• Revolutionary Prudence Wright: Leading the Minute Women in the Fight for Independence

Revolutionary Prudence Wright: Leading the Minute Women in the Fight for Independence

Author
Illustrator
Susan Reagan
Publication Date
February 01, 2022
Genre / Grade Band
Fiction /  4th − 5th
Language
English
Format
Picture Book
Revolutionary Prudence Wright: Leading the Minute Women in the Fight for Independence

Description

Here is the first-ever picture book about female Revolutionary War activist Prudence Wright, who rallied the first and only group of minute women to fight the British, changing history in the process.

Prudence Wright had a spark of independence. Annoyed when the British king held back freedoms in colonial Massachusetts, feisty and fearless Prudence had enough. She said no! to British goods, determined to rely on her resourcefulness and ingenuity to get by. And when British troops continued to threaten the lives of her family and community, she assembled and led the minute women of Pepperell to break free of tradition. This untold story of a courageous and brave woman from the Revolutionary War continues to inspire today.

Publication date
February 01, 2022
Genre
Fiction
ISBN-13
9781644720578
Lexile Measure
770
Publisher
Calkins Creek Books
BISAC categories
JUV016080 - Juvenile Fiction | Historical | Military & Wars
JUV014000 - Juvenile Fiction | Girls & Women
JUV016120 - Juvenile Fiction | Historical | United States - Colonial & Revolutionary Periods
Library of Congress categories
History
Biographies
United States
Women
Massachusetts
Revolution, 1775-1783
Participation, Female
Women soldiers
Minutemen (Militia)
Wright, Prudence

Kirkus

Starred Review
Vivid, absorbing, and inspiring.

ALA/Booklist

Presently a little-known story from the American Revolution, this attractive, informative picture book will be an asset to history units related to the period.

School Library Journal

An episode of the American Revolution not widely taught. When British rule became unbearable in the 1770s for the people of Pepperell, MA, the men formed a resistance group against King George III of England. Prudence Wright had an idea that the women of her town could stage their own rebellious acts by doing small things against unjust British laws, so they refused to purchase and consume English goods. After being warned of advancing British troops and that war was imminent, the men took up arms and left their wives and children in order to fight for their rights. The Pepperell women worked as farmers and merchants, performing the essential jobs their husbands had previously done. How Prudence rallied the townswomen to arm themselves, kept watch at a bridge she realized would be used by Tory spies, and captured two messengers who planned to pass along information for the British informs makes for a thrilling tale. Striking digital drawings and watercolors are filled with details in mostly subdued colors, such as gray, brown, tan, and burgundy. Back matter includes an afterword, author's note, illustrator's note, and an impressive bibliography for further research. VERDICT This piece of American history is presented in an attractive package that will be readily enjoyed by readers of all ages.—Maryann H. Owen

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
Beth Anderson
Beth Anderson is the author of Revolutionary Prudence Wright: Leading the Minute Women in the Fight for Independence, and Tad Lincoln's Restless Wriggle: Pandemonium and Patience in the President's House. Her title, Lizzie Demands a Seat, won the Bank Street Flora Stieglitz Straus Award and the Sugarman Children's Biography Honor Award, and was a JLG selection.

Jeremy Holmes is an award-winning picture book illustrator. His debut book, There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly won the prestigious BolognaRagazzi Opera Prima Award. He also assisted with the creation of the puppets for the Emmy-nominated show Helpsters on PBS.
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