Tales of Chief Joseph who led his Nez Perce Indians to Canada to avoid war, and of Jane Addams of Hull House, the famous social settlement in Chicago, strongly influenced Jeannette Rankin in her choice of work. She became a lifelong pacifist, and fought for the rights of women, children and the poor.

Two years after a successful campaign to win suffrage for the women of Montana, Jeanette was elected Representative from her home state, the first woman to serve in Congress. In 1917, she voted against America's entry into World War I, and when she was re-elected later, she again voted "no" on World War II. At the age of 87, she was still concerned about a world at peace, and led a Vietnam protest march to Washington.

As a pacifist, suffragette and humanitarian who introduced many bills to improve the American people's health, living and working conditions, Jeannette Rankin's life serves as an outstanding example of dedication, conviction and courage. 

From the back of the book