Great Women of the American Revolution

November 1, 2012

Gr 3-5-From the early tensions wrought by the French and Indian War to the decisive days of the Constitutional Convention, these introductions delineate the Revolutionary War in a way that is compelling and informative. The sentence structure is short, direct, and engaging, e.g., "Spies used both words and weapons to fight during the war." Colorful and captioned reproductions and photos, maps, time lines, charts, sidebars, and "Fast Fact" text boxes enhance the texts. Challenging words are defined twice, first in a shaded box on the spread on which the word appears and then again in the glossary. Colonists and Constitution provide background material, while the other volumes deliver topic-specific information. Women is the female counterpart to Heroes; Nancy Morgan Hart is the only person who is in both. Sources are not cited, though each title was written under the consultation of experts in the field.

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 1, 2012
Grades 3-5 This entry in the new Story of the American Revolution series provides an accessible, if somewhat cursory, overview of women's diverse activities and contributions during the war. Following the introduction, short chapters provide brief sketches of individuals, including writers (playwright Mercy Warren and poet Phillis Wheatley), soldiers (Deborah Sampson, who disguised herself as a man to fight the British), and spies (patriot Lydia Darragh and loyalist Ann Bates). Information is anecdotally related in straightforward prose, and the layouts incorporate facts, sidebars, portraits, art reproductions, and some stock photos. Though specific dates, including biographical ones, are missing at timesas are sources for certain quotesthe slim, colorful volume offers a general introduction to the topic. Those looking for more breadth and depth can check out John Micklos' Brave Women and Children of the Revolution (2008).(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)