Time Period: 1914 1914 is a tough year for twelve-year-old Maria Schmidt. Ever since the Kaiser started a war in Europe, Maria's German-sounding surname has brought her trouble at school. Even worse, her family's been threatened because of her father's union activities. In the midst of all that, however, Maria finds a noble cause to support: woman's suffrage. Maria Takes a Stand uses actual historical events to tell a compelling fictional story-of a girl who must overcome personal hardships to serve a cause larger than herself. It's a perfect vehicle for teaching lessons of American history and the Christian faith.