Revolutionary Prudence Wright: Leading the Minute Women in the Fight for Independence

Gr 1-4–An episode of the American Revolution not widely taught. When British rule became unbearable in the 1770s for the people of Pepperell, MA, the men formed a resistance group against King George III of England. Prudence Wright had an idea that the women of her town could stage their own rebellious acts by doing small things against unjust British laws, so they refused to purchase and consume English goods. After being warned of advancing British troops and that war was imminent, the men took up arms and left their wives and children in order to fight for their rights. The Pepperell women worked as farmers and merchants, performing the essential jobs their husbands had previously done. How Prudence rallied the townswomen to arm themselves, kept watch at a bridge she realized would be used by Tory spies, and captured two messengers who planned to pass along information for the British informs makes for a thrilling tale. Striking digital drawings and watercolors are filled with details in mostly subdued colors, such as gray, brown, tan, and burgundy. Back matter includes an afterword, author’s note, illustrator’s note, and an impressive bibliography for further research.