The Founding Mothers of the United States (A True Book)

by Selene Castrovilla

Overview

Many women helped shape a free and independent United States of America. They are known as the Founding Mothers.

These smart, brave women were ambassadors, fostering peace between Native Americans and Europeans. They risked their lives by writing, printing, and distributing information about the fight for independence. They supported their husbands during battle and even donned disguises to join the army. They were all key in shaping the America of today. This book tells their story.

Women are sometimes called the silent protagonists of history. But since before the founding of our nation until now, women have organized, marched, and inspired. They forced change and created opportunity.

With engaging text, fun facts, photography, infographics, and art, this new set of books examines how individual women of differing races and socioeconomic status took a stand, and how groups of women lived and fought throughout the history of this country. It looks at how they celebrated victories that included the right to vote, the right to serve their country, and the right to equal employment. The aim of this much-needed set of five books is to bring herstory to young readers!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780531133385
Publisher:	Scholastic, Inc.
Publication date:	09/01/2020
Series:	A True Book (Relaunch)
Pages:	48
Sales rank:	756,734
Product dimensions:	6.70(w) x 8.10(h) x 0.10(d)
Age Range:	8 - 10 Years

About the Author

Selene Castrovilla is an acclaimed, award-winning author. Her five books on the American Revolution for young readers include Scholastic’s The Founding Mothers. Selene has been a meticulous researcher of American history since 2003. Please visit selenecastrovilla.com.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Women in a Turbulent Time 6

1 Mercy Otis Warren: Revolutionary Writer

How did Warren help start the revolution? 10

2 Phillis Wheatley: Enslaved Poet

How did Wheatley's work support the revolution? 14

3 Abigail Adams: Voice of Equality

How did Adams stand up for women's rights? 18

4 Martha Washington: Fiercely Devoted

How did Washington's efforts support the military during the Revolutionary War? 22

The Edenton Tea Party: How did the Boston Tea Party inspire a group of women in North Carolina? 26

5 Nanyehi/Nancy Ward: Beloved Woman and Cherokee Peacemaker

How did Nanyehi aid the American settlers during the Revolutionary War? 28

6 Mary Ludwig Hays McCauley: Becoming a Legend

Who was the woman who brought water to soldiers on the battlefield during the Revolutionary War? 32

7 Deborah Sampson: Fighting in Disguise

What was Sampson's role in the military during the American Revolution? 36

More Founding Mothers Who Helped Shape the Nation 40

True Statistics 44

Resources 45

Glossary 46

Index 47

About the Author 48

Editorial Reviews

11/01/2020

Gr 3–5—These titles examine women's contributions to American history. Readers learn about Phillis Wheatley, who was the first Black female published poet in America, and Martha Washington, who visited army encampments to tend to the sick and host foreign dignitaries. The important roles women have played throughout America's development as a country are clearly explained, but the text doesn't try to sugarcoat history. Imprisoned suffragists were beaten, put into solitary confinement, and force-fed when they engaged in a hunger strike. Women and the Right to Vote also reveals the racism within the suffrage movement. Back matter includes a time line, statistics, a glossary, and further reading. This series spotlights women's history and celebrates women's accomplishments, but it does not present a sanitized version of events. VERDICT This riveting series is sure to engage the imaginations of budding historians and revolutionaries.

School Library Journal