# The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read

**Author:** Rita Lorraine Hubbard
**Grade range:** Grades 3–6
**Age range:** 8–11
**First published:** 2020
**Page count:** 21
**Genre:** Nonfiction
**ISBN-13:** `9781524768287`
**ISBN-10:** `1524768286`
**Canonical URL:** https://readinglist.school/book/the-oldest-student-how-mary-walker-learned-to-read
**License:** [CC BY 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) — please credit ReadingList.school when citing.

## About this book

Imagine learning to read at the age of 116! Discover the true story of Mary Walker, the nation's oldest student who did just that, in this picture book from a Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator and a rising star author. 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.

## Where this book is assigned

### Texas Bluebonnet Award

- **recommended** · 3rd grade · Texas — [source: Texas Library Association — Texas Bluebonnet Award past winners, 2022 winner (grades 3-6)](https://txla.org/tools-resources/reading-lists/texas-bluebonnet-award/past-tba-winners/)
- **recommended** · 4th grade · Texas — [source: Texas Library Association — Texas Bluebonnet Award past winners, 2022 winner (grades 3-6)](https://txla.org/tools-resources/reading-lists/texas-bluebonnet-award/past-tba-winners/)
- **recommended** · 5th grade · Texas — [source: Texas Library Association — Texas Bluebonnet Award past winners, 2022 winner (grades 3-6)](https://txla.org/tools-resources/reading-lists/texas-bluebonnet-award/past-tba-winners/)
- **recommended** · 6th grade · Texas — [source: Texas Library Association — Texas Bluebonnet Award past winners, 2022 winner (grades 3-6)](https://txla.org/tools-resources/reading-lists/texas-bluebonnet-award/past-tba-winners/)

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