elections, and the power of voting in the United States. This book can also teach anti-sexism to young children, and allow them to see women in action in politics. All students can have a book character to look up to, and also see how inclusion can change the World. This was a WOW! book for me because it was very informational but it was interesting and drew me in as a reader.
September 4, 2020
This book brought me to tears. I never knew that passing the women's suffrage law came down to one vote of a state legislator in Tennessee and loved reading about how his mother's words influenced his vote. This is a beautiful story of courage and doing what you think is right.
February 28, 2020
The tension is high in this dramatic, true story about a courageous politician who follows his conscience (and his mother’s good advice) rather than voting along party lines. It’s a perfect example of how one person speaking their truth (in this case, a mother to her son and then her son to his country) can change the world. As an added bonus, it gives a glimpse into the political process at a crucial time in the history of women’s rights. This little-known story of two unsung heroes couldn’t be more timely—or more necessary.
March 1, 2020
The Voice that Won the Vote is a must read for every girl and boy. Author Elisa Boxer elegantly captures this epic moment in history, in inspiring text that teaches us history AND reminds us all that our voice matters. Five stars, plus.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews