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

by Beth Anderson, Susan Reagan (Illustrations)

Here is the first-ever picture book about female Revolutionary War activist Prudence Wright, who rallied the first and only group of minute women to fight the British, changing history in the process.

Prudence Wright had a spark of independence. Annoyed when the British king held back freedoms in colonial Massachusetts, feisty and fearless Prudence had enough. She said no! to British goods, determined to rely on her resourcefulness and ingenuity to get by. And when British troops continued to threaten the lives of her family and community, she assembled and led the minute women of Pepperell to break free of tradition. This untold story of a courageous and brave woman from the Revolutionary War continues to inspire today.

Genres: Picture Books, History, Biography, Nonfiction, American Revolutionary War, Childrens, War

48 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 2022

About the author

Beth Anderson, a former teacher, loves digging into history and culture for undiscovered gems, exploring points of view, and playing with words. She is drawn to stories that open minds, touch hearts, and inspire questions. Born and raised in Illinois, she now lives in Loveland, Colorado.

Reviews

[Reading_ Tamishly · Rating 5 out of 5]

My personal favourite when it comes to the publisher's series of women empowerment storybooks. Everything is perfect: the illustrations, the presentation and enough information.

Thank you, publisher and the authors, for the advance reading copy.

[Kaitlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Revolutionary Prudence Wright: Leading the Minute Women in the Fight for Independence is an intriguing and inspiring story for all readers - children and adults alike! Girls, especially, will be empowered by learning about strong women who took down a spy during the revolutionary war. This book is a wonderful and inspiring book for all home, school, and public libraries!

[Mary Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Calkins Creek for the review copy! Blog review to follow.

[Heather McC · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prudence Wright, and her fellow minute women fought for their freedom, their family, and their way of living.

[Teresa Grabs · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fabulous picture book! Anderson combined textbook history, local history, and family history to share the tale of the women of Pepperell, MA during the American Revolution. As with many other times, when the men were away, the women rose to the occasion and showed them the power and strength that women have. Prudence Wright believed in independence and lived her life being a "proper" revolutionary wife until the townsmen were called out to help defend Boston. Prudence, and the other women (and the tavern keeper), picked up any weapon or tool they had and defended the town bridge. Their story has been lost for many reasons but this generation will make up for the past wrongs. We need more tales of individuals who made a change, no matter how small or big, who we don't see in the history books. For every one man (and a few women) who made it to the history book, there are hundreds or thousands who also deserved to be remembered. Anderson's book belongs to be in every classroom and home library because it shows the power that people have when they band together.

Thank you NetGalley and Astra Publishing House, Calkins Creek for the opportunity to read an advance reading copy.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

England is tightening its grip on the colonies, and David and Prudence Wright are ready to take a stand. Fearless, Prudence refuses to purchase any English goods and unites the women of Pepperell, MA in doing the same. When British spies threaten their town, these Minute Women assemble and find their own place in history.

This historical non-fiction picture book does a wonderful job of weaving source material into a compelling story of heroism and bravery. Determined to fight for their freedom, these Minute Women rose to the challenge and in so doing proved changed the course of history. Paired with beautiful illustrations, Revolutionary Prudence Wright is a book to inspire young men and women alike.

The afterword also includes additional information, author's research notes, illustrator's notes, and bibliography. This was a nice addition as it provided helpful information regarding the research of a book of this type, and sources for additional study. This book would make a nice addition to an American Revolution unit study.

*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Rebecca Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little known story from the Revolutionary War is an amazing masterpiece! The illustrations and the layout are perfect!!

Prudence Wright put her foot down, saying NO to the British - refusing stay silent, and organizing the women of her town to stand against the British - some only having farm implements, such as pitch forks, to use as a weapon. These women stood firm in MA, and Prudence Wright cemented a small corner in the annals of history. Sadly, these are stories that we do not hear often, and these should be shared! I will definitely be talking to her in my American history course this spring!

Grab this book, your children will love it!

*I received an advanced e-copy for my unbiased review from NetGalley and Astra Publishing House*

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

The things you learn from children’s books!
Honestly, I had never heard of Prudence Wright and I am ashamed to say so. What a phenomenal woman she was!
We talk about giving our young ladies role models and we fail to look back in history for some of the most inspirational women to have walked the Earth!
This book was great! It’s very well written, the illustrations are beautiful, and it reads very quickly. For sure, it’ll be added to the library of books that our daughter has about women in history who stood up and made a difference.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Jilanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Filled with the energy (and energetic verbs) of its subject's spirit, this biography captures the attention of the reader immediately and never lets up. All it takes is one spread to set up the bold and independent spirit of Prudence Wright, the young girl, before we fast forward to the beginnings of the American Revolution and the woman who's now a wife and mother, performing the customary tasks of women. But when push (or should I say the British) come to shove, Prudence shows the type of cloth she's made from, sturdy, resourceful, and yes, independent. Meticulously researched and gorgeously illustrated, this is a fine example of how women have contributed significantly to U.S. history.

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a story about a revolutionary fighter who does not appear in standard history books. Prudence Wright is considered the only female leader of an all-women’s Minutemen group. Her group was made out of desperation to protect her community. While I did enjoy the story the book was very general. More time was spent on the surrounding history then on Prudence’s is history. However, it is explained that it was hard to find information due to lack of a historical record. Overall this is an interesting book and may lead people to research more. It would be a nice addition to any library collection.

[Lynn B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

REVOLUTIONARY PRUDENCE WRIGHT, written by Beth Anderson and illustrated by Susan Reagan is the story of how, in 1775, one Captain Prudence Wright organized and led a group of women to “[break] free from traditional female roles” in order to capture a British spy and further the war effort of the patriots in the early days of America’s fight for independence. Anderson spins a fascinating tale of courage, leadership, and norm-busting behavior in the face of British attack, and Reagan’s digitally-drawn, watercolor illustrations do a fine job of bringing this little-known piece of history to life.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting title about Prudence Wright and the women of Pepperell, Massachusetts and their involvement in the Revolutionary War. There is actual proof that the women were paid for their service, read the Afterword to learn how that was accomplished. The text flows well and even comes to a point of excitement. Illustration s are well done.
Additional material includes an afterword, author’s research notes, an illustrator’s note, a bibliography of both primary and secondary sources as well as websites. Outstanding research for this title as women were not written about as being active in the Revolutionary War.

[Cindy Dobrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to thank Calkins Creek for its commitment to publishing United States history, shining lantern lights on many events and people that never got their due. Anderson's story of Prudence Wright is amazing. She and her many "sisters" risked much at a small bridge in Pepperell, Massachusetts, a success that may have changed history. The storytelling and the artwork make this a stunning package. The author's and illustrator's notes illuminate some of the difficulties in researching little-known events from long ago.

[Helen Wu · Rating 5 out of 5]

A piece of page-turning American history of a groundbreaking woman. It’s the first-ever picture book about female Revolutionary War activist Prudence Wright, who rallied the first and only group of "minute women" to fight the British, changing history in the process. Through this non-fiction biography, readers will gain a deep awareness of the untold story of a courageous and brave woman from the Revolutionary War. Perfect for classrooms, libraries, and parents of young children who want to expand their collection of books on inspiring women during the American Revolution.

[Dina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This biography of an unknown historical figure, Prudence Wright, tells of her experience in leading the minute women of Pepperell, Massachusetts in capturing Captain Leonard Whiting, a Tory loyal to the King. As the author writes at the end, "They broke free from traditional female roles, never surrendered to fear, and proved themselves as full citizens. Revolutionary women, indeed!" Backmatter is provided--afterword, author's research note, illustrator's note, and an extensive bibliography. Two thumbs up for this book! It is a perfect read aloud for Women's History Month.

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well done, this look at a female involved in the cut and thrust of military action against George III's agents in Massachusetts – forsaking her several children to guard a bridge whose use could put the kibosh on the town's men – is clearly of much more interest in the US than anywhere else, but is not to be dismissed. Brief yet detailed, and well illustrated, this should be a great success in its target market.

[Helen Stein · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! The writing and illustrations give us a clear picture of an unconventional, feisty, brave woman who acted on her convictions and was a leader in her community at the beginning of the Revolutionary War. I feel inspired to stand up for my beliefs, too, and I think girls who read the book will feel the same. I will definitely add this to our school library's list of books to order.

[Bozhena Levine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the Astra Publishing House and NetGalley for the advanced electronic review copy of this great book. This is an important book about Prudence Wright, a Revolutionary War activist. This is the first time a female activist from that time period is highlighted and as an educator, I am so glad to see that! I cannot wait to use this book with my 4th graders who study American Revolution!

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

When it comes to writing about unknown pieces of history, Beth Anderson is the master! In Revolutionary Prudence Wright, Anderson brings to life the story of a brave woman who led other women Patriots in their fight against the injustices of the British King. Anderson's engaging and informative text along with Susan Regan's beautifully detailed illustrations create a book well worth reading and sharing.

[Raven Black · Rating 3 out of 5]

What do we want? Freedom! When do we want it? As soon as we put on some britches and head to the bridge! Prudence Wright, 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 as well. Little battles started it, and small feats of trickery helped stop plans being given to the British. This historical fiction story has a glimpse into a piece of history few know, but all should.

[Benson Shum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Revolutionary Prudence Wright by Beth Anderson and Susan Reagan is an amazing story about minute women in the fight for independence. An inspiring history of Prudence Cummings who was more than a colonial girl. She broke free from traditional female roles, never surrendered to fear and proved themselves as full citizens. Revolutionary Women. Susan’s expressive illustrations are perfectly matched with Beth's text. With more detailed backmatter at the end.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, I think we could do an outstanding job of teaching history just by having our students read picture book biographies!!! Here is another really interesting story about a woman I knew nothing about nor her role in the Revolution.

Great back matter including the author's note on her historical research and careful attributions.

Susan Reagan's watercolor illustrations are beautifully done and I was also fascinated by the her notes on historical accuracy in the her work.

[Katie Mazeika · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Revolutionary Prudence Wright” shines the spotlight on a heroine from the Revolutionary War. Prudence and a group of brave women defended their town and outed a spy. Beth Anderson tell Prudence’s story with compelling details that are beautifully brought to life by the illustrator, Susan Reagan. I especially like that Beth organizes her sources as primary and secondary. I highly recommend this picturebook biography.

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I would have given to have read this story when I was a little girl! Prudence Wright became a leader during the American Revolution long before women like Prudence were free to take action and to have rights as we do today. Wright led a group of women to follow her lead in stepping away from British goods and using only American goods. She also led them, in an amazing show of bravery, to capture a spy. What a heroic story!

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the style and the text. It's a cool story! That I knew nothing about! But I think something is being glossed over or sugarcoated. It's highly unlikely that the so called women were all lower class (or that any at all were) so it makes me suspicious that there is no mention of servants and, most importantly, of whether any of their families owned enslaved people. Which I suspect would have been likely for middle class revolutionaries from other reading. Because of these suspicions I have even more questions about the final page of the story which shows Prudence alongside other women, a Black man, and a man who looks to be Indigenous. It's a nice idea, but I don't think it was reality and I'm disappointed the book didn't try to offer some clarification one way or another in the backmatter.

The issue about the last page aside the backmatter includes thorough author's note and illustrator's note explaining their research and processes. Primary and secondary source bibliography.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as an adult reader for the AR Diamond Book Award. I love all books relating to history, so this one was a hit for me. I enjoyed the little-known story of "minute-women" and the beautiful watercolor/line illustrations. This book is recommended for grades 1-4, but I do think it reads 4th grade+ because the readers need to have some kind of knowledge of American History to relate to this book.

[Skylaar Amann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Revolutionary Prudence Wright is an engaging story about the power of women, activism, and independence. The lush watercolor illustrations compliment the historical details. Readers of all ages, but especially young girls, will enjoy this story, as it's quite the empowering tale of what women can accomplish. A deep and engaging read.

[Amanda Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoa. I've never heard of Prudence Wright before. Why are we not teaching our children these things? Our sons, and especially our daughters? The men in my life often have more faith in my power as a woman than I do. I wish that I had known this story. My daughter sure as heck will. Also, the layout of the book and the illustrations are to die for.

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Living in Massachusetts we are well-schooled in the Minutemen who fought the British regulars and "the shot heard round the world." But I had never heard the story of Prudence Wright, a woman in Pepperell who banded with other women during the revolution to defend their town. Great illustrations too. Excellent addition to a unit on the American Revolution.

[Jon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book showing the importance of multiple perspectives when learning about history. Prudence is portrayed as a very capable and knowledgeable young woman and this is important for readers to see. Her involvement could be a catalyst for young readers to offer their insight into societal matters of today.