Redcoats and Petticoats
Grade 3-6-It is 1778 and the Revolution has come to Setauket, Long Island. Thomas Strong, son of a loyal Patriot who has been imprisoned by the Tories, tells how he is sent to search for a neighbor's whaleboat and report the location to his mother. Unknown to him, Thomas's mother then hangs specific petticoats or handkerchiefs on the clothesline as a code to pass on the information to the Patriots across the Long Island Sound. It is only when the war is over and he meets General Washington that Thomas realizes just what part his family played in the Setauket Spy Ring. Historical picture books can bring the past alive in a simple and appealing manner, but when the history gets in the way of the story, or vice versa, problems occur. This book falls short on both accounts. There is not enough historical information to make the story clear and not enough story to personalize the facts. Only after carefully studying the map and historical notes at the end of the book does the plot become understandable. The text is just not cohesive and there are many "whys?" within the pages of this valiant but flawed effort. Himler's illustrations are a real plus. They help to clarify difficult passages and his pastel watercolors give a soft, personal touch to each event. For supplemental material, especially in New York State history classes, this might be helpful when thoroughly and properly introduced.Beth Tegart, Oneida City Schools, NYCopyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.