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The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Best Picture Books (2020)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 Mora 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.
34 pages, Hardcover
First published January 7, 2020
About the author
Rita Lorraine Hubbard
9 books25 followersRita Lorraine Hubbard is the author of Hammering for Freedom: The Willism Lewis Story, which won the Lee & Low Books New Voices Award and was a Junior Library Guild selection. She also wrote a number of nonfiction books for adults, and she runs the children's book review site Picture Book Depot. She lives in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 668 reviews
October 19, 2020
I find this story inspirational. May walker was born a slave in 1848 and freed when she was 15. She worked hard during her life, but she never learned to read. She grew her family up and they all died when they were in their 90s and they read to her. So, at 114, Mary decided to learn to read, she always wanted to in her life. She became the oldest student in the country and she did learn to read. She lived in Chattanooga in a retirement home at the time. By 116 she could read and she lived to be 121 seeing 26 presidents in her lifetime.
It's some kind of story. I just love it.
The artwork is lovely collage usinng paint, colored pencils, paper and book clippings. I think it works well, like piecing a life together.
I find Mary to be an great person to learn from and this would be a wonderful story for people, especially those struggling to read. You really are never to old to learn. I love that message.
I will recommend it to the niece and nephew.
It's some kind of story. I just love it.
The artwork is lovely collage usinng paint, colored pencils, paper and book clippings. I think it works well, like piecing a life together.
I find Mary to be an great person to learn from and this would be a wonderful story for people, especially those struggling to read. You really are never to old to learn. I love that message.
I will recommend it to the niece and nephew.
November 2, 2020
Each year my family reads all the Goodreads-award-nominated picture books. The Oldest Student is book #2 (of 20) of 2020.
"To know things, for us to know things, is bad for them. We get to wanting and when we get to wanting it's bad for them. They thinks we want what they got . . . . That's why they don't want us reading." --Nightjohn
This is the inspirational story of Mary Walker, born a slave in 1848, freed at fifteen and, like most slaves, deliberately denied the right to read and write because, as you know. literacy can be power, and not just merely decoding words. The remarkable thing here is not that she learned to read, but that she didn’t feel like she had a chance to learn to read until she was 114! She was fighting for economic survival all her life! But she did, and read a lot until she died at 121 (still able to see and hear well enough, and hold a pencil to write with, and walk still only with the aid of a cane).
Hank (14): 2.5 stars. Too long for a kids' story.
Harry (15): 3.5 stars, I liked that she finally learned how to read and flew like the birds.
Tara: 4 stars. Not really a kids' book, but I liked the story and the art was really unique.
Dave: 4 stars. I also just read Anti-Racist Baby, which I found didactic, and then I read The Oldest Student, and I thought: Now THIS is an anti-racist book, to illustrate how one form of white supremacism surely worked in this country and show one way to begin to counter it, through reading and writing. The Autobiography of Malcolm X makes it clear that when he was in jail he learned to love to read and through it developed his political philosophy. This book reminded me of Nightjohn, a powerful book by Gary Paulsen about an escaped slave named Sarny who returns to the South to teach slaves to read and is brutally mutilated for it, but does it, anyway.
I have known the story of Mary Walker for decades and am glad it is being made known for a ne generation of children, but this version ofher story, The Oldest Student, is not as angry as I am about the issue, clearly. Hubbard accentuates rhe positive, makes Walker a model for literacy, but I still think it is a tragedy, that it took her 114 years to be able to read in this country. I still like it, though, and like Oge Mora's digital collage artwork.
"To know things, for us to know things, is bad for them. We get to wanting and when we get to wanting it's bad for them. They thinks we want what they got . . . . That's why they don't want us reading." --Nightjohn
This is the inspirational story of Mary Walker, born a slave in 1848, freed at fifteen and, like most slaves, deliberately denied the right to read and write because, as you know. literacy can be power, and not just merely decoding words. The remarkable thing here is not that she learned to read, but that she didn’t feel like she had a chance to learn to read until she was 114! She was fighting for economic survival all her life! But she did, and read a lot until she died at 121 (still able to see and hear well enough, and hold a pencil to write with, and walk still only with the aid of a cane).
Hank (14): 2.5 stars. Too long for a kids' story.
Harry (15): 3.5 stars, I liked that she finally learned how to read and flew like the birds.
Tara: 4 stars. Not really a kids' book, but I liked the story and the art was really unique.
Dave: 4 stars. I also just read Anti-Racist Baby, which I found didactic, and then I read The Oldest Student, and I thought: Now THIS is an anti-racist book, to illustrate how one form of white supremacism surely worked in this country and show one way to begin to counter it, through reading and writing. The Autobiography of Malcolm X makes it clear that when he was in jail he learned to love to read and through it developed his political philosophy. This book reminded me of Nightjohn, a powerful book by Gary Paulsen about an escaped slave named Sarny who returns to the South to teach slaves to read and is brutally mutilated for it, but does it, anyway.
I have known the story of Mary Walker for decades and am glad it is being made known for a ne generation of children, but this version ofher story, The Oldest Student, is not as angry as I am about the issue, clearly. Hubbard accentuates rhe positive, makes Walker a model for literacy, but I still think it is a tragedy, that it took her 114 years to be able to read in this country. I still like it, though, and like Oge Mora's digital collage artwork.
February 16, 2020
A truly moving story about Mary Walker finally achieving her lifelong dream to learn to read at age 116! Then, three years later she experienced her first airplane ride and "Mary decided that flying was a lot like reading: they both made a body feel free as a bird."
The illustrations are lovely. I loved the colors and the decoupage style.
The illustrations are lovely. I loved the colors and the decoupage style.
September 29, 2021
It’s never to late to learn how to read. Mary Walker was born a slave in Alabama in 1848. She was freed at 15, married at 20, had three boys, twice widowed, and by 114 she had outlived her husbands and sons. At 116, she learned how to read and her hometown, Chattanooga, Tennessee, honored her. She died at age 121 on December 1, 1969. Graphics of pieces of different papers made it seem like a homemade scrapbook in this children’s book.
January 21, 2020
It is always inspiring to read authentic stories about overcoming illiteracy, about fulfilling a lifelong will to read. This true story of Mary Walker, born enslaved in 1848, has many gaps in her long life. The Bible she was gifted has served as documentation of her major life landmarks (marriage, birth of children) even though she was unable to read or write throughout her life. She understood the value of written records and duly added her personal mark to each entry in her Bible.
Mary and her family lived their lives in the South, where she lived a hardscrabble life of injustice and struggle, but carried her Bible to church on Sundays and joined in the singing, even though she couldn't read a word in it or in the hymnals.
By the time she was 114 years old she had outlived every other family member, but had still not learned to read or write and was saddened that a lifetime of meangless scribbles and wiggles in print remained a puzzle to her. Mary may have felt untaught, but not unable to learn. She joined a reading class in her senior living center and began a dedicated effort to become a reader and writer.
Mary lived to 121 years old, winning attention from presidents and the general public. She missed family members but took comfort in being able to read the words of her Bible.
From her earliest enslaved years in the fields to an amazing flight in an airplane during her latest years of life, she reveled in the ability to fly free, which reading finally provided.
This is among the most inspiring stories I've encountered in recent years, and that would be true if only from the facts about Walker's remarkable life. When restrained but compelling narrative style of the text combine with the gorgeous illustrations (acrylic paint, china marker, collage with patterned paper and print clippings) Mary Walker's well-documented story comes to life wth the flair of the cakes she baked until her final years-- light as a feather- and delicious!
Mary and her family lived their lives in the South, where she lived a hardscrabble life of injustice and struggle, but carried her Bible to church on Sundays and joined in the singing, even though she couldn't read a word in it or in the hymnals.
By the time she was 114 years old she had outlived every other family member, but had still not learned to read or write and was saddened that a lifetime of meangless scribbles and wiggles in print remained a puzzle to her. Mary may have felt untaught, but not unable to learn. She joined a reading class in her senior living center and began a dedicated effort to become a reader and writer.
Mary lived to 121 years old, winning attention from presidents and the general public. She missed family members but took comfort in being able to read the words of her Bible.
From her earliest enslaved years in the fields to an amazing flight in an airplane during her latest years of life, she reveled in the ability to fly free, which reading finally provided.
This is among the most inspiring stories I've encountered in recent years, and that would be true if only from the facts about Walker's remarkable life. When restrained but compelling narrative style of the text combine with the gorgeous illustrations (acrylic paint, china marker, collage with patterned paper and print clippings) Mary Walker's well-documented story comes to life wth the flair of the cakes she baked until her final years-- light as a feather- and delicious!
January 11, 2020
Fabulous text combines with wonderful illustrations that will engage, educate, entertain...and most of all, inspire every child who reads this book!
I am almost 73 years old, and I want to be Mary Walker when I grow up. With a sense of purpose and extreme focus, Mary pursues her dream to learn to read and write...and succeeds.
As a former elementary school teacher I urge every school librarian to make sure this book is part of the school library collection...and please, get more than one copy...you will need it!
I am almost 73 years old, and I want to be Mary Walker when I grow up. With a sense of purpose and extreme focus, Mary pursues her dream to learn to read and write...and succeeds.
As a former elementary school teacher I urge every school librarian to make sure this book is part of the school library collection...and please, get more than one copy...you will need it!
December 15, 2020
Annual Goodreads Choice Awards reading project: Read all the Picture Book nominees! (20 of 20). Project complete!
The story is a bit flat on the page, but the heart of it is quite inspiring as a Black woman who was born a slave in 1848 finally learns to read in the 1960s at the unimaginable age of 116.
The story is a bit flat on the page, but the heart of it is quite inspiring as a Black woman who was born a slave in 1848 finally learns to read in the 1960s at the unimaginable age of 116.
May 14, 2021
Born into slavery in 1848 and freed at the age of fifteen, Mary Walker had always wanted to learn to read - something she associated with the freedom of flight. But the hard circumstances of her life - enslavement, poverty, the necessity of hard work - left little time to learn, and there were few opportunities. She treasured the Bible she had been given however, and many, many years later, when she was 114 years old, she finally got her chance to learn...
I was tearing up as I read The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read, and I thank the online friend who recommended it to me. With an engaging, inspirational tale from author Rita Lorraine Hubbard, and beautiful artwork from illustrator Oge Mora, who won a Caldecott Honor for her Thank You, Omu! , this was a rewarding picture-book to peruse, both from an aesthetic and a storytelling perspective. I appreciated the inclusion of the various photographs of Mary, on the endpapers, and the author's brief note at the end. The inclusion of a bibliography on the colophon was a little confusing - I thought it should have been at the rear of the book, with the note - but also welcome. There is something terribly satisfying about the idea of a long-deferred dream finally coming to fruition, and this true-life tale certainly taps into that. There is also something terribly poignant about all of the injustices that Mary Walker had to face, all of the roadblocks between her and her dream. I've seen quite a bit of discussion of late, in the children's book world, of how and when to present the evils of slavery to very young children. For all that it does not focus on slavery throughout the narrative, this simple but uplifting tale of a woman who had to wait more than a century to learn to read, does a better job, I think, in capturing the inhumanity of that institution, than many another, more explicit title. Highly recommended, to all picture-book readers, whether they are looking for stories that address the legacy of slavery, or for uplifting, inspirational stories of people who never gave up on their dream.
I was tearing up as I read The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read, and I thank the online friend who recommended it to me. With an engaging, inspirational tale from author Rita Lorraine Hubbard, and beautiful artwork from illustrator Oge Mora, who won a Caldecott Honor for her Thank You, Omu! , this was a rewarding picture-book to peruse, both from an aesthetic and a storytelling perspective. I appreciated the inclusion of the various photographs of Mary, on the endpapers, and the author's brief note at the end. The inclusion of a bibliography on the colophon was a little confusing - I thought it should have been at the rear of the book, with the note - but also welcome. There is something terribly satisfying about the idea of a long-deferred dream finally coming to fruition, and this true-life tale certainly taps into that. There is also something terribly poignant about all of the injustices that Mary Walker had to face, all of the roadblocks between her and her dream. I've seen quite a bit of discussion of late, in the children's book world, of how and when to present the evils of slavery to very young children. For all that it does not focus on slavery throughout the narrative, this simple but uplifting tale of a woman who had to wait more than a century to learn to read, does a better job, I think, in capturing the inhumanity of that institution, than many another, more explicit title. Highly recommended, to all picture-book readers, whether they are looking for stories that address the legacy of slavery, or for uplifting, inspirational stories of people who never gave up on their dream.
June 19, 2024
This is one absolutely Gorgeous picture book well deserving of 10 Stars for Oge Mora’s illustrations, alone..Extremely Breathtaking ✨.
This picture book is highly recommended for all ages, just to absorb its Wonder! Readers are taken on a Historical Passage of Mary Walker, born into slavery. Her profound story will Inspire every Heart and Mind, at the close of this book.
The Author’s Note just Melts my Heart 🌼.
This picture book is highly recommended for all ages, just to absorb its Wonder! Readers are taken on a Historical Passage of Mary Walker, born into slavery. Her profound story will Inspire every Heart and Mind, at the close of this book.
The Author’s Note just Melts my Heart 🌼.
February 8, 2020
All I can say is wow, and thank you to Hubbard and Mora for enlightening me on this student! Learning to read is no easy feat, and even less easy when you get older. So the fact that Mary Walker learned to read at 116, after living through both slavery and the civil rights movement is absolutely, undeniably incredible. The collage-style illustrations highlight this collaborative learning process, as Walker had the support not only of her friends, family, and classmates, but the entire city itself. Totally inspirational. The Oldest Student highlights the fact that not only is reading a useful skill, but a skill that literally makes a difference in a person's life. Great for grades 1-3, and perfect for convincing a young one to be a little more proactive with their reading assignments.
Review cross-listed here!
Review cross-listed here!
July 29, 2021
You're never too old to learn something new in this picture book for all ages. Mary Walker learned at 116!
March 14, 2022
4 Stars
What an amazing and inspiring woman! As someone who is working on a degree not right after high school, Mrs. Mary reminds me that it’s always the right thing to move forward with learning and pursuing your dreams. She was so fearless about doing to educational classes to learn to read, write, and do “simple” math (although many argue there is no such thing haha). Decided to read this for International Woman’s Day and I’m so glad I did. This might be a children’s book but everyone should read it.
What an amazing and inspiring woman! As someone who is working on a degree not right after high school, Mrs. Mary reminds me that it’s always the right thing to move forward with learning and pursuing your dreams. She was so fearless about doing to educational classes to learn to read, write, and do “simple” math (although many argue there is no such thing haha). Decided to read this for International Woman’s Day and I’m so glad I did. This might be a children’s book but everyone should read it.
August 18, 2020
An amazing biography that just hits you in the feels. Love the photos of Mary in the endpapers. And how the jacket flap hits you with her story! "And at 116, Mary Walker learned to read." Just incredible.
Oge Mora's illustrations are perfection. The image of Mary in her rocker with her three sons and husband in shades of blue by her is just eloquent.
Oge Mora's illustrations are perfection. The image of Mary in her rocker with her three sons and husband in shades of blue by her is just eloquent.
January 11, 2020
Breathtaking book on all levels, and so inspiring! Indeed, nobody is ever too old to learn. What a fabulous message for children.
February 16, 2020
The fascinating biography of a former slave and one the of the world’s oldest women and how she learned to read at the age of 116.
February 22, 2021
I loved this story! The sweet illustrations by Oge Mora are made with cut paper, paint, and china markers and beautifully add to the story. I learned so much about Mary Walker and her perseverance to learn to read at a very old age. Her best quote in the book is "you're never too old to learn".
Find The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read at the Westminster Public Library today!
And if you are in search of new books to read, try our services, What Do I Read Next. Our library staff are standing by to create a personalized recommendation list for you!
Find The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read at the Westminster Public Library today!
And if you are in search of new books to read, try our services, What Do I Read Next. Our library staff are standing by to create a personalized recommendation list for you!
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May 4, 2021Mary Walker was born into slavery. She lived 121 years and died during the Civil Rights movement. She lived through 26 presidents! All her life she worked and put off learning to read until she was 116 years old. In 1964 she was certified as the nation's oldest student. (See below.) This picture book bio has appealing collage-type illustrations and text that lends itself to read aloud settings. Inspiring for all ages! You are never too old to learn. *Review by Darla from Red Bridge*
August 5, 2021
Gorgeous illustrations and an inspiring story. For the community I teach in, Mary’s faith will be a mirror and point of connectivity for many students. Will definitely use in my Feb unit!!!
July 14, 2020
What a fantastic, beautiful book!! Several things:
First, DO NOT read this while you're at work unless you want to get all snotty up inside your mask. Yikes!
Second, I have not a single doubt in my mind that Oge Mora will one day win the Caldecott award. Her artwork is genius. The subtle way she portrays the characters across the gamut of emotions, the soft colors and beautiful use of mixed media, the visual way she portrays Mary's illiteracy/literacy (showing words as squiggles or as a mishmash of unreadable text clippings at first, then shifting to readable words after Mary learns to read). Just *chef kiss*
Third, what an amazing person. What an amazing story. I'm getting a little choked up just thinking about it now, so I'm going to wrap this up. I just loved this one a whole lot
First, DO NOT read this while you're at work unless you want to get all snotty up inside your mask. Yikes!
Second, I have not a single doubt in my mind that Oge Mora will one day win the Caldecott award. Her artwork is genius. The subtle way she portrays the characters across the gamut of emotions, the soft colors and beautiful use of mixed media, the visual way she portrays Mary's illiteracy/literacy (showing words as squiggles or as a mishmash of unreadable text clippings at first, then shifting to readable words after Mary learns to read). Just *chef kiss*
Third, what an amazing person. What an amazing story. I'm getting a little choked up just thinking about it now, so I'm going to wrap this up. I just loved this one a whole lot
May 2, 2020
This powerful story invites readers to learn more about Mary Walker, a woman who was born into slavery and worked hard her entire life--so hard, in fact, that she never had a chance to learn to read. Finally, when she was 116 years old, Mary had some free time and was ready to learn to read. Mary is an inspiration, and her can-do attitude is so important to share with kids. Photos of Mary grace the end pages and Oge Mora's illustrations are gorgeous. This is an important addition to all classrooms and libraries! I can't wait to share this book with my students!
January 8, 2020
What a great start to the new year! Exquisite biography of Mary Walker who was born into slavery. Interesting, unique and inspiring with magnificent illustrations by Oge Mora. The Oldest Student is a must have for a school, library or personal collection. I love it!
July 30, 2020
Oge Mora is such a wonderful illustrator!
April 18, 2021
An engaging presentation of a remarkable and inspiring story. Mary Walker was born into slavery and dreamed of being free as a bird. But, when her family was freed, life wasn't easy and extreme hard work still kept from achieving her deeper aspirations. She married, raised sons, worked (hard!) and always went to church, wishing that she could read the words in her Bible. When Mary was 114 years old and all alone (her last surviving son having passed in his 90s), she reflected that she had been alive for so long but that all the words in the world were still scribbles to her. She decided to learn to read and discovered a whole new sense of freedom. The story is beautifully told and touched my heart. The artwork, with its use of collage with patterned paper and book clippings, is particularly effective (my eight-year-old commented how much he liked the art). I appreciate the inclusion of actual photos of Mary for the end papers and the Author's Note explaining what was known of Mary's life and what had to be somewhat imagined. Be sure not to miss the Selected Bibliography which is at the beginning of the book below the Library-of-Congress info.
December 3, 2021
Mary decided that flying was a lot like reading: they both made a body feel free as a bird.
This story was beyond interesting and a tad bit sad. Theres triumph but it comes from a lot of suffering so it’s a little bittersweet. Mary always dreamed of learning to read and at 116 years old she finally fulfilled her dream. Mary Walker lived through the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement. She persevered and proved that you're never too old to learn.
One of my favorite parts were how well the illustrations connected with the story. Before Mary learned to read the book was full of squiggly lines. No words just squiggly lines and random shapes. After Mary learns to read the squiggly lines turn into words. Words she can finally read. I loved this detail so much. I had my students guess how old she was when she learned to read. When we got to 60 they started to get really excited. They also cheered when they finally guessed correctly. It was really cute to see their excitement.
This story was beyond interesting and a tad bit sad. Theres triumph but it comes from a lot of suffering so it’s a little bittersweet. Mary always dreamed of learning to read and at 116 years old she finally fulfilled her dream. Mary Walker lived through the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement. She persevered and proved that you're never too old to learn.
One of my favorite parts were how well the illustrations connected with the story. Before Mary learned to read the book was full of squiggly lines. No words just squiggly lines and random shapes. After Mary learns to read the squiggly lines turn into words. Words she can finally read. I loved this detail so much. I had my students guess how old she was when she learned to read. When we got to 60 they started to get really excited. They also cheered when they finally guessed correctly. It was really cute to see their excitement.
November 13, 2020
"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 Mora 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."
June 5, 2019
This is the inspiring story of Mary Walker, a woman born into slavery who learned to read at the age of 116! It's a fascinating reminder that it's never too late to learn to read and discover the magic of books! Kids struggling to learn to read are sure to find this encouraging.
*I read a digital ARC of this title from the publisher via Edelweiss.
*I read a digital ARC of this title from the publisher via Edelweiss.
March 26, 2020
An incredible book and an even more amazing true story about Mary Walker, a former slave who learned to read in her 100s! She was dubbed the US's oldest student and she read until she passed at 121. If you've never heard of Mary Walker, this is absolutely worth the read and a quick Google search to learn more about a person who persevered despite many setbacks.
February 21, 2022
4.5. The photos on the end pages added to the story.
January 17, 2020
This made me cry. Definitely for sharing.
February 2, 2020
A perfect story to share during Reading Week!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 668 reviews