Resources
Learn more about the Revolutionary War and the women who fought for independence. Take a look at some books and web sites.
Books
Brown, Drollene P. Sybil Rides for Independence. Illus. Margot Apple. Niles, IL: Albert Whitman, 1985.
Sybil Ludington was only a girl when she rode from farm to farm with the message, "Look to the east! Danbury’s burning! Gather at Ludingtons!" Illustrations with a tint of red accompany the text of Sybil Rides for Independence. The reading level of this story is appropriate for students in second or third grade.
Engle, Paul. Women in the American Revolution. Chicago: Follett, 1976.
Paul Engle recounts the facts about eighteen women involved with the Revolutionary War. They wrote about the war, manufactured materials for the soldiers, cared for the injured, and fought on the battlefield. Figures such as Margaret Corbin, Lydia Darragh, Mercy Otis Warren, and Phillis Wheatley are included.
Fleming, Thomas. Liberty! The American Revolution. New York: Viking, 1997.
As the companion volume to the PBS series Liberty!, this book shares the tragedies and triumphs associated with the Revolutionary War. Along with over 200 paintings and photographs, this book captures personal stories of the war for independence. Several stories about the roles of women appear in this book.
Garrison, Webb. Great Stories of the American Revolution: Unusual, Interesting Stories of the Exhilarating Era When a Nation Was Born. Nashville: Rutledge Hill P, 1990.
The events leading up to and encompassing the American Revolution have been told from many perspectives. However, this book consists of a collection of true stories that rarely appear in history books. One chapter, entitled "Exploits of Molly Hays and Other Women Boosted Morale," is devoted to the role of women in the war.
Graham, Shirley. The Story of Phillis Wheatley: Poetess of the American Revolution. Illus. Robert Burns. New York: Julian Messner, 1977.
Phillis Wheatley’s life as a slave and woman poet is revealed in this juvenile biography. In particular, the book chronicles her education and growth as a writer. A few of her poems appear within the text.
Hakim, Joy. A History of US.: From Colonies to Country. New York: Oxford U P, 1993.
This is one of ten books in Hakim’s A History of US series, which covers the first colonist through the present day. Pictures, documents, and fun facts are incorporated with the rich text. A chapter is dedicated to Revolutionary War women and children.
Marrin, Albert. The War for Independence: The Story of the American Revolution. New York: Atheneum, 1988.
The most important events of the American Revolution, including the Boston Tea Party and the winter at Valley Forge, are captured in this informational book. The supporting roles of women and African-Americans are briefly mentioned, scattered throughout the text. The major "heroes" are once again praised for their handiwork.
Mayer, Jane. Betsy Ross and the Flag. Illus. Grace Paull. Eau Claire, Wisconsin: E. M. Hale, 1952.
Betsy wanted to be special. As a child, she hoped to do something that had never been done before. This book chronicles her life and focuses on Betsy’s dream to be different. The final chapter lists civilian regulations for flag etiquette, which Congress established.
McGovern, Ann. The Secret Soldier: The Story of Deborah Sampson. Illus. Ann Grifalconi. New York: Four Winds P, 1975.
Deborah Sampson, also known as Robert Shurtliff, disguised herself as a man and enlisted in the Continental army at the age of eighteen. This book begins with her life as a child and concludes with her life as a farmer’s wife. Divided into four parts, the reading level of The Secret Soldier is appropriate for students at a third or fourth grade reading level.
Stewart, Gail B. America’s Wars: The Revolutionary War. San Diego: Lucent, 1991.
From the initial disharmony between the British and colonists to the final battle at Yorktown, this book recounts the histories of the major players. Very little mention is given to the roles that women played during this time. Students at the intermediate level can read the text.
Sullivan, Charles, Ed. America in Poetry: With Paintings, Drawings, Photographs, and Other Works of Art. New York: Harry N. Abrams, 1988.
This book contains the voices of America’ finest poets. The selections cover America’s many times and moods. Of particular interest are the poems about the colonies, the revolution, and the new nation. They include such poets as William Wordsworth, Henry Wordsworth Longfellow, Anne Bradstreet, Sarah Kemble Knight, Paul Revere, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Phillis Wheatley, James Russell Lowell, Benjamin Franklin, and Dolley Madison.
Tebbel, John. Turning the World Upside Down: Inside the American Revolution. New York: Orion, 1993.
With a concentration on the battlefield, Tebbel presents both sides of the story. Neither the British nor the colonists are glorified beyond their due recognition. In addition, women are acknowledged for their contributions toward the war effort.
Weil, Ann. Betsy Ross: Girl of Old Philadelphia. Illus. Sandra James. Indianapolis: Bobbs-Merrill, 1954
The sixteen chapters of this book include illustrations and easy to read text. The life of Besty Ross unfolds, beginning with her childhood and concluding with the sewing of the American flag. The final chapter follows two children on their visit to Philadelphia. The reader learns about the history of our country along with the young "tour guides."
Zeinert, Karen. Those Remarkable Women of the American Revolution. Brookfield, CN: Millbrook P, 1996.
From the title, one could guess that this book completely focuses on women of the American Revolutionary War. Topics include women from both sides and all of the countries involved. Students in fifth or sixth grade would be able to use this source.
Web Sites
Fifth Grade Revolutionary War Expositionary Reports
http://www.beavton.k12.or.us/Barnes/revwarreports/revwar.html
This site includes various expository reports on the Revolutionary War written by fifth grade students at Barnes Elementary School in Beaverton, Oregon. After a unit on the Revolutionary War, the students chose and researched a topic. The final product was a report in ClarisWorks Draw that incorporated linked text fields and pictures.
The History Place: American Revolution
http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/revolution/index.html
A timeline of the events of the American Revolution focuses on specific acts, protests, and battles. Pictures of the key figures can be accessed as well. The information on the site is extensive and covers the history of the U. S. from its start to the present day.
Liberty! The American Revolution
http://www.pbs.org/ktca/liberty/
The categories on this site include Chronicle of the Revolution, Perspectives on Liberty, Liberty Today, Liberty! The Series, and The Road to Revolution. Reports on the progress, setbacks, and successes of the American Revolution come in the form of timelines, text, and pictures. The video series Liberty!, which was originally aired on PBS, is also available on this site.
Virtual Marching Tour of the American Revolution
http://www.libertynet.org/iha/march/index.html
While this site covers a multitude of topics concerning the Revolutionary War, Martha Washington and Lydia Darragh are the only two women chronicled. Lydia Darragh assisted the Continental army by warning the Americans at Whitemarsh of an upcoming British attack. The site also includes some games for students to learn more about the American Revolution.
Introduce this website or a unit on women of the Revolution with a PowerPoint presentation.