American Daughters by Piper Huguley

 American Daughters weaves a tale of two daughters by exploring their bond and their strong support for causes’ they believe in.

Alice Roosevelt, America’s First Daughter, befriends Portia Washington, daughter of an educator Booker T. Washington. They are limited by social status but bound by their roles as the daughters of famed statesmen.

Booker T. Washington is an avid supporter of education, as a former slave he values the importance of education and its empowerment of Black Americans. Portia is dedicated to the same values and contributes by teaching and performing spirituals and classical music. She aspires to continue her education abroad in classical music of the Germans, and to continue her empowering work, but a marriage to a controlling man makes her dreams more difficult.

Alice becomes a champion of her father, supporting him in his political aspirations. With time, she strongly gets involved in politics and with her unconventional behavior she creates a polarizing environment. When marrying a congressman and despite the difficulties it presents, she continues to be a staunch supporter for women’s rights.

Brought together by their father’s causes and friendship, these two women continue the legacy of their fathers and become great supporters of each other throughout their marriages and political upheavals.

Written with elegant prose, the narrative alternates between two women as they reveal their dreams, struggles and support.

Published: April 2024

Source: William Morrow Paperbooks