Review Detail

Freya lives in a town named after Benjamin Wellstone, a historical hero of his time. When Freya's middle school social studies teacher gives them a big school project, Freya finds that even though Wellstone was an abolitionist, he was against women having the right to vote. This fact infuriates Freya. She wants everyone to know the 'truth' and lists the aid of Callie, a new girl at their school. One of Freya's goals is for her town to take down Wellstone's statue. Not all agree. After an incident, Freya wonders if there's another way to replace Wellstone with another invisible town hero: local suffragist Octavia Padgett.

What worked: Courageous tale of a twelve-year-old girl who discovers a 'truth' behind her local town's hero and her quest for everyone to know. Freya is inquisitive and refuses to be sidelined when mostly adults brush off her concerns and questions. Freya isn't the girl who is a cookie-cutter middle schooler. She has strong views and isn't afraid to voice them.

There's so much to like about this story. The author does a great job showing how there's no easy answer to difficult questions. In this case, it revolves around a historical hero that a town is named after. Not only that, but there are parades and other events held in this man's honor. So, what do you do if you find out that your town's historical hero had questionable views?

Though Freya has strong opinions, she also feels the sting of her peers who ridicule her and think she should be quiet. Freya struggles with having to balance her passion for what's right and being shunned by her peers. Her struggles are very real.

I really love how Freya figures out how to make a difference without vandalizing the statue. Though adults around her give support, it's really Freya's idea that makes a positive influence in her town.

Kudos for bringing up 'invisible' women who fought for women's rights but are forgotten by many. I also love Freya's activism and her desire to make a difference.

Empowering tale of a girl's quest for her town to know the truth behind the man their town is named after and to bring light to the many women who had been silenced by time. Totally recommend!