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

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.

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.

★ Reagan's accomplished illustrations, executed in watercolor with digital drawing, add historical veracity to Anderson's superbly documented, at times hair-raising narrative. The author explicitly situates Wright and her female comrades as pioneers who 'proved themselves as full citizens' in an era before female enfranchisement. Vivid, absorbing, and inspiring. —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Combining digital drawings with traditional watercolor washes, the illustrations are nicely composed, well researched, and suitably dramatic...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. —Booklist

In compact and dramatic fashion, this book conveys the issues that provoked the Revolutionary War, the divisions it created within families, and the role-defying actions undertaken by women of the time. Fine-line and watercolor illustrations teem with energy and emotion, establishing a colonial feel to the pages and making excellent use of spots and varied perspectives. —School Library Connection

An episode of the American Revolution not widely taught....Striking digital drawings and watercolors are filled with details in mostly subdued colors, such as gray, brown, tan, and burgundy....This piece of American history is presented in an attractive package that will be readily enjoyed by readers of all ages. —School Library Journal