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…

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?

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.

If you love The Oldest Student...

Ad

Book cover of The Time-Jinx Twins

The Time-Jinx Twins by Carol Fisher Saller,

Twelve-year-old identical twins Ellie and Kat accidentally trigger their physicist mom’s unfinished time machine, launching themselves into a high-stakes adventure in 1970 Chicago. If they learn how to join forces and keep time travel out of the wrong hands, they might be able find a way home. Ellie’s gymnastics and…

Want books like The Oldest Student?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like The Oldest Student.

Browse books like The Oldest Student

Book cover of Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean's Most Fearless Scientist
Book cover of Miss Rumphius
Book cover of Hedy Lamarr's Double Life: Hollywood Legend and Brilliant Inventor

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,210

readers submitted
so far, will you?