For the child eager to learn about history and discover inspiring women who shaped America's past, this book introduces key figures of the American Revolution.
A parent might reach for this book when their child is studying the American Revolution and needs a more engaging, representative look at history beyond the famous founding fathers. This slim volume introduces young readers to the diverse and courageous women who played crucial roles in America's fight for independence, from spies and soldiers to writers and messengers. It highlights themes of bravery, resilience, and the fight for justice in an accessible format. Perfect for ages 8 to 12, it's an excellent tool for showing that history was made by all kinds of people and for inspiring children with stories of women who defied expectations to make a difference.
The book deals with the dangers of war (fighting, spying, potential death) and the injustice of slavery (in the profile of Phillis Wheatley). The approach is direct and factual, as is typical for nonfiction for this age group, but it is not graphic. The context is secular and historical. The resolution for each woman's story is hopeful, focusing on their courage, accomplishments, and lasting impact.
Ideal Reader
This is for an 8 to 12 year old who is beginning to learn about the American Revolution in school. It is particularly well suited for a child who finds traditional history texts dry or who has asked, "Were there any girls back then?" It is also a great fit for a child looking for stories about historical heroines and unconventional role models.
Parent Prep
A parent should be prepared to discuss the historical context of war and the institution of slavery. While the book is introductory, these are complex topics. Previewing the profile of Phillis Wheatley could help a parent prepare for questions about why she was enslaved. Otherwise, the book can be read without extensive preparation. A parent's trigger for seeking this book would be their child being assigned a history project on the Revolution, or hearing their child say, "History is boring and all about old men." The parent wants to broaden their child's perspective and make the topic more relatable and exciting.
Age Experience
A younger reader (8-9) will likely focus on the action and adventure: Sybil's ride, Deborah's disguise. They will take away a sense of excitement and see that girls can be heroes. An older reader (10-12) will better understand the social constraints these women were breaking and the systemic injustice faced by figures like Phillis Wheatley, appreciating the deeper themes of fairness and resilience.
What Makes It Special
Its primary differentiator is its brevity and accessibility. At 32 pages, it serves as a high-interest, low-barrier entry point into the topic. Unlike more comprehensive volumes, this book is designed to be a quick, engaging read that sparks curiosity, making it an excellent choice for reluctant readers or as a starting point for a school report.
Read plot summary
This book is a collective biography presenting short, accessible profiles of several key women from the American Revolution. Each chapter or section focuses on a different figure, such as Deborah Sampson (who disguised herself as a male soldier), Sybil Ludington (who made a midnight ride to warn troops), and Phillis Wheatley (an enslaved poet whose work gained international fame). The book covers a range of contributions, highlighting that women participated as soldiers, spies, writers, and couriers, providing a more inclusive view of the historical period.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Deborah Sampson disguised herself as a man to fight in the army. Why do you think she had to do that? Was her decision brave, and what risks did she take?
2
The book tells the stories of spies, writers, and soldiers. Which woman's story surprised you the most, and why?
3
Phillis Wheatley was an enslaved person who became a world famous poet. How did she use her words and her talent in a time when she had very little freedom?
4
Sybil Ludington rode twice as far as Paul Revere to warn the militia. Why do you think his story is more famous than hers? What makes a story from history become well known?
