DISCUSSION GUIDE

A TAKE-CHARGE GIRL BLAZES A TRAIL TO CONGRESS: The Story of Jeannette Rankin done in colored pencils and acrylic inks, jauntily convey period detail." Booklist, starred review

"A yes vote for this title’s inclusion on children’s bookshelves." Kirkus Reviews

"'Take-charge girl’ Jeanette Rankin inspires in this lively, quote-filled picture book about her journey to become the first U.S. congresswoman. Woelfle narrates with a conversational tone that makes Rankin feel accessible… [and] Rankin exudes confidence in quaint acrylic ink and colored pencil artwork.” Publishers Weekly

Discussion Questions

1. Why does author Gretchen Woelfle describe Jeannette Rankin as a “take-charge girl” in the title of the book and throughout the story? Give some examples from the story that supports this bold description.

2. Jeannette wanted a “different life” other than marrying and having children. What types of jobs and careers did she try?

3. What events and experiences inspired Jeannette to get her start in politics? What was a turning point for her?

4. How was Jeannette treated by others when she spread the word about the women’s suffrage movement?

5. Despite Jeannette’s success with getting women the right to vote in Montana in 1914, she was met with resistance from both men and women when she declared her intention to run for Congress. Why do you think this happened?

6. What did Jeannette pledge to do in Congress, if elected? Which groups of people did she especially want to fight for and represent in Congress?

7. What did the local newspaper initially report about the ballot count in Jeannette’s election? And what was the actual outcome?

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