Thanks to NetGalley for giving me access to this eARC. I’d forgotten it was a novel-in-verse until I started reading it. I’m not sure verse was the most compelling way to tell this story — the poetry didn’t come across as particularly moving — but it made the book a very fast read, especially since the last quarter of the text was afterward material.

I’d never heard of most of these women before I saw the outstanding Broadway musical Suffs 11 months ago. Having the visuals and context of that show in my mind made this book more enjoyable to read than it might have been otherwise. While the sparseness of this text didn’t flesh out all of the suffragists, I “know” Alice, Lucy, Inez, Rose, Doris, Mary, Ava, and Carrie thanks to Suffs, and I highly recommend everyone see it if you’re able — the national tour begins in a few months.

⭐ 3.5/5 Stars

One Step Forward by Marcie Flinchum Atkins is an inspiring story about an incredible girl who overcomes challenges, making her a great role model for young readers, especially girls. The book highlights resilience and determination in a way that is both engaging and meaningful, but the verse format didn’t work for me personally—it felt more distracting than immersive. While some readers may appreciate the poetic style and find that it adds to the storytelling, I found it took away from my enjoyment. Still, the story itself is worth reading for its powerful message and the remarkable person it introduces. Thank you to netgalley for the free ARC in exchange for my honest review.

A verse novel based on real people and events stars Matilda Young, the youngest suffragist (at 19) to be jailed for picketing at the White House. The book spans several years, beginning when Matilda is only 15 and just getting involved in the National Women’s Association (NWA) by opening the mail received at their headquarters. The thought of protesting or picketing is frightening to her, especially when police start arresting some suffragists. At home, Matilda is one of four sisters, all of whom support the cause. Their mom also wants women’s suffrage but disagrees with some of the “radical” activities of the NWA, especially their protests at the White House once WWI begins; the suffragists want to put pressure on Woodrow Wilson to speak out for women’s suffrage. Matilda’s father and brother are skeptical of women’s suffrage and don’t want Matilda and her sisters to be involved; their opinions evolve throughout the story. Matilda does work up the courage to picket, and she is arrested and sent to Occoquan Workhouse for 15 days, where she lives through the Night of Terror during which women were tortured by prison guards. Many women went on hunger strikes in prison and were force fed.
The author clarifies in the back matter which parts are true and which are imagined; most of the characters–especially the other suffragists, such as leader Alice Paul, are real people, though interactions and relationships are sometimes imagined. I thought this book was well written and did impress upon me the great courage required to be a suffragist. But, as usual, I think the verse format puts the reader at a distance from the events, partly because it feels like the narrative rushes through great swaths of time, and partly because there’s just not as much description or context that can be provided in verse. To me, for example, reading about the Night of Terror should’ve felt more impactful and immediate than the verse made it feel.

A very timely book about the ugly side of the fight for women's suffrage. This verse novel gives us a glimpse into what it might have been like for Matilda Young, the youngest suggragist imprisoned for exercising her first ammendment right to free speech and peacefully picketing outside the White House in support of women's right to vote. The way she, and the other suffragists who were imprisoned, were treated during their arrests and imprisonments was horrific. Growing up in Northern Virginia, not that far from Occoquan, I knew there had been a jail in Lorton. I didn't realize it was that old or that was where these women were taken and tortured, somewhere I've driven past frequently over the course of my life.

This was a book I needed right now to remind me that progress is slow, but even when it seems hopeless, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

*Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this free ARC in exchange for an honest review. Pub date: March 4, 2025

A well-researched historical fiction account of one young woman’s journey as a suffragist, written in verse. Matilda Young was the youngest suffragist arrested for protesting, and through her experiences we can draw parallels to today, when women are once again being arrested for speaking up for their rights.

This is geared for YA, but I think it has broader appeal. A quick read that will have you questioning how you can stand up for your rights.

Thank you to Netgalley for the free arc!

A fascinating book in verse about a piece of history that I never knew about. This book is about the women suffragists who picketed in front of the White House from 1917-1919. I had no idea the lengths that these women had to go through-- from picketing from days at a time to being arrested. Then, once arrested, some of these women were then tortured, force fed, and lived in horrible conditions. Their resistance and bravery is amazing! These women helped not only the House and Senate to pass the 19th amendment, but then went on to help 36 out of 48 states ratify it.

Due to the conditions described in the prisons, I would not recommend this book for elementary students. Definitely high school and perhaps for middle school.

One Step Forward follows Matilda Young who, in real life, was the youngest suffragist arrested for picketing at just 19. We follow her as she grows in her activism, and Atkins does a great job of bringing the many emotions of her journey to life: the nervousness and excitement as she joins the cause, the fear and trauma when she goes to prison, the courage as she continues to fight, and the joy and exhaustion of finally celebrating a hard-earned victory.

I really appreciate the back pages as well, in which Atkins provides a timeline, more nuanced details, and recommended readings, films, and even places to visit. You can tell she truly dedicated so many time, energy, and research into telling Matilda's story. All in all, this is a wonderfully written homage to the countless women who persisted in the fight for suffrage and a reminder of the rights we should never take for granted.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

✨✨✨✨ARC Review✨✨✨✨

"I think about each person I see and wonder:

Are you for us or against us?"

One Step Forward by @marciefatkins

Thank you @netgalley and @harpercollins for the ARC!

One Step Forward follows the journey of Matilda Young, the youngest white American Suffragist to be jailed for protests, from her first involvement in suffrage to the ratification of the 19th Amendment.

Marcie Flinchum Atkins' debut novel-in-verse was a refreshing look at history for a YA-level book. As a person who can get super bored with a ton of details, using verse to describe and portray such a heavy topic was an excellent choice, in my opinion.

We see the protests, silent and not silent, jail time, WWI, Spanish Flu, and many other historical events that happened between 1913 and 1920.

In the current US political climate, this is an excellent reminder of where we were just a short 100 years ago.

#arcreview #netgalley #harpercollins #19thamendment #votesforwomen

In 1913, Matilda, 17, observes her sisters become involved in th suffrage movemeent & decides to join the protesters. She is later arrested & jailed. Extensive back matter.

I largely enjoyed this novel in verse that fictionalizes the experiences of Matilda Young, the youngest suffragist imprisoned for her activity as part of the "Silent Sentinels" who protested outside the White House. I appreciated that most of the characters were other historical figures, as well as how the author integrated quotes from those historical figures into the novel. Some of it is a difficult read, particularly knowing what the author describes is based on accounts of suffragists who were imprisoned during the "Night of Terror" at Occoquan Workhouse. There are extensive notes in the back that shed more light on the historical figures who make up the book's cast, in addition to how their real-life actions may have diverged from the author's fictionalization. There is also a note about Black suffragists, but I would have loved to see a mention of other minority suffragists, even if only in the back matter.

It was an interesting choice to fictionalize Matilda Young's life rather than creating a fictional character who interacts with the historical figures throughout the book, and perhaps trying to tell the story of a real person in verse made me feel a bit distant and removed from the main character. I was also a bit perplexed by the inclusion of scholarly books as recommended reading in the back matter considering this is aimed at YA readers, but I hope this book will spark interest in suffrage history and encourage readers to learn more. 3.5 stars, rounded up.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Atkins crafts Matilda's transformation from a passive observer to an active participant in the suffrage movement as a quintessential coming-of-age tale. This evolution is not merely about political engagement; it touches on broader themes of loyalty, self-identity, and the intricate bonds of family. As Matilda becomes more involved in the protests, she experiences the emotional highs and lows of activism, which are vividly depicted through Atkins' powerful and evocative poetry. The reader is drawn into the tumultuous atmosphere of the protests, where camaraderie among suffragists flourishes amidst the challenges they face. Matilda witnesses firsthand the myriad dangers that these courageous women confront, ranging from public ridicule to the threat of physical violence. Through her eyes, we see the harsh realities of the struggle for equality, as well as the personal sacrifices many women made in their relentless pursuit of justice. The tension within Matilda's family reflects the broader national discourse, as she attempts to balance her loyalty to her loved ones with her burgeoning desire for empowerment and social change. This internal conflict serves as a microcosm of the societal shifts occurring across the country. Atkins skillfully intertwines historical events and notable figures, such as Alice Paul, with Matilda's personal narrative, effectively illustrating how the fight for women's rights has deep roots and continues to resonate in contemporary society. The novel is not just a reflection on the past; it serves as a call to action, urging readers to consider the ongoing relevance of these issues in today's social movements. Additionally, Atkins' meticulous research is evident in her comprehensive notes at the end of the book, which include a detailed timeline of significant events in the suffrage movement, as well as resources for readers interested in exploring this vital chapter of American history further. By honoring the resilience and determination of the women who fought tirelessly for their rights, One Step Forward not only educates but also inspires a new generation to reflect on the importance of advocacy and the power of collective action.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author, and publisher for an E-ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.