This book recounts the little-known story of two sisters whose cows were confiscated during the sisters’ struggle against taxation without representation. The story offers an illustration of actions against women that fueled the suffrage movement. Bibliography, Author’s Note.

I enjoyed this book for several reasons. First, because it explains without too much detail what "taxation without representation" means without taking away from it's significance. Secondly, it is nice read a story that is factual from so long ago. The story is about two sisters, Julia and Abby, who refuse to pay their increased taxes because they feel they should have the right to vote on something that directly involves them. Year after year they refuse to pay, their own cows are even taken and auctioned. The story gives details on how Glastonbury came together as a town in support of the sisters, and it support of doing what is right. Hales, the neighbors who were asked to hold their cows until they paid, said it felt like having stolen property on their lawn. I also enjoyed reading "The Authors Note" on the last page. It talks of how educated their family was and to be the most interesting part of the book was reading that Julia was the first woman to translate The Bible- I really thought that was interesting. ( )

A wonderfully presented story of two women who stood up for what they believed was right even though the prevailing tide of the presiding male leadership told them no. These women were true agents of change. This book presents them as heroes, and rightly so. The illustrations are wonderful. The text makes the complexity of the legal protests clear when it could have been difficult to understand what they were doing without a proper text. I really liked this book. Well done. ( )

4Q
3P

The illustrations really make this book a standout--not only are they well-researched and historically accurate, but they also manage to convey the shock, anger, and sadness of the sisters while they face discrimination. The story is engaging and children will enjoy the little-known story of the two feisty little old ladies fighting against inequality. Teachers will also enjoy this book--as children follow the story of the two influential women, there are many possible instances that allow discussion about taxation and women's suffrage.

In 1874, the town of Glastonbury, Connecticut enacted a new tax that negatively affected only single female landowners. Because women did not have the right to vote, the town leaders probably did not expect this to become an issue. But sisters Abby and Julia Smith fought back, refusing to pay the unfair taxes, bringing the town to court, and making speeches across America. The sisters declared that taxation without representation was what the country had fought against in the revolution, but, for women, taxation without representation was still rearing its ugly head. The book ends with an author's note providing a brief biography about these remarkable women. The bright watercolor illustrations help tell their fascinating story in a fun and exciting way.

This book introduces young readers to a historical example of gender discrimination. While the Smith sisters did not live to see women get the right to vote, they were pioneers in helping that happen. The book is also rife with teachable moments about taxation.

I reviewed this book for EconKids. See the full review here: http://econkids.rutgers.edu/new-picture-books-in-2010-first-word-q-z/1961-2010-1... ( )