The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read By Rita Lorraine Hubbard, Illustrated by Oge Mora

 


The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read tells the true story of Mary Walker, who learned to read at the astonishing age of 116. Born into slavery in 1848, Mary lived through the Civil War, Reconstruction, Jim Crow, the Civil Rights Movement and beyond. Although she longed to read as a child, circumstances denied her that opportunity for over a century. Still, she never gave up. Rita Lorraine Hubbard’s powerful writing and Oge Mora’s warm, textured collage illustrations bring Mary’s journey to life with dignity, resilience, and heart.

This story is an inspiring celebration of perseverance, the power of education, and the belief that it is never too late to learn.

Curriculum Connections

Historical Context

  • Mary Walker’s life spans some of the most significant events in U.S. history: slavery, Emancipation, segregation, and the Civil Rights Movement.

  • Use the book to explore historical literacy barriers, especially for Black Americans in the South. Discuss why literacy was restricted during slavery and how that legacy impacted generations.

  • Explore the impact of ageism and classism on access to education.

ELA Connections

Narrative Nonfiction & Voice 

  • The book is an excellent example of narrative nonfiction, blending biography with rich storytelling. Use it as a mentor text for students writing about a real person who inspires them.

  • Analyze the author’s use of voice and repetition. How do phrases like “She worked. And worked. And worked some more.” shape tone and mood?

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

Growth Mindset & Lifelong Learning

  • Mary’s story exemplifies the idea that learning is not confined to childhood. It invites students to reflect on their own educational journey and how they respond to struggle or failure.

  • Discuss the importance of patience, hope, and resilience. How did Mary keep her dream alive, even when others said it was too late?

Literacy Instruction & Access

The Power of Reading

  • Use Mary Walker’s story to discuss why reading is empowering. How does literacy open doors—personally, politically, socially?

  • Invite students to consider how inequity in education still exists today. Who has access to high-quality literacy instruction? Who might still be waiting for their chance?

Discussion Questions

Social Studies

  1. What laws or systems in Mary’s lifetime made it difficult for her to learn to read?

  2. Why is her story important to the history of education and civil rights?

ELA

  1. How does the author make Mary’s story both historical and personal?

  2. What storytelling techniques make the book so powerful?

SEL / Personal Growth

  1. What do you think kept Mary going after so many years?

  2. What’s something you’ve had to work really hard to learn?

The Oldest Student is a powerful text for older students, reminding them that learning is not a race, and age is not a limitation. Mary Walker’s story is both a celebration and a challenge: a reminder that we all deserve the chance to learn, and that we should never give up on our goals or underestimate what is possible.

Perfect for Black History Month, Women’s History Month, or year-round instruction in literacy, history, and SEL, this book proves once again that picture books can spark meaningful, multidimensional learning.

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