Why read The Oldest Student?

Book cover of The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read

Book description

Imagine learning to read at the age of 116! Discover the true story of Mary Walker, the nation's oldest student who did just that, in this picture book from a Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator and a rising star author.

In 1848, Mary Walker was born into slavery. At age 15, she…

Explore

Topics

Genres

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked The Oldest Student as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Debbie Dadey

Author

Mary Walker didn’t learn to read when she was a child. She was a slave until she was fifteen years old and continued to work all her life.

At age 116, she did something she had always wanted to do. Something she didn’t give up on. Mary Walker learned to read. As a former first-grade teacher who taught many children to read, as well as loving to read myself, this story brings tears to my eyes. What a determined woman!

From Debbie's list on women who wouldn’t give up.