Author: Karen Zeinert
Topic: Social Studies
Grade Level: 5th
TEKS: 5th: (2) History. The student understands how conflict between the American colonies and Great Britain led to American independence. The student is expected to: (A) identify and analyze the causes and effects of events prior to and during the American Revolution, including the French and Indian War and the Boston Tea Party;(C) summarize the results of the American Revolution, including the establishment of the United States and the development of the U.S. military.
Summary: The untold stories of women who took part in the American Revolution are revealed here to students of all ages. Zeinert, features women as “spies, political commentators, soldiers, Patriots and Loyalist” that played a significant part yet most of us have never heard of. It is a great resource for students to read beyond what the text book says about women during the American Revolution.
Here is a small Snippit from the book:
“On June 28, 1778, more than one soldier took notice of Molly when, without apparent fear, she remained at her husband’s cannon during the Battle at Monmouth Courthouse in New Jersey even when the enemy’s fire became intense. According to legend, Molly didn’t begin to fire away until her husband, overcome by heat and exhaustion, fell to the ground. However, an eyewitness, Private Joseph Martin, claimed that Molly and her husband worked as a team throughout the entire battle….” pg.20
I love that you tackled such a tough content area of literacy: women in history! Why are we missing when history is being told or written? I found this book to be valuable because, not only does it hold worth because it matches with the TEK well, it provides such vivid stories and legends about how women were such an interregnal part of the American Revolution. My only concern, and only suggestion, is that it seems that the book only focuses on the American Revolution and your TEK includes The Boston Tea Party and the French and Indian War. I would be prepared to share other texts to ensure that the students are receiving all the curriculum that the TEKS requires.
I LOVED this book. I really enjoyed it because it talked about influential women in history. We are always hearing about men in history and what they did, how they did it and where they did it. Women influenced history too, and its important for children to hear and know this, especially young girls. I loved your snippet on Molly and the part of her petticoat getting shot off, it made me want to read more about her. I want to buy this book, even if i dont get to use this book in my classroom, i will read it to my future children and share it with my cousins.
Thanks for sharing a great book! 🙂