A Vote for Susanna: The First Woman Mayor

by Karen M. Greenwald, Sian James (Illustrations)

In 1887, the state of Kansas gave women the right to vote in municipal elections. But some men in the city of Argonia, Kansas didn't think women should have a say in choosing their next mayor, so they put a woman on the ballot--as a joke. That woman was Susanna Salter--and soon the men would find the joke was on them! Narrated by a grandmother who remembered what happened on that election day, this is the true story of a woman who stood up for her right to vote and accomplished so much more.

Genres: Picture Books, Biography, History, Nonfiction, Politics, Womens, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2021

About the author

Children’s author Karen M. Greenwald finds interactive ways to connect history’s hidden heroes to the world of today's children.

Ms. Greenwald's Non-Fiction Picture Book, A VOTE FOR SUSANNA, THE FIRST WOMAN MAYOR is the first/only book about a woman who fought her town's bullies, became an international icon, and cemented the unique 1887 Kansas law permitting women to run and vote in municipal elections. Based in years of intricate research, including personal ephemera written by Mayor Salter, several women mayors across the United States are supporting this book.

A Phi Beta Kappa, Magna cum laude, Alpha Sigma Nu graduate of Georgetown University, Ms. Greenwald holds a JD from Georgetown University Law Center. -- adapted from https://sharemylesson.com/

Reviews

[Robyn McGrath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books was such a treat! An unknown story about the first woman mayor and introducing the conversation of gender stereotypes to young children. I love how the author weaved together a present day story to tell about the past- with a surprise twist at the end.

[Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love finding little unknown gems like this book about a piece of history I knew nothing about. I think kids are going to love learning about the first world’s woman mayor.

I love how the author crafted this story in a casual conversation between the main character and his grandmother in the kitchen baking an angel food cake. As the young boy learns how to bake a cake (something only girls do according to his friends), his grandmother fills him in on a few things girls didn’t used to be able to do like vote or run for government.

This story takes me back to my childhood when I would bake with my grandmother and she would share stories while we measured, sifted, poured, and stirred. I think children are going to connect with this story and at the same time learn about an important piece of American history. It’s also an underdog story about not letting anyone stop you and I love it when an underdog wins! Go, Susanna! It will also remind kids that they can do anything they set their mind to and never ever listen to the bullies in their lives.

[Lindsay Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Kansas became the first state to pass the law that women have the right to vote and run for local office, some people were not too keen and felt women had no place in politics. Then a prank was played. Susanna Salter's name was put on the ballot for mayor. (Not a spoiler, because of the title of the book!) Susanna didn't want the bullies to get the best of her, so she decided to campaign and won, by a landslide. This story, told creatively via a grandmother baking with her grandson, shows that we shouldn't be limited by what others think we can and can't do. A great title for discussions about gender-based rights, biases, and norms.

[Laura Gehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know anything about Susanna Madora Salter, the first woman mayor. I enjoyed reading her story and learning about her life. Greenwald tells the story with a fun twist, and the author's note also explains how she was able to get "insider" information about Susanna's thoughts, hopes, and dreams through letters and cards saved by Susanna's grandson.

[Ellen Leventhal · Rating 5 out of 5]

A VOTE FOR SUSANNA: THE FIRST WOMAN MAYOR beautifully tells the story of Susanna Salter and her unusual but successful rise to becoming the mayor of Argonia, Kansas. While women mayors are not unusual these days, it wasn't always like that, and Salter's story highlights the challenges many women faced. Greenwald's choice of voice and structure draws the reader in immediately and strongly connects with young people. Children will feel like they are in the kitchen with Ed and his grandma as Grandma Dora recounts the story of Susanna Salter. Readers will cheer for Susanna and the people who helped her and delight in the happy surprise at the end of the book.
As an educator, I love back matter, and I was pleased to read about the research that went into this story.
I can honestly say that I enjoyed every word of this heartwarming story. I highly recommend it.

[Kathy KS · Rating 4 out of 5]

A picture book, with nice bright colored illustrations, relating the true story of the 1887 election of the first woman mayor in the United States. Susanna is a young woman in Argonia, Kansas, who is originally nominated by some of the town's men as a joke; but, the final vote showed that she won with 2/3 of the community's voters (mostly males!).

The book has a nice story about a grandmother baking a birthday cake with her grandson while telling the story of the ground-breaking election. An author's note explains the facts of the election, which is a nice touch for older children and the adults sharing the book.

[Carrie Karnes Fannin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fascinating episode of American history somehow slipped between the cracks in our education. How could something that made *WORLD* news at the time --the 1st woman mayor! -- have been forgotten? Thank goodness for author Karen Greenwald's tenacious research, crafting Susanna's story into a fascinating read. And the illustrations! *Chef's kiss* Illustrator Sian James did an amazing job. Kids will learning a huge amount of history while just simply enjoying a good story. 5 Stars

[Reyna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book to my high school students to introducing voting rights expansion. The students were very interested and asked questions as I read the book aloud! They enjoyed adding a story to make history more fun to learn about!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is important to understand and learn from history.

[Christine Zandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like how we get to know Susanna and how the story has a twist. This book is an interesting and engaging way to recount a historical event. The characters feel realistic and the art brings the world (then and now) to life. A must-read for March's Women's History Month.

[Kari · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a former Kansan, I often read about how often this wonderful state gets it wrong in politics, but in this story, it gets it absolutely right! Through creative storytelling, this powerful narrative demonstrates what's possible. Fantastic illustrations accompany engaging text throughout - a must-have on any bookshelf!

[Sandy Brehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is challenging to create a picture book starring an adult/adult event, no matter how historic is may be. Susanna's story is clearly historic. The author achieves the link by opening with a young boy and his grandma making a cake. His ambivalence about feeling honored to help and also feeling concern tat this is not a "boy" thing to do launches the story of a woman in Kansas who embraced the change in roles for women, stood up against the bullying males in town, and proved how well-suited she could be as the VERY FIRST female mayor in the USA.
There are more surprises as the story unfolds, along with back matter accounts for the research and resources used to get the story right and capture Susanna's authentic voice.
NOT a spoiler, it also provides a link to the online secret recipe for angel food cake that Susanna guarded throughout her life.

[Jilanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

An engaging story related from grandmother to grandson, that challenges cultural norms for men and women. I gotta say that I teared up at the big reveal between grandmother and grandson. A lesson in courage and civic duty, this should be included in the U.S. History curriculum and at home to underscore how cultural norms are artificial constructs, often perpetuated by bullies (usually those seen as being in power). Great book!

[Lisa Katzenberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Vote for Susanna is such an interesting and inspiring story. As Grandma Dora bakes a cake with her grandson, she recounts the story of the first female mayor in a town in Kansas. The relationship between Dora and her grandson Ed is sweet, and he understands the impact of Dora’s story. This picture book challenges conventional gender roles and tells a historical tale with accessible, kid-friendly language.

[Julie Hedlund · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant book that plucks a relatively unknown person from history and tells her story in a way that will interest children today. It's girl power, democracy, history, government, civics, and family all baked into one story. Teachers will want to include this in history and social studies units.

[Lisa Tolin · Rating 5 out of 5]

How did we not all know this delightful story about the first woman mayor? Her name was put on the ballot as a joke - but she showed the bullies and a new generation that women in power was nothing to joke about. I love the twist ending - an inspiring story for girls who want to lead and anyone who has encountered bullies on their journey. I hope everyone will know her story now!

[Nadia Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true story about Susanna Salter who was elected as America's first female mayor. Author Karen Greenwald creatively tells the story through a grandmother baking with her grandson with a surprise ending. The story is easy-to-follow and relatable to children. The illustrations by Sian James take us on a journey back to America in the 1880’s and seamlessly to the present day.

[Sandhya Acharya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Karen Greenwald’s picture book A Vote for Susanna: The First Woman Mayor sheds light on Susanna, the first woman Mayor in the backdrop of 1887, and all the obstacles she faced in her path. In addition, Karen also brings it back to the present day highlighting the strong bond between Susanna the grandparent, and Ed, the grandchild.  Susanna’s story of triumph against people who thought girls can’t stand for office ends up inspiring little Ed in the present day to be brave in his own way. The illustrations by Sian James take us on a journey across eras seamlessly.
This is also a great book to introduce to your classroom while talking about democracy, voting, and other social studies topics.

[Debbie Zapata · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't get enough stories about lesser known women in history. The first woman mayor is one everyone should hear. Author Karen Greenwald weaves the storytelling to bring along readers of every generation. Sian James' bold and beautiful illustrations allow the reader to leap across time. As a kid in the 1970s, I watched first hand women get told they 'couldn't' do something that was only for men. And the women marched forward creating a new list of first woman to... I'm glad Susanna Salter's story is finally on bookshelves for today's children to read.

[Nelly Buchet · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fresh and moving spin on the nonfiction pb biography genre. By embedding the facts of the world’s first female mayor’s life in a story focused on a little kid and his grandma baking a cake, Greenwald successfully communicates inspiring facts by relating to little Ed’s problem: he wants to bake a cake with his grandma, but he’s heard that only girls do that. Kids will be as excited and awed as little Ed to find out that (spoiler alert!) the cake-making grandma we come to know is Susanna Salter, the fierce and brave change-making hero of the story she is telling. Thumbs up!

[Kirsten Pendreigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greenwald is a brilliant storyteller, bringing this slice of history to life through a little boy baking with his grandmother and listening as she recounts how the first female mayor came to be elected. The fascinating story is layered with plot twists and take-ways about gender roles and the importance of standing up for your rights. And though Susanna’s election took place more than 130 years ago, the discrimination Susanna overcame is sadly still relevant today. This is a wonderful story to begin that conversation. Kid-friendly, entertaining, and highly recommended!

[Julia Lyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A Vote for Susanna" tells the story of a groundbreaking woman and a groundbreaking election that everyone should know about. Susanna Salter was the first woman mayor though many men never wanted her to be. This inspiring book is the story of an election -- and a woman -- that might have been forgotten were it not for Karen Greenwald's research. "A Vote for Susanna" is an excellent choice for Women's History Month or any time a parent/teacher/librarian is looking for an example of people defying expectations and standing up for what they believe in.

[Laurie Kutscera · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book for my niece and watched her eyes light up at the delightful re-telling of the true story of Susannah Salter- the first woman to become Mayor (through sheer perseverance.) Unheard of in the US in 1887.
Beautifully written from the perspective of a grandmother, Karen Greenwald has woven the story of a woman, who not only stood up for her right to vote, but achieved so much more than basic rights. A relevant story for today's young readers. Sian James' gorgeous illustrations not only compliment the story, but also tell one of their own.

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this picture book biography about the first woman mayor in the USA. While baking a cake with her grandson, Grandma Dora shares this remarkable story of bravery with a personal twist at the end. A story that shows women and men shouldn’t be pigeon-holed into gender-specific roles, but be able to prove themselves in any profession or interest. This timeless reasoning encourages today’s children to be themselves even in the face of adversity. Interesting author and research note included. Recommended purchase for all libraries.

[Jolene Gutiérrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this picture book biography so much! An important true story about the first woman mayor in the United States. This book introduces students to the first state in the U.S. to allow women to vote and run for office--Kansas--and how the first elections after this change led to Susanna's name being put on the ballot as a joke. The joke was on the men who added her name, though, because Susanna won the election! This important book belongs in all homes, schools, and libraries--highly recommended!

[Elena Joannides · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Vote for Susanna: The First Woman Mayor is the true story of Susanna Salter who stood up to bullies to become the first woman to be voted mayor of Argonia, Kansas in 1887.

The beautifully written story unfolds in the context of a heartwarming narrative told by a grandmother whilst baking her birthday cake with her grandson - with a surprising and endearing twist at the end!

This is an inspiring, empowering book and a must read for children to understand the importance of breaking stereotypes.

[Laura Bower · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Vote for Susanna: The First Woman Mayor is a fascinating book. I was unfamiliar with Susanna Madora “Dora” Salter, but I am so glad I know about her now! What an incredible woman. Greenwald’s thorough research (as described in the About the Research section) brought this powerful story of determination and women’s rights alive. Greenwald chose to tell this story in such a creative way (a grandmother recounting the story of Susanna to her grandson) which leads to an amazing reveal at the end. The text is engaging and powerful and is well supported by the dynamic illustrations. A must-read!

[Songju Daemicke · Rating 5 out of 5]

A VOTE FOR SUSANNA: THE FIRST WOMAN MAYOR is an inspiring book! It vividly tells the story of Susanna Salter whose name was added to a ballot for mayor as a joke, but she won! Susanna’s success paved the road for many more future female politicians. This book will empower girls to believe in themselves and stand up against bullies. Highly recommended for all bookshelves in classrooms, libraries, and homes.

[Jo Oehrlein · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just because Kansas allowed women to vote in local elections didn't mean that everyone thought that was a good idea. When a group of men proposed a female mayoral candidate as a joke, they were surprised when she accepted the challenge and won the position.

The story is told by that woman herself, to her grandson, as an example to counteract his friends saying only girls bake cakes (would that happen today in the days of Duff and Buddy and so many more?).

[Sharon Giltrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing real-life story which is told in the most amazing way. Greenwald's text flows beautifully and draws the reader into the story. The illustrations are fantastic, and I loved spying the mixing bowl which my grandma had and is still in our farmhouse. These little details make the story great. Susanna was a very brave women to stand up to bullies and Greenwald and James are very creative women. Great job!