What do we want? Freedom! When do we want it? As soon as we put on some britches and head to the bridge!
Beth Anderson brings to life Prudence Wright, who, even as a young girl, had a “spark of independence” in her. As an adult she organized the women of her town to help protect it as the men were off battling the British in the “big battle.” Revolutionary Prudence Wright: Leading the Minute Women in the Fight for Independence would be an astounding book no matter who the main character was. Wright would rally her community to stand up for what was right, she would get them to protest. And anyone willing to put their name and actions on the literal “traitor” lit, would be a powerful leader. But she did it the only way women could: by not buying/using tea, by outsmarting and out numbering a British spy. Wright’s desire for freedom and independence would pit her even against her own beloved brothers.
Susan Reagan’s realistic, but not “real” illustrations map out what the text says by not saying a word themselves. They are colorful, but not over toweringly so. But they are filled with details. You can read the book by them just as easily as the words themselves.
Aimed at older readers, this picture book format might turn some children off. If this book had been done in an early chapter format, I feel it would cover more ground. Yet, regardless this historical fiction story has a glimpse into a piece of history few know, but all should.