The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read

Illustrated by Oge Mora
Look inside
Hardcover
$18.99 US
9.37"W x 11.37"H x 0.4"D  
On sale Jan 07, 2020 | 40 Pages | 978-1-5247-6828-7
| Preschool - 3
Reading Level: Lexile AD830L | Fountas & Pinnell P
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 was freed, and by age 20, she was married and had her first child. By age 68, she had worked numerous jobs, including cooking, cleaning, babysitting, and selling sandwiches to raise money for her church. At 114, she was the last remaining member of her family. And at 116, she learned to read. From Rita Lorraine Hubbard and rising star Oge More comes the inspirational story of Mary Walker, a woman whose long life spanned from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement, and who--with perseverance and dedication--proved that you're never too old to learn.
Rita Lorraine Hubbard View titles by Rita Lorraine Hubbard
OGE MORA is a collage artist and storyteller. Her picture book, Thank You, Omu!, was a Caldecott Honor Book, Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Award winner, and Ezra Jack Keats Book Award recipient. Her second book, Saturday, won the 2020 Boston Globe–Horn Book Picture Book Award. Oge's artwork has received praise from the Washington Post, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Boston Globe. She also recently made the Forbes 30 Under 30 2021 list in Arts & Style. Oge grew up in Columbus, Ohio, but resides in Providence, Rhode Island. View titles by Oge Mora
Classroom Activities for The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read

Classroom activities supplement discussion and traditional lessons with group projects and creative tasks. Can be used in pre-existing units and lessons, or as stand-alone.

(Please note: the guide displayed here is the most recently uploaded version; while unlikely, any page citation discrepancies between the guide and book is likely due to pagination differences between a book’s different formats.)

  • WINNER | 2022
    Rhode Island Children's Book Award
  • WINNER | 2022
    Texas Bluebonnet Award
  • WINNER | 2021
    Comstock Read Aloud Book Award
  • NOMINEE | 2023
    Arizona Young Readers Award
  • NOMINEE | 2022
    Minnesota Book Award
  • SELECTION | 2021
    Cooperative Children's Book Center Choices
  • FINALIST | 2021
    Ohioana Book Award - About Ohio or an Ohioan
  • SELECTION | 2021
    Notable Books for a Global Society Award
  • NOMINEE | 2021
    Virginia Young Readers Program Award
  • SELECTION | 2021
    Bank Street College Best Children's Book of the Year
  • SELECTION | 2021
    ALSC Notable Children's Books
  • NOMINEE | 2021
    Tennessee Volunteer State Book Award
  • LONGLIST | 2021
    ALSC Notable Children's Books
"Inspiring" —The Wall Street Journal 

“A lovely, inspirational picture-book biography about beating the odds and achieving your dreams.” —Booklist, starred review

"Walker’s determination and her long, long life—she died at 121—offer genuine inspiration.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
 
Enjoy this book with every child you know; let Mary Walker become a household name.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“An absorbing narrative
and excellent illustrations combine to create a moving story of encouragement for youngsters.” —School Library Journal, starred review

A riveting portrait of a strong-willed American icon.” —BookPage, starrred review

The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read - Read Aloud Picture Book | Brightly Storytime

About

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 was freed, and by age 20, she was married and had her first child. By age 68, she had worked numerous jobs, including cooking, cleaning, babysitting, and selling sandwiches to raise money for her church. At 114, she was the last remaining member of her family. And at 116, she learned to read. From Rita Lorraine Hubbard and rising star Oge More comes the inspirational story of Mary Walker, a woman whose long life spanned from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement, and who--with perseverance and dedication--proved that you're never too old to learn.

Author

Rita Lorraine Hubbard View titles by Rita Lorraine Hubbard
OGE MORA is a collage artist and storyteller. Her picture book, Thank You, Omu!, was a Caldecott Honor Book, Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Award winner, and Ezra Jack Keats Book Award recipient. Her second book, Saturday, won the 2020 Boston Globe–Horn Book Picture Book Award. Oge's artwork has received praise from the Washington Post, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Boston Globe. She also recently made the Forbes 30 Under 30 2021 list in Arts & Style. Oge grew up in Columbus, Ohio, but resides in Providence, Rhode Island. View titles by Oge Mora

Guides

Classroom Activities for The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read

Classroom activities supplement discussion and traditional lessons with group projects and creative tasks. Can be used in pre-existing units and lessons, or as stand-alone.

(Please note: the guide displayed here is the most recently uploaded version; while unlikely, any page citation discrepancies between the guide and book is likely due to pagination differences between a book’s different formats.)

Awards

  • WINNER | 2022
    Rhode Island Children's Book Award
  • WINNER | 2022
    Texas Bluebonnet Award
  • WINNER | 2021
    Comstock Read Aloud Book Award
  • NOMINEE | 2023
    Arizona Young Readers Award
  • NOMINEE | 2022
    Minnesota Book Award
  • SELECTION | 2021
    Cooperative Children's Book Center Choices
  • FINALIST | 2021
    Ohioana Book Award - About Ohio or an Ohioan
  • SELECTION | 2021
    Notable Books for a Global Society Award
  • NOMINEE | 2021
    Virginia Young Readers Program Award
  • SELECTION | 2021
    Bank Street College Best Children's Book of the Year
  • SELECTION | 2021
    ALSC Notable Children's Books
  • NOMINEE | 2021
    Tennessee Volunteer State Book Award
  • LONGLIST | 2021
    ALSC Notable Children's Books

Praise

"Inspiring" —The Wall Street Journal 

“A lovely, inspirational picture-book biography about beating the odds and achieving your dreams.” —Booklist, starred review

"Walker’s determination and her long, long life—she died at 121—offer genuine inspiration.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
 
Enjoy this book with every child you know; let Mary Walker become a household name.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“An absorbing narrative
and excellent illustrations combine to create a moving story of encouragement for youngsters.” —School Library Journal, starred review

A riveting portrait of a strong-willed American icon.” —BookPage, starrred review

Media

The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read - Read Aloud Picture Book | Brightly Storytime

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