Lillian’s Right to Vote
Book Summary:
Lillian’s Right to Vote tells the story of an elderly African American woman climbing a steep hill on her way to vote. As she walks, she reflects on the generations before her—ancestors who were enslaved, those who fought for civil rights, and those who faced violence and injustice when trying to vote. The story honors the struggle and courage that made voting possible and celebrates perseverance in the ongoing fight for equality.
Recommended Questions:
Lillian’s great-grandfather Edmund votes, but his wife Ida does not. When in history do you think this takes place? Use your inclusive timeline to describe what was happening during that time.
Even though Edmund votes, his son Isaac does not. What changes in history made it impossible for Isaac to vote? What stops Lillian’s uncle Levi from voting, and what does this reveal about voting rights over time?
How do the experiences of Edmund, Ida, Isaac, Levi, and Lillian help you understand the context of civil rights and voting laws in U.S. history?
When Lillian finally goes into the building to vote, the picture shows her as both a young girl and an elderly woman. What do you think the illustrator is trying to show by blending those two images?
Compare the endpapers at the front of the book with those at the back. How are they alike, and how are they different? How do these images reflect Lillian’s journey and the book’s message?
How do you think Lillian feels when she is at the bottom of the hill? How does she feel when she reaches the top? What do you think the hill symbolizes in this story?
How did Dr. King impact Lillian and others like her?
Why do you think the author wrote this book? What message do you think he wants readers to take away?
Standards:
NCSS Theme 10: Civic Ideals and Practices
The book highlights the importance of civic participation and the long struggle for the right to vote. Through Lillian’s memories, readers see how generations fought for equality and how voting represents both a personal right and a collective responsibility. It emphasizes that democracy depends on inclusion, courage, and the ongoing work of citizens to protect those rights.
Social Justice Anchor Standard 16: Speaking Up
Lillian’s story allows readers to empathize with those who were denied the right to vote because of racism and discrimination. By walking in Lillian’s footsteps—literally and figuratively—students feel the weight of history and the emotional power of perseverance and justice. The book helps them recognize injustice and value every person’s right to have a voice.
WA History 4: Understands how historical events inform analysis of contemporary issues and events
The story shows how voting rights changed (or were denied) across multiple generations in Lillian’s family—from Edmund to Ida, Isaac, Levi, and finally Lillian herself. Students can examine how historical events, laws, and social movements affected access to voting over time and recognize the ongoing struggle for equality and justice.
