Miriam Ferguson was a quiet, private person who preferred to stay 
home in her big house in Temple, Texas, and take care of her 
husband, raise her two daughters, and tend to her flower garden.

    But in 1923 she was elected governor of Texas, the first woman 
governor elected in the United States.

    Her husband, Jim Ferguson, served two terms as governor, but 
during his second term he was impeached, which meant he could 
not run again for public office. So Miriam agreed to run to clear his 
name and restore the family's honor.

    She served two terms as governor: from 1925 to 1927 and from 
1933 to 1935. She and her husband became known as "Ma" and 
"Pa" Ferguson. Her campaign slogan was, "Two Governors for the 
Price of One."

_________________________________________________________

JUDY ALTER writes fiction and nonfiction for readers of all ages. In 
2005, she received the Owen Wister Award for Lifetime Achievement 
from the Western Writers of America. She is director of TCU Press 
and lives in Fort Worth, Texas. PATRICK MESSERSMITH is a noted 
artist who resides in Dallas, Texas. He states, "as a native Texan, it's 
great to be a part of teaching the legacy of our state's heroes (who 
might not receive as much attention) to the younger generations."


Number Three: Stars of Texas Series


What people are saying about this book

For the Washington Times article featuring Miriam "Ma" Ferguson: 
First Woman Governor of Texas click here: www.washingtontimes.
com/article/20080118/NATION02/87951220/1008

"I liked this book because I thought it explained things clearly. The
author taught me how important things happened and how it really 
was back then. The pictures helped me imagine what it probably 
really looked like in Texas during those years. This book also showed 
how the people running for important jobs felt and what they had to do 
to get to that goal of being whatever they wanted to be. I think this 
book will encourage people to keep on trying, just like Miriam Ferguson 
did. I think this book should be read by students in the fourth grade or 
above."—Emma Barringer, Raguet Elementary School, Nacogdoches, 
Texas as published in the East Texas Historical Journal

". . . her story makes for fascinating reading. Intended for ages 9-12, 
this 72-page, 7x9, hardcover book offers Miriam Ferguson's tale in a 
highly readable format that will interest children of all ages. (Yes, I'm 
a child.) It also helps the reader by providing a timeline of Ferguson's
life, a glossary, suggestions for further reading and websites to visit,
and an index."—Eclectic Homeschool On-line

"Recommended reading for grades 4-7: Good for research and clarity in
presentation of ideas."—Carmen Antoine, Region XI Educational Service
Center

"While this is a well-illustrated book meant to encourage children to 
study history, its content provides a glimpse into a period about which 
few adult Texans are familiar."—Brazosport Facts

"A highly valued addition to school library 'American History & 
Biography' collections, and 'Texas History' reading lists, Miriam 'Ma' 
Ferguson is very strongly recommended as an informative and inspiring 
introduction to the life and times of the Ferguson family."—Midwest 
Book Review

". . . an excellent series."—The Manhattan Mercury

"The best way to build up a new generation of Texas history lovers is 
to produce books that appeal to young readers, and the good folks at 
State House Press are opening that door with a wonderful new series . . . 
'The Stars of Texas Series' is going to be something to watch. . . . The 
books are fast-paced and interesting, allowing the student to quickly 
understand the customs and life ways of Texas history."—Texas 
Illustrated Magazine


Also in the Stars of Texas Series



HENRIETTA KING

978-1-880510-98-8 HARDCOVER

$17.95
MARTÍN DE LEÓN

978-1-933337-08-1 HARDCOVER

$17.95


MIRABEAU B. LAMAR

978-1-880510-97-1 HARDCOVER

$17.95