The Brave Women and Children of the American Revolution (The Revolutionary War Library)
The Revolutionary War Library series focuses here on a fascinating aspect of that time: the women and children who played a part in wresting the country’s freedom from England. The book begins by recounting a woman’s chores during normal times (washing, looming, cleaning, farming, making clothes) and then goes on to show how those responsibilities were ramped up once the man of the family went to war. Children didn’t have it much better, with work far more common in a child’s life than play. Other topics include camp followers, who were both a drag on the army and a help to it; women and older children who played a role on the battlefield; and those who risked their lives by becoming spies. The format, illustrated with historical engravings and photographs, is busy, but the many sidebars are informative and cover a wide sampling of worthy incidents and individual women (Martha Washington, Betsy Ross). The well-written text is studded with footnotes, and an appended time line is helpful. Natural appeal for the audience. Grades 3-6. --Ilene Cooper