The Oldest Student by Rita Lorraine Hubbard

You see, I had thought she made a choice to wait, but I was very wrong. After I became an adult, I decided to circle back and find out why in the world this sweet little lady waited 116 years to learn to read. I was amazed to see the coarse little bed she slept in, the one lonely rocking chair that must have given her hours of comfort, and her beloved bible sitting on a stark wooden nightstand. I remember touring her modest little one-room cabin. I had heard the legend of Mary Walker when I was in elementary school and my class visited the Mary Walker Foundation. It amazes me that they had NONE of the conveniences we have, and yet they somehow managed to achieve their goals – and inspire others in the process. Rita Lorraine Hubbard: I’ve always been fascinated with people from history. Kirsti Call: Your book, THE OLDEST STUDENT, is a powerful and heartwarming story of persistence and hope. What inspired you to write the book? I’m excited to interview Rita here on Writer’s Rumpus. This is a beautiful, inspiring, and heart warming story of persistence and hope.

Her words, paired with Oge Mora’s stunning illustrations make this book a powerful work of art. The Oldest Student How Mary Walker Learned to Read, tells the inspiring story of Mary Walker who learned to read at the age of 116 years old! Rita Lorraine Hubbard does an incredible job of sharing Mary’s story with expert word choice. So when she joined the 20/20 Vision Picture Book marketing group, I was excited to discover she’d written another powerful picture book biography. I adore Rita Lorraine Hubbard’s debut picture book, Hammering For Freedom.

The Oldest Student by Rita Lorraine Hubbard