Founding Mothers: Remembering the Ladies―Empowering Stories of Heroic Women Who Changed the Course of History During the American Revolution

by Cokie Roberts, Diane Goode (Illustrations)

Fans of number one New York Times bestselling author and celebrated journalist Cokie Roberts will love this stunning nonfiction picture book based on her acclaimed work for adults, Founding Mothers, which highlights the female patriots of the American Revolution.

Beautifully illustrated by Caldecott Honor-winning artist Diane Goode, Founding Mothers: Remembering the Ladies reveals the incredible accomplishments of the women who orchestrated the American Revolution behind the scenes. Roberts traces the stories of heroic, patriotic women such as Abigail Adams, Martha Washington, Phillis Wheatley, Mercy Otis Warren, Sarah Livingston Jay, and others. Details are gleaned from their letters, private journals, lists, and ledgers. The bravery of these women's courageous acts contributed to the founding of America and spurred the founding fathers to make this a country that "remembered the ladies."

This compelling book supports the Common Core State Standards with a rich time line, biographies, an author's note, and additional web resources in the back matter.

Genres: History, Biography, Nonfiction, Picture Books, Childrens, American History, Historical

40 pages, Hardcover

Published January 28, 2014

About the author

Cokie Roberts was an American journalist and bestselling author. Her career included decades as a political reporter and analyst for National Public Radio and ABC News, with prominent positions on Morning Edition, The MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour, World News Tonight, and This Week.

Reviews

[Alyson (Kid Lit Frenzy) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one had so much potential but falls a little flat - and also missing important end resources.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

These brief but lively and informative profiles of notable women from early American history are great introductions for young readers. Wonderfully illustrated by Diane Goode and elegantly designed. Web sites are listed for readers wanting to know more but the lack of a bibliography is disappointing, as is the lack of citations for which sources Roberts consulted in her research. A book like this introducing young people to fascinating historical figures should have recommendations for lengthier biographies readers can use to learn more when their interest is piqued. See also Cheryl Harness's Remember the Ladies: 100 Great American Women.

[Luisa Knight · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you want to learn about the Founding Mothers without the feminist's slant, here's the book to go to. You'll learn about writers, general's and president's wives, and even a soldier and a spy.

Ages: 6 - 10

Cleanliness: uses the words "sexes" and "breast" non-sexually.

**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it! Visit my website: The Book Radar.

[Kelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent introduction of about a dozen women of the American Revolution. There were several women I'd never heard of too, which was great. Simple but informative bios, drawing upon letters and events of the time, are coupled with colored sketches that help give kids a sense of the era & the women who helped make our country. A must-read for any Revolution study!

[Bethe · Rating 4 out of 5]

bookaday #11. Great stories on the women behind the American Revolution, companion of Roberts' adult book on the same topic. Varied formats keep the info engaging and flowing. Loved the endpapers and the rest of the illustrations.

[Kris · Rating 2 out of 5]

To be up front, I pretty much hate anything to do with the founding fathers that holds them up as paragons of virtue who, you know, didn't OWN SLAVES and CONSIDER WOMEN PROPERTY. So this is basically the female version of that. Yes, I am glad that someone is recognizing that women actually did stuff during this period of time, and didn't just sit on their butts and lazily have the vapors while the men saved the world. Someone had to take care of EVERYTHING ELSE IN THE DAMN UNIVERSE. Good. Give them that recognition. They deserve that. But don't dismiss Martha Washington's bringing supplies to the troops with a throwaway line about how she "directed the slaves to make provisions". Martha didn't do crap. The people that she thought she owned, the ones she enslaved, did the work. I CALLS 'EM AS I SEES 'EM. Look, I'm glad women's stories are being told. But they deserve all of the nuance and critique that men's stories do, and it is doing a disservice not to provide that. This being a children's book is no excuse. Also, CITE YOUR DAMN SOURCES, COKIE. That's Journalism 101.

[Sunflower · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short on kindle pages

How come there are only 24 pages on the kindle book? I'm sure it's a good book, but I don't seem to be able to see the whole book on my kindle.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Founding Mothers by Cokie Roberts is an excellent and informative picture book that tells the tale of the ladies that helped build this nation. So often history books glide over these women, or ignore them completely and I believe this is an excellent supplemental source to give children the facts. School Library Journal via Books in Print says, “Roberts goes deeper into the historical record to find individuals who were quite accomplished in their own right. In addition, many less-well-known women aided the war effort, ran businesses, wrote, spoke, and generally contributed a great deal to the development of the nation. The book begins with a time line of women in history from 1765 to 1815, followed by double-page chapters that detail individual women, including First Ladies Washington, Madison, and Abigail Adams, as well as others such as Sarah Livingston Jay and Catharine Littlefield Greene. A formal portrait and lovingly re-created signature are accompanied by a more humorous illustration of each figure. In addition, sections about writers and warriors highlight other significant accomplishments.”
I have paired this book with Dubs Goes to Washington and Discovers the Greatness of America by Eileen McGann (copyright 2013). This story is about a dog that does indeed go to Washington D.C. to find his favorite tennis ball and in doing so educates children about various elements that went in to the making of America. “Kids will learn a little about our founding fathers, our patriotic traditions, the message of our national monuments, and the importance of our war heroes who fought for our freedom (Books in Print).
By pairing these two in either an English class working on an Americana or Fourth of July project/unit or a History class learning about the founding of America, children will get not only the stories of the founding “fathers” as are dominantly depicted when reading about the beginnings of America, but also the stories of the strong women who helped build this great nation.

[Margaret Chind · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted on Creative Madness Mama. 



I love history picture books like this, full of information on women to emulate. In years past we have enjoyed the My Name Is Not Isabella series for this same purpose, but I love Founding Mothers: Remembering the Ladies . This is a great way to learn about the female figures that stood in the background of the beginnings of the United States.

Not only is there a picture book, but for the older reader (like the mama here!) there is a book of the same title from Harper Periennial. There is also a Teacher's Guide to go with it. Founding Mothers* by Cokie Roberts
This review was originally posted on Creative Madness Mama.

[Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

"“Founding Mothers: Remembering the Ladies"” illustrated by Diane Goode is picture book based on the popular and instructive book written by Cokie Roberts which bears the same name.

Roberts wrote a book that tells the story of Martha Washington, Dolley Madison, Abigail Adams, Eliza Pickney, Phillis Wheatley, Mercy Otis Warren, Sarah Livingston Jay, Catherine Macaulay and other women of the American Revolution, which were much more than women of famous husbands that have marked American history.

Cokie Roberts has made extensive research in order to present a less known or unknown stories about their lives and what makes them special; and after her book achieved great success Roberts decided to discuss the same themes in the edition intended for children, of course, in a somewhat simplified form and with less detail, but with the results that are equally good.
Through the art of great illustrator Diane Goode, the author presents compelling stories of women in Revolution; though they did not fight with weapons in their hands while their fathers, brothers, husbands and sons did, they were still doing the important, brave and patriotic duties in a background.

So as much as "“Founding Mothers"” was a must read for any woman, this remake in the cartoon form will be a great read for school children and preteen generation that besides enabling them to learn something, will certainly interest them that once they grow up read this great book about the brave women and true patriots which changed history along with their men.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed looking a little bit into the lives of some of the women who had an impact on the founding of our nation. There were some names I knew: Abigail Adams, Martha Washington, Dolley Madison. There were more names I had never heard: Mercy Otis Warren, Phillis Wheatley, Esther DeBerdt Reed, Sarah Livingston Jay, and Catherine Littlefield Greene. I also was not familiar with any of the names dropped on the featured double-page spreads Women Writers and Women Warriors. So this was a real history lesson for me … or rather it had the potential to be a real history lesson. What do I foresee instead? I see masses of little girls and boys coming to the library desk looking for “more about Sarah Livingston Jay” or “Esther DeBerdt Reed” because there wasn’t enough in this particular volume to satisfy curious minds.

Given that Ms. Roberts wrote a full-length adult version on this subject, I would have hoped for a teensy bit more from this version-for-kids. And, while I’m grateful for the list of websites at the end of the book and the acknowledgements given to the libraries that assisted the author, I would have hoped that the book, which touts itself as supporting the Common Core, had included a list of resources! How can we teach children to do good research when books do not offer credit where credit is due?

Overall, this was enough to spark curiosity but not enough to quench it.

[Sandy Brehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full disclaimer- I went into this recent release as a fan of both Cokie Roberts and Diane Goode. They never disappoint, and in this case they exceeded my already high expectations. The content (in word and image) offer portals to the past, and to the women who are most often ignored or mentioned in 25 words or less when reading or speaking of the early days of this country. Perhaps it's due to her experience as an on-air reporter, but Roberts has managed to incorporate extensive meticulous research into fluent and engaging prose. It reads aloud well, which is no surprise, and I can hear her physical and writing voice clearly in every line. Passages offer text with digestible length, language, and detail to be read independently and used as mentor text by established readers, even younger ones.
The illustrations enhance and extend each featured profile, including hints of personality, rich elements of the setting, and "asides", including small sketches portraying responses of male figures of the time. The design of book, as it should, contributes further to the sense of time and place, using paper colors and end pages that echo documents of the times.

[Jeanie Cullip · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much is written about our founding fathers, Cokie Roberts shares the other side of history through this nonfiction picture book Founding Mothers: Remembering the Ladies. Through their letters, journals, letters, and lists; Roberts share the tales of the following fascinating women: Eliza Lucas Pinckney, Deborah Read Franklin, Mercy Otis Warren, Phyllis Wheatley, Abigail Adams, Martha Washington, Esther Deberdt Reed, Sarah Livingston Jay, Catherine Littlefield Greene, and Dolley Madison. The book includes a Letter of Introduction to the reader, Women Through the Years timeline, a section on Women Writers, and Women Warriors. Each woman is portrayed through beautiful illustrations completed by Diane Goode; as well as a background of who she was and what she is most remembered by. This is an easy read for upper elementary and middle school students who are interested in finding out more about the ladies who assisted in shaping the United States of America. An incredible resource to have in any 4th-8th grade classroom library.

[Christina Getrost · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terrific younger readers' version of Cokie Roberts' book for adults; wonderful pen and ink calligraphic line drawings, with spot watercolors, of each of the 10+ American Revolution-era women profiled in short biographical chapters. Includes replicas of their own signatures! Anecdotes and brief summaries of their contributions, either by writing in support of the war effort, or helping on the battlefield, even shooting cannons. Some delivered messages, or served as spies, or supported their husbands, traveling with them or living without them for years (such as Benjamin Franklin's wife) while running their plantations and businesses in the men's absence. Endpapers are gorgeous pen and ink replicas of words written by women of the time (Sentiments of an American Woman by Esther DeBerdt Reed) with a Lady Liberty image in the center. Nice ode to the ladies of the Revolution.

[Samantha · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really excited to read this book, but it fell a little flat for me. I wanted more distinction between the personalities, but rather the women presented all sort of sounded like the same person. More direct quotes or writing from a different perspective (i.e. 1st person) might've changed that.

The artwork was nice, but I wanted photos or images closer to being historical documents. While I enjoyed the artwork for another project, here, it just added to the sameness across the presentation of ladies.

I exoected a bit more in terms of back matter too. The acknowlegement is far longer than even some of the articles about the founding mothers and the only other section included is a webliography.

Grades 3-5.

[Natalie Harvey · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book reminds me that beautiful illustrations and great design choices do not necessarily make a good book. It's disappointing to see a book with such a strong and promising title deliver textbook-like anecdotes and awkwardly inserted exclamations meant to stir the reader. Like other reviewers have commented, the text falls flat and does these women no justice. There are compelling stories here, but they are not told well. What's even more disconcerting is the statement that "This book supports the Common Core Learning Standards for English Language Arts and Literacy in History/Social Studies." As a school librarian, I would not hand this book to one of my teachers as a resource for those standards as it just doesn't live up to them.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great look at women during the Revolutionary War period, and their contributions because, as Cornwallis said: "We may destroy all the men in America, and we shall still have all we can do to defeat the women."
We learn about Eliza who ran 3 plantations and had the first Indigo crop in the US. Indigo was used to dye soldiers uniforms. We meet Deborah Sampson who dressed as a man and fought for 3 years. She received a soldier's retirement pay. Also Martha Washington who went on every winder campaign, and all the soldiers loved her. As Washington said, "You ladies are in the number of the best Patriots America can boast."

[Naomi · Rating 1 out of 5]

I agree with another reviewer that I was excited when I saw this book. Finally, the ladies getting some recognition. However, the book fell flat and the ladies remain invisible. I am not sure if this book should have been done as a longer book or not as a children's book, but the bios were simply too superficial.

One thing that I did notice, at the end, that stood out glaringly, is that there are no resources at the end. Just because it is a kid's book doesn't mean one can use others works without giving credit. The authors took the steps for "further learning" sites so.....

[Jessica Adams Duzan · Rating 4 out of 5]

We always hear a lot about the "Founding Fathers" this book brings light upon the women behind the men who started our country. Some of the women are more well known like Abigail Adams, Phillis Wheatley or Martha Washington. Others are perhaps, less known, like Deborah Sampson, Esther DeBerdt Reed or Eliza Lucas Pinckney. This book is great for children (of all ages).

[Jennifer Mallory]

Cokie Roberts presents the contributions of these patriots, the women who fought the Revolution as courageously and heroically as the men, often defending the doors of their very homes. The stories of these founding mothers are found in their personal correspondence, private journals, ledgers, and lists.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book on women during the American Revolution. I used this book for our history fair. My class did a study on women and "Rights and Responsibilities" throughout history. We chose to use women of the American Revolution. Love this book and it's an excellent resource loaded with simple to read text and wonderful illustrations.

[Alyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a wonderful children's book that serves as an introduction to the women of the American revolution. It will inspire young readers to learn more about the contributions these ladies made to our country.

[Christine Drysdale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had the privilege of meeting Cokie Roberts yesterday when she spoke about this new book. It is wonderful for both children and adults...anyone who wants to know more about the feisty women of the Revolution.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was educational and fun to learn about the spouses and mothers (in some cases) of the founding fathers. They contributed a lot to the cause. I listened to this, and wish that Cokie Roberts had had the grace to let a professional read the book rather than doing it herself.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although it's a little dry, this book is a great introduction to the women who helped shape our country from the very beginning. While Roberts has written an adult version of this information, I much preferred the brevity of this children's book!

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

The letter of introduction from Cokie Roberts sets the author's purpose for this historical picture book about women during the revolution. The illustrator did much research to get the pictures/signatures just right. This book will be helpful when looking for short texts.

[Taylor Worsencroft · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was a very informational book. I even learn something while I was reading it. The illustrations were alright they were colored sketches. The illustrations resemble as if they were from back in the day. I feel this is a very good informational book for kids.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This includes familiar favorites like Abigail Adams and Dolley Madison, as well as female patriots new to me, such as artillery gunner Margaret Corbin, awarded the same payment as other disabled Revolutionary War soldiers, and she is buried at West Point.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fine juvenile version of Roberts adult text. The illustrations are fun and add to the sparse information that is presented about each woman.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

great illustrations and fascinating stories. Illustrations based on pen strokes.