The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read by Oge Mora, Rita Lorraine Hubbard
on January 7, 2020
ISBN: 1524768286
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads

History, inspiration, and entertainment all in one book! A former slave, Mary Walker never found time to learn to read until she was 116 years old! Although this might be considered more historical fiction than biography (due to the lack of known facts about most of her life) the author weaves her life into a realistic and believable account. 

The book is large with mostly two-page spreads. In the illustrations we see Mary at various points in her life, and her mood of fatigue or hope is evident. End papers hold photos of Mary. 

This is one of those books that the more I read it, the more I like it. I think your middle and upper elementary readers will, too.

Reviewed by Lynn Mayer, Librarian, Old Town Elementary School, Old Town