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Women of Action
Women Heroes of the American Revolution: 20 Stories of Espionage, Sabotage, Defiance, and Rescue
Every schoolchild knows about Paul Revere’s 20-mile ride to warn that the British were coming. Far fewer know that 16-year-old Sybil Ludington rode twice as far to help her father, Colonel Ludington, muster his scattered troops to fight a marauding enemy. Few know about Martha Bratton, who blew up a supply of gunpowder to keep it from approaching British troops and boldly claimed, “It was I who did it!” Susan Casey gives Ludington, Bratton, and 18 other remarkable girls and women of the Revolution the spotlight they deserve in this lively collection of biographical profiles. Drawing on interviews with historians and descendants as well as primary source material, this is an invaluable resource for any student’s or history buff’s bookshelf.
240 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
November 23, 2014
Disclaimer: ARC via Netgalley.
When I went to grade school, the sum total I was told about women in the American Revolution was Molly Pitcher and Abigail Adams’ letter to her husband about not forgetting the women.
That’s it.
Hopefully this book will become standard reading in grade schools to rectify that.
Look, let’s be honest, part of the reason why history is dominated by men doing great things is because the men didn’t have do housework and get the children off to school. Let John Adams change nappies and let’s see if he can write a constitution. Additionally, the men determined what made it into the history books and also defined heroism. This is while Joan of Arc is both a saint and a witch; it just depends upon which guy was writing the story.
Furthermore, at times revisionist history can be a bit much. A course on ancient Greek women poets – who are going to do besides Sappho? Female generals of ancient Rome? Huh? You take the point. And then there is the fact that the women who break the gender roles might have kept quiet about it. We don’t know, for sure, how many Deborah Chapmans might have existed because the women didn’t become famous or kept quiet. And as Susan Casey points out in this excellent book, there might not have been one woman named Molly Pitcher, but there were a great many Molly Pitchers anyway.
So, we need to do better remembering heroes who are not white men or men in general.
The great thing about this book is the multiple definitions of the word hero. Phyllis Whitney is in here, and when you really pause to consider the penalty for a slave knowing how to read, she really does deserve her place. She isn’t the only slave whose story is related in this volume; though the majority of stories are white women (we are back to that ability to record information again). Spies are featured as are newspaper editors. We are told a story of teenage girl who does a Paul Revere like ride, but also of older women who protest in a variety of different ways. This group includes Franklin’s daughter, though most of the women discussed in the book are not connected to the most famous founding fathers – so while Martha Washington is mentioned she doesn’t get her own chapter and Abigail Adams is not dealt with here. Lesser known women come out.
The focus on women with little or no connection to the Framers makes this book a good edition to the work of Cokie Roberts and her two books on the women behind the Founders. Casey’s book presents the common woman (Mr. Policeman’s wife) as opposed to Roberts’ famous woman (hello, Jackie O). It’s more than wonderful to have such three great books out there.
When dealing with the women who were enslaved, Casey does not hide or excuse slavery, and she is very careful in dealing with family lore versus fact. When the record does not show what happens, Casey presents the various outcomes. So a slave woman’s rescue of her master does that come across as a lap dog action, but an action of a woman who is trying to endure her own family as opposed to that of her masters.
The book is divided into various sections, classifying the women, loosely, on how they fought against the British. Most of the women, with the exception of the Molly Pitchers, get their own chapter complete with further information sources at the end.
When I went to grade school, the sum total I was told about women in the American Revolution was Molly Pitcher and Abigail Adams’ letter to her husband about not forgetting the women.
That’s it.
Hopefully this book will become standard reading in grade schools to rectify that.
Look, let’s be honest, part of the reason why history is dominated by men doing great things is because the men didn’t have do housework and get the children off to school. Let John Adams change nappies and let’s see if he can write a constitution. Additionally, the men determined what made it into the history books and also defined heroism. This is while Joan of Arc is both a saint and a witch; it just depends upon which guy was writing the story.
Furthermore, at times revisionist history can be a bit much. A course on ancient Greek women poets – who are going to do besides Sappho? Female generals of ancient Rome? Huh? You take the point. And then there is the fact that the women who break the gender roles might have kept quiet about it. We don’t know, for sure, how many Deborah Chapmans might have existed because the women didn’t become famous or kept quiet. And as Susan Casey points out in this excellent book, there might not have been one woman named Molly Pitcher, but there were a great many Molly Pitchers anyway.
So, we need to do better remembering heroes who are not white men or men in general.
The great thing about this book is the multiple definitions of the word hero. Phyllis Whitney is in here, and when you really pause to consider the penalty for a slave knowing how to read, she really does deserve her place. She isn’t the only slave whose story is related in this volume; though the majority of stories are white women (we are back to that ability to record information again). Spies are featured as are newspaper editors. We are told a story of teenage girl who does a Paul Revere like ride, but also of older women who protest in a variety of different ways. This group includes Franklin’s daughter, though most of the women discussed in the book are not connected to the most famous founding fathers – so while Martha Washington is mentioned she doesn’t get her own chapter and Abigail Adams is not dealt with here. Lesser known women come out.
The focus on women with little or no connection to the Framers makes this book a good edition to the work of Cokie Roberts and her two books on the women behind the Founders. Casey’s book presents the common woman (Mr. Policeman’s wife) as opposed to Roberts’ famous woman (hello, Jackie O). It’s more than wonderful to have such three great books out there.
When dealing with the women who were enslaved, Casey does not hide or excuse slavery, and she is very careful in dealing with family lore versus fact. When the record does not show what happens, Casey presents the various outcomes. So a slave woman’s rescue of her master does that come across as a lap dog action, but an action of a woman who is trying to endure her own family as opposed to that of her masters.
The book is divided into various sections, classifying the women, loosely, on how they fought against the British. Most of the women, with the exception of the Molly Pitchers, get their own chapter complete with further information sources at the end.
December 16, 2014
Susan Casey has put together a noteworthy non-fictional collection of tales about a wide variety of women during the Revolutionary War. They hailed from all walks of life and financial backgrounds. Some disguised themselves and became soldiers while others were spies. Some sabotaged the British’s efforts and some rescued their husbands/masters from prison camps. Some were considered beauties in their day and some were more homely but all contributed to help the Colonials win their freedom from the British.
This collection covers a wide range of instances that highlight how women helped during the war. The stories are short and concise and easy to read. They are well written with enough variety that there is something for everyone. Since most women’s roles were downplayed or not recorded, there are some questions left unanswered but the author successfully filled in as many blanks as possible.
I would recommend this book to anyone who has even a passing interest in American history, particularly women’s history. It could be read and enjoyed by anyone from pre-teen and older. It will pique their interest and inspire them to read and learn more.
I read and reviewed this book for NetGallery
This collection covers a wide range of instances that highlight how women helped during the war. The stories are short and concise and easy to read. They are well written with enough variety that there is something for everyone. Since most women’s roles were downplayed or not recorded, there are some questions left unanswered but the author successfully filled in as many blanks as possible.
I would recommend this book to anyone who has even a passing interest in American history, particularly women’s history. It could be read and enjoyed by anyone from pre-teen and older. It will pique their interest and inspire them to read and learn more.
I read and reviewed this book for NetGallery
May 17, 2024
Interesting non-fiction paperback gave this 3.5 stars.
Pro British troops in the American colonies were Tories,
those for the Patriots or Rebels, were called Whigs.
This spotlighted 20 women, I am noting a few.
(1) Mary Katherine Goddard was a patriotic publisher
( used a pen name) as was her brother William. Wm.
started as a printer's apprentice. He began a Baltimore
paper & the Providence Gazette and asked Mary and
his mother to take over. These 2 ladies wrote/ edited/
published/ collected debts owed. Mary also had an
eventual hand in the Maryland Journal. She didn't
run the papers simultaneously- even she couldn't
be in 3 places at once.
(2) Esther Reed and friends
Collected $300 K Continental Dollars or $7500
in coin and gold to provide what General George
Washinton's troops needed: shirts. They bought
the material, sewed the shirts and funneled
them via GW's supply chain.
(3) Lydia Darrah. British troops in the US during
the war took over someone's home as a command
post, and the homeowner had no say. Lydia
informed the Brit commander that she had 5
children & nowhere else to go. And she was
raised a Quaker & was neutral in all wars. In
truth, she was Quaker, but now a Whig. The
Commander chose the largest common room
on the ground floor, for his strategy meetings.
After he left for the night, she had a courier
deliver the news to the Patriot troops.
(4) Mammy Kate.
Stephen Heard, a Patriot militia officer, was
a Brit POW & sentenced to die. His slave Kate
& her husband outside the prison had a plan
to free Heard. Kate made a deal to wash the
clothes for Brit officers & prisoners too,
while sneaking Heard food. Kate put a basket
on her head with Heard and the clothes
contained therein (other prisoners helped)
& helped Heard escape!
(5) Elizabeth Betty Zane ran for gunpowder
while under fire from British. She obtained
the gunpowder from her Patriot uncle and
returned to a larger group of Patriots greatly
in need of this essential. (Gunpowder was
made in England or in northern American
colonies exclusively).
Pro British troops in the American colonies were Tories,
those for the Patriots or Rebels, were called Whigs.
This spotlighted 20 women, I am noting a few.
(1) Mary Katherine Goddard was a patriotic publisher
( used a pen name) as was her brother William. Wm.
started as a printer's apprentice. He began a Baltimore
paper & the Providence Gazette and asked Mary and
his mother to take over. These 2 ladies wrote/ edited/
published/ collected debts owed. Mary also had an
eventual hand in the Maryland Journal. She didn't
run the papers simultaneously- even she couldn't
be in 3 places at once.
(2) Esther Reed and friends
Collected $300 K Continental Dollars or $7500
in coin and gold to provide what General George
Washinton's troops needed: shirts. They bought
the material, sewed the shirts and funneled
them via GW's supply chain.
(3) Lydia Darrah. British troops in the US during
the war took over someone's home as a command
post, and the homeowner had no say. Lydia
informed the Brit commander that she had 5
children & nowhere else to go. And she was
raised a Quaker & was neutral in all wars. In
truth, she was Quaker, but now a Whig. The
Commander chose the largest common room
on the ground floor, for his strategy meetings.
After he left for the night, she had a courier
deliver the news to the Patriot troops.
(4) Mammy Kate.
Stephen Heard, a Patriot militia officer, was
a Brit POW & sentenced to die. His slave Kate
& her husband outside the prison had a plan
to free Heard. Kate made a deal to wash the
clothes for Brit officers & prisoners too,
while sneaking Heard food. Kate put a basket
on her head with Heard and the clothes
contained therein (other prisoners helped)
& helped Heard escape!
(5) Elizabeth Betty Zane ran for gunpowder
while under fire from British. She obtained
the gunpowder from her Patriot uncle and
returned to a larger group of Patriots greatly
in need of this essential. (Gunpowder was
made in England or in northern American
colonies exclusively).
June 28, 2021
Women Heroes of the American Revolution: 20 Stories of Espionage, Sabotage, Defiance, and Rescue by Susan M. Casey chronicles the lives of 20 of the lesser known women who made contributions to the American colonists efforts against the British during the Revolutionary War. Some passed messages of critical importance, some took on more risky actions of spying, and then there were those who actually took up arms themselves against the British. Some were wives or family members of men who were well known to those who have studied the Revolutionary War period and some were only known for what they did to help the cause of freedom and not for whom they were connected to by birth or marriage. The author has collected together some of the contributions of American women to the cause of independence as much as many of the men. Highly recommended.
August 30, 2019
Ironic I know that the quotes I'm listing are both written by men... oh well.
Andrew Jackson said "The memory of my mother and her teaching were after all the only capital I had to start in life, and on the capital I have made my way."
"We Englishmen are afraid of the male congress, but if the ladies, who have ever since the Amazonian era been esteemed the most formidable enemies; if they, I say, should attack us, the most fatal consequence is to be dreaded. So dextrous in the handing of a dart, each wound they give is mortal; whilst we, so unhappily formed by nature, the more we strive to conquer them, the more we are conquered."
Andrew Jackson said "The memory of my mother and her teaching were after all the only capital I had to start in life, and on the capital I have made my way."
"We Englishmen are afraid of the male congress, but if the ladies, who have ever since the Amazonian era been esteemed the most formidable enemies; if they, I say, should attack us, the most fatal consequence is to be dreaded. So dextrous in the handing of a dart, each wound they give is mortal; whilst we, so unhappily formed by nature, the more we strive to conquer them, the more we are conquered."
May 5, 2016
At first I was upset because there weren't more well known ladies in this book, as I assumed there would be.
But after reading it, and learning about all of these wonderful ladies who's stories have been left out of history, and discovering how amazing some of them were... I am glad. It was very fun to read. I highly enjoyed it.
But after reading it, and learning about all of these wonderful ladies who's stories have been left out of history, and discovering how amazing some of them were... I am glad. It was very fun to read. I highly enjoyed it.
October 14, 2015
Although I started reading this awhile ago, just finished it, I loved it! Having taken a class in college on just the American Revolution, I remembered some of these stories while others I did not. What was the best, I was reading on the 4th of July of my own ancestors, Andrew Jackson's family!
February 1, 2022
Many little interesting stories about women helping in the American revolution. Very entertaining.
August 13, 2017
I won this book in a giveaway on Goodreads. And it was very enjoyable to read. It brought up some women who are rarely talked about which was nice. The book is very well thought out and has the references for each woman right after their part which is really helpful for research. And for the size and weight of the book it provides a good deal of information and without making the print small. I do recommend this for light essays and/or if your just in to history.
December 14, 2019
This is a great book of short stories of amazingly unbelievable women. I will definitely reference this book as I teach this part of history. I love the variety of small biographies and how the author divides the stories into categories of how different women supported the Revolution.
This is a great read for young people and look forward to purchasing a copy for my classroom library!
This is a great read for young people and look forward to purchasing a copy for my classroom library!
August 30, 2017
Fun & educational
I found it surprising how much women contributed to the Revolutionary War and there is so little evidence or history about them. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the stories and telling them to my daughter
I found it surprising how much women contributed to the Revolutionary War and there is so little evidence or history about them. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the stories and telling them to my daughter
June 29, 2018
Women Heroes of the American Revolution: 20 Stories of Espionage, Sabotage, Defiance, and Rescue is written by Susan M. Casey and pays homage to twenty American women that participated in the American Revolution as spies, saboteurs, resistance leaders, and rescuers. This book is divided into five sections, which group these women as "Resisters, Supporters, and Rescuers", "Spies", "Saboteurs", "Soldiers and Defenders of the Home Front", and "Legendary Ladies".
Casey has written powerful, riveting, and concise biographies of each of these twenty women patriots. She writes intelligently, albeit a tad simplistic, feisty, educationally and delves into the lives of these twenty women, which was rather an enjoyable read.
Casey has also given an overview of the American Revolution and sets up the circumstances that these women lived, thrived, and resisted. One tiny nit-pick, as I mention before, the language used was a tad simplistic, and it wasn't revealed until I was three-quarters into the book that it was for middle grade students.
All in all, Women Heroes of the American Revolution: 20 Stories of Espionage, Sabotage, Defiance, and Rescue is a wonderfully written book and a magnificent collection of mini-biographies of twenty war heroes, who happens to be women. It is a good read and reference book for anyone who wants to learn more about women in history.
Casey has written powerful, riveting, and concise biographies of each of these twenty women patriots. She writes intelligently, albeit a tad simplistic, feisty, educationally and delves into the lives of these twenty women, which was rather an enjoyable read.
Casey has also given an overview of the American Revolution and sets up the circumstances that these women lived, thrived, and resisted. One tiny nit-pick, as I mention before, the language used was a tad simplistic, and it wasn't revealed until I was three-quarters into the book that it was for middle grade students.
All in all, Women Heroes of the American Revolution: 20 Stories of Espionage, Sabotage, Defiance, and Rescue is a wonderfully written book and a magnificent collection of mini-biographies of twenty war heroes, who happens to be women. It is a good read and reference book for anyone who wants to learn more about women in history.
January 27, 2019
When I received this book a few years ago from Netgalley I did not realize that it was a children’s book. Still the women that are mentioned in this book are taught in any grade schools, junior high, or high school. Some of these women were spies, or saboteurs against the British, plotted and were able to get their husband out of captivity. This might not be a big deal to some people but the British held prisoners on ships so to find out where they were would take time. This is a good book to just see that women also played a role in our countries freedom. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 4 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
July 6, 2017
I realized about two chapters in that this was a children's book. (It's very simplistic and not well-written.) As one who is interested in history, I found it interesting. However, some of the "heroes" didn't really do anything heroic, and several of the stories can't even be verified for historical accuracy- they are simply legend. So it was a little disappointing. I should also note that slavery is very much glossed over, especially in regards to one Southern plantation mistress who is touted as one of the heroes.
March 24, 2021
These are great, quick stories of how these 20 women assisted in the revolutionary war. As the author says, it's hard to find written accounts about women's bravery during this time, especially if the woman is a slave. She does a good job of trying to focus on WHO the woman was, where she came from and why she may have been a patriot. At the end of each short chapter, is a list of references for further reading. I didn't realize this was aimed at high school students when I picked it, but it made for easy reading.
July 29, 2017
The book is a great historical picture of 20 different women in all walks of life during the American Revolution who are little known and assisted so much in the efforts. It's well researched and has lots of documentary "evidence" to support the stories. Alas, i didn't realize it was a children's book until about half-way through, and by then I'd already developed a distaste for the writing style. Go into the book knowing that and I'd think you'd enjoy it more than I did.
April 18, 2018
This was a fun, quick read. Each of the profiles gives further sources so you can find out more if you want to. But at the very least, this book is a good way of introducing the idea that women played many different roles in the American Revolution, something that doesn't often get as much attention as it could.
December 14, 2020
This young adult book provides brief stories of women who performed extraordinary acts of heroism in the American Revolution. Some of them are well documented; a few are more rather elaborated legends than factual accounts. Each chapter has a brief bibliography for those wishing to read further. I found it a nice read for one of the 20 items required in the 2020 Reading Challenge.
January 27, 2023
When you think of the Revolutionary War you remember the major battles and George Washington and Paul Revere. But there were many minor actions the never made the history books. This is the story of 20 women who helped in many different ways. There were spies, nurses, couriers, resisters, rescuers, and even soldiers.
July 25, 2024
Closing out Independence Month, this book is a collection of stories of women helping, hiding, foiling, and fighting during the American Revolution. Either gathered by their contemporaries or told many years later, the stories tell of heroism, character, and bravery when faced with British troops who had either confiscated their homes or were invading their town.
September 10, 2018
I liked this book for its several tales of bravery and stories of rescue and espionage. This book captures the reader and explains how courageous woman have been throughout history. This book is easy to read and thoroughly written.
April 26, 2019
A great collection of lesser known women whose heroic deeds were mostly forgotten and left out of history books. A few of the ladies were familiar to me but many were new, and there was definitely a focus on ones that are not as lauded by history.
March 8, 2020
For its purpose I enjoyed it. The author, Susan Casey, introduces readers to a number of women of the Revolution. Many of these women I had not heard of. So this book serves as a good introduction to historical figures for further study.
November 5, 2020
Although there are some stories or accounts of activities during the Revolutionary War that were interesting or amusing, there was much labeling as speculation in a effort to be accurate "nonfiction". This was more than a little boring.
February 7, 2021
I was quite pleased with the vignettes of the valiant Ladies of my ancestor's acquaintance and lifetime, I say a glimpse of the hardship of that time, and the deep desire to be a relevant member of their society, very much like many citizens of today.
August 8, 2023
A nice read
Well chosen 20. More and more is written about the women of the Revolution. The read was easy to red and accessible. we hear about the great white men it is time to hear about the women who were not great and not all white.
Well chosen 20. More and more is written about the women of the Revolution. The read was easy to red and accessible. we hear about the great white men it is time to hear about the women who were not great and not all white.
February 26, 2018
A truly engaging book shedding some much-needed light on the heroines of the American Revolution. Meticulously researched, differing angles respected and addressed, and an impressive bibliography.
August 20, 2018
A quick, interesting read with short stories of very brave women who helped fight for America's independence. Started out a bit slow, but I am in awe of many of these brave women!!
November 6, 2018
Kind of disappointing.
November 21, 2018
Very interesting chapters about the activities of 2o women.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews