Rita Lorraine Hubbard

PreS-Gr 3—Charming illustrations, photographs, an author's note, and text work in tandem to tell the inspiring story
of Mary Walker, a formerly enslaved Black woman, sharecropper, maid, and mother who learned to read at the age
of 116

I love this celebration of the strength of Mary Walker, who learned to read at the age of 114.

What an inspiration to learn to read for the first time at the age of 116! And if records could be verified it looks like Mary Walker would be the 2nd oldest known person in the world, as it was believed she passed at the age of 121. As always, I love Oge Mora’s illustration, she is one of my favorite illustrators. I think the way this biographical story is told will also be easier for kids to understand and enjoy as it is written more like a storybook and has full page illustrations.

This book tells the story of how it is never too late to learn. Its inspirational nature gives way to compassion and tenacity. Mary was over 100 years old when she took a class and learned to read, finally. The yet was an understatement. She waited 100 years for the opportunity to make her own dream come true. A book of courage, tenacity, handwork and commitment.