Margaret Chase Smith’s humble beginnings did not stop her from becoming one of the longest-serving senators and the first woman to run for president on a major party ticket. While American citizens did not vote her into office, she continued to work for progress in the Senate until the age of seventy-two. The right to vote is the foundation of democracy. However, the process of electing officials can often be complicated and confusing. Use this guide to hold a mock election in your classroom and learn about the responsibility of American citizens and the power of the vote!

More about Margaret Chase Smith

"My earliest memories are caught up with sitting on my mother’s lap and listening to her read . . . I am constantly grateful that there were people in my life who taught me the joy of reading [and] writing . . .”

Read an interview with the author

Click here to email the author

Rickshaw Girl
Julia Ward Howe Book Awards
Highly Recommended Honor 2008

Life on Earth starred reviews:
“[B]eautifully designed…” —Booklist
“[E]ngagingly written…” —School Library Journal

Finding Home starred review:
“[S]mooth, elegant poetry…” —Booklist

The Searcher and Old Tree starred review:
“In this book, home is clearly the best place to be..." —School Library Journal

Charlesbridge Publishing and the author of Trout are Made of Trees, April Pulley Sayre, have teamed up to challenge you to be a stream hero and help protect our ever-changing environment. Click here for contest information.