Bridie's life has been a series of wrongs. The potato famine in Ireland. Being sent to the poorhouse when her mother's new job in America didn't turn out the way they'd hoped. Becoming an orphan. ( )

This book was a surprise to me -- I think because it felt very modern and accessible and relatable while being firmly and believably set in 1848 New York state. I loved how the friendship between Bridie and Rose plays out, the strength and eccentricities of the suffragettes, the kind presence of Frederick Douglass and his ever expanding household, and the tie-in to printing, too, of course. I very much liked that the author's note takes on the challenges of Elizabeth Cady Stanton (her later racist behavior) as well as celebrating her scientific mind. There's a ton of history in this book, and the author does a good job of balancing that with a respectful and modern critical eye. Topics include domestic violence, rights of women, slavery, Irish immigration and the potato famine, Black education, women scientists (both black and white) and early upstate New York history.

11 year old Bridie is placed out from the poorhouse when her mother dies. Her employers are abusive and she flees for her life, ending up with a new friend, Rose, who helps her find employment with Elizabeth Cady Stanton right before the first meeting to discuss women's rights. ( )