Sisters of Scituate Light
Kindergarten-Grade 4—The detail and rich colors of Schuett's paintings lend an appropriately realistic tone to this tale of two girls, a lighthouse keeper's daughters, who outwit British sailors during the War of 1812. Although fictionalized, Krensky's account is based on Rebecca and Abigail Bates, teenage sisters who later attained local fame for their successful ploy. Alone at the Scituate light, they are able to convince an approaching enemy vessel that there is danger on shore by suggesting the presence of marching soldiers. By hiding in the woods and playing "Yankee Doodle" on their fife and drum, they trick the British into retreating. With its wartime background, brisk plot, and crisp sentences, this original and suspenseful hero tale will engage independent readers and also captivate the storytime crowd. Use it with Emily Arnold McCully'sThe Battle for St. Michaels(HarperCollins, 2002) and Susan Bartoletti'sThe Flag Maker(Houghton, 2004) or with Peter Roop'sKeep the Lights Burning, Abbie(Carolrhoda, 1985) or Deborah Hopkinson'sBirdie's Lighthouse(S & S,1997).—Gloria Koster, West School, New Canaan, CTCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.