Courage Like Kate: The True Story of a Girl Lighthouse Keeper

by Anna Crowley Redding, Emily Sutton (Illustrator)

An inspiring and beautifully illustrated picture book biography based on the life of Kate Moore, a twelve-year-old lighthouse keeper in the 19th century who saved the lives of twenty-three sailors.

With an evocative text and stunning illustrations, travel back to the stormy, rocky shores of 19th century Connecticut and meet an unforgettable heroine-- at a time when girls were considered anything but. Fayerweather Island had seen blustery blizzards and rip-roaring tides, but it had never seen a pint-sized hurricane until Kate Moore claimed that tiny island as her own. Little Kate was supposed to be the lighthouse keeper's daughter, but she thought of herself as Papa's assistant.

The thirty-three spiraling lighthouse stairs finally took a toll on Papa's body, and so twelve-year-old Kate stepped up. Over the years, she kept the flame lit to guide ships to safety, listened for cries for help, and, time and again, pulled men to safety--twenty-three of them in all. At the age of forty-seven, Kate received word--she had been named the official lighthouse keeper of Fayerweather Island. This girl-power picture book introduces a small heroine, who, with her can-do attitude and incredible spirit, is sure to inspire.

Genres: Biography, Picture Books, Nonfiction, History, Childrens, Realistic Fiction, Art

40 pages, Hardcover

Published August 16, 2022

About the author

Before diving into the deep end of writing books, Anna Crowley Redding’s first career was as an Emmy-award winning investigative television reporter, anchor, and journalist. The recipient of multiple Edward R. Murrow awards and recognized by the Associated Press for her reporting, Anna now focuses her stealthy detective skills on digging up great stories for young readers — which, as it turns out, is her true passion. Anna's books have been translated into Russian and Czech.

Reviews

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

With energetic, detailed illustrations created with watercolor, ink, pencil, and pastel and offering so much for readers to see, this picture book tells the story of Kate Moore and her work as a lighthouse keeper off the coast of Connecticut during the nineteenth century. Kate and her father moved to Fayerweather Island when she was five, and she loved the place from the very start. Kate helped her father with various tasks, and when she was twelve, she even tended the lighthouse tower, climbing its 31 spiraling steps and lighting the eight lamps so that any ship passing by could make its way through the water safely. At various times, she even rowed out to sea to rescue 23 men who had been shipwrecked. Eventually, Kate's father dies, and she continues his work, being officially named as the lighthouse keeper for her beloved island. The artwork and lively text capture the essence of what must surely have been a most spirited and determined woman as well as the place that she called home. Back matter includes information about her salary and what a lighthouse keeper does as well as a timeline, photos of Kate and the lighthouse, and references. Talk about a girl who challenged the norms of her society and what women were supposed to be and do: Kate Moore stands as a wonderful example of someone who charted her own course and lived life on her own terms. Thus, this picture book would be a fine addition to a collection devoted to strong women. For readers interested in lighthouses, pairing this one with Sophie Blackall's Hello, Lighthouse (2018) would provide an interesting perspective.

[Melanie Ellsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this gorgeously illustrated book, where the brush strokes make you feel like you’re standing in the wind on Fayerweather Island, we learn about the feats of Kate Moore, lighthouse assistant to her father and later lighthouse keeper. The work Kate did from a young age was dangerous and physically exhausting, but her love for the island and for keeping the lights burning helped her persist. It’s amazing to imagine Kate Moore as a girl as young as twelve, rowing out into ferocious waves to rescue sailors and managing to drag them into her rowboat and get them safely to shore. COURAGE LIKE KATE is an important book because it keeps the legacy of an exceptionally brave, kind, and independent woman alive. Readers will find the story empowering and the author’s note at the end moving. Share it with your children to talk about courage and skill and in classrooms to talk about the history of lighthouses and the brave women and men who kept sailors safe at sea.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

For years now I have hunted out child-sized inspiring biographies for my children, about courageous and strong women, and I am grateful they are becoming more prolific and easy to find.

This is a good biography about Kathleen Andre Moore (1812-1899) and her Father, Stephen Moore, who took over caring for the Connecticut Fayerweather Island, Black Rock Harbor Lighthouse, when Kate was 5 years old.

[The existence of her mother is only mentioned in the author’s note at the end—we’re not sure if she isn’t mentioned because she died before the story begins, or because her ‘conforming’ role as ‘mother’, doesn’t support the narrative of the role-breaking success of her daughter acting in an unconventional position—another topic for another day].

Stephen Moore lived to almost 100 years old, and also taught his daughter how to tend the island, lighthouse and waves. Over the course of her service, she rescued 23 individuals from the waves around the island. Kate performed courageously in a position that was uncommon for women in the 1800’s.

This is a wonderful story, however I am beginning to feel a trend in even juvenile women’s history that is concerning to me—and I’m noticing others are feeling the same concern. The narrative of so many of these stories with female heroines seems to not only shine the spotlight in all the amazing things women have accomplished throughout history—which is great—but also seems to put down the men in their lives (including the ones who know how bright and talented the women in their lives are, who wanted them to be successful, like Kate’s father), by throwing in lines like:

“Papa had taught her how to handle an oar BETTER than any man could.” [emphasis added]

While I’m sure Kate was a stellar oarswoman—proved by her rescues, why man-shame men, including her father, who was surely just as competent an oarsman? Why can’t they be successful together—expressions of teamwork for the success of both the job and each other?

This is only one of the many examples I keep coming across, and leaves me feeling irritated.

[Our Weekend Is Booked · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of Kate Moore is not well known, but it should be told to inspire others. When Kate is five years old, her father is appointed lighthouse keeper on Fayerweather Island. As Kate grows up, she learns about everything lighthouse keepers have to do, including how to maintain the lighthouse, and when her father becomes too old to do all his duties, she takes over the job at the age of 13. As the author describes in great detail how difficult the lighthouse keeper's job is, you can't help but be inspired by Kate Moore's bravery. Her heroism is recognized by newspapers after saving 23 people from the sea. After her father's death, Kate becomes the official lighthouse keeper. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Kate's life story and how she defied typical gender roles to help her father.

There is something unique and distinctive about Emily Sutton's illustration style. In her illustrations, I particularly like how she depicts movement. The pictures show how rough and choppy the sea is and how windy it is. You really can imagine what it must have felt like during a storm.

This picture book biography would be a great addition to a classroom/school library. Kate's story of courage and determination needs to be shared.

This review first appeared on YA Book Central and can be found here https://www.yabookscentral.com/courag...

[Laurie Warchol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is so fascinating and even though I live in New England, I had not heard of Kate Moore. Young readers will find the story inspiring and a great feel for the reality of 19th century coastal life. The story covers Kate’s life from pint-sized heroine to female maverick who finally got the position of light keeper that she deserved. Not your average biography thanks to Redding’s lively text, choice of just the perfect words, and lots of alliteration throughout. Young readers will feel Kate’s initial doubt, watch as she gathers her courage, and cheer as she puts aside her fear and steps up in order to save lives of many out at sea. The illustrations capture the time and place perfectly. Interesting back matter extends the story of Kate’s life with an author note, time line, and extra details not in the main text. Keeping a lighthouse was certainly much harder than I thought. This one is keeper.

[Read Ribbet · Rating 5 out of 5]

For fans of chapter book Keep the Lights, Burning Abbie, Redding presents this historically based picture book about another female lighthouse keeper Kathleen Moore (who recently had a Coast Guard cutter named after her). Kate Moore joins her father on Fayerweather Island in Bridgeport, CN to tend to assist him in his life as the lighthouse keeper. As he ages, Kate takes on more responsibility and upon his death she waits to see if she will be named the next lighthouse keeper which would be rare for a woman. The book also captures lives she rescued of those caught out at sea. The narrative and illustrations really convey a sense of the danger and the amount of work required in keeping the lights on. End notes add additional details about Kate's life including a timeline and a bibliography. Kate Moore's courage and expertise provide a great role model for readers to emulate.

[Catherine Petrini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging true story about Kate Moore, who at the age of 5 accompanied her father to live on a Connecticut island when he became the lighthouse keeper there in the 1800s. By the time she was 12, Kate began taking over his duties, as his health made the stairs difficult for him. In addition to keeping the lights burning, Kate singlehandedly rowed out in storms to rescue drowning sailors, gaining acclaim for her courage. Kate's story is told in vivid prose with clever alliteration and charming artwork.

[Liam · Rating 5 out of 5]

We loved Courage Like Kate. This book tells the story of an 1800’s girl lighthouse keeper. It’s a true story about Kate Moore who started keeping the light at age 13 and then saved 23 lives. But she was doing it in her father’s name until decades later she was finally recognized as the official lighthouse keeper… as Crowley Redding writes she had always been the woman for the job! A great one for school, libraries and bedtime.

[Carrie Kruck · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Little girls were supposed to be ladylike, not lighthouse keepers.....But she was the girl for the job." I love this lyrical, inspirational true story about the brave and capable Kate Moore, who saved the lives of 23 sailors as the unofficial, then finally official, lighthouse keeper of Fayerweather Island. Beautifully illustrated with thrilling scenes of daring and danger, this book introduced me to a new hero!

[Hailey Munoz · Rating 5 out of 5]

The key themes in Courage Like Kate is bravery and responsibility, showing how one person can make a difference even in difficult situations. Children can relate to Kate’s courage and determination, which can inspire them. The book engages readers through its detailed descriptions, clear storytelling, and it's problem solving. I really enjoyed the stories message and would recommend it because it teaches students about courage and perseverance.

[Michele Knott · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really interesting picture book biography about Kate Moore - who started out helping her father when he was lighthouse keeper of an island off the shores of Connecticut. It was a job she came to cherish and in a time when women did not hold jobs, she eventually took over for her father. Gorgeous, full-spread illustrations by Emily Sutton.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I mentioned recently that I'm on an Emily Sutton illustrations kick, and I ordered a few of her books from the library. This one also came recommended. I love picture books based on true stories, and this one was great! I appreciated the extra photos included at the end of the real Kathleen Moore and the lighthouse she took care of, as well as a timeline of her life.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting artwork. I really like that it’s full spreads with backgrounds too. Reminds me of Caps for Sale. Very retro.

Unclear why some of the text has italics?
Example:
Year after year, she sailed wind-whipped seas and clamored over / ice-covered rocks to save half-frozen shipwreck survivors. /
Italics: Papa had taught her how to nurse them back to health.

What does it mean? What is the author trying to convey?

Backmatter: author’s note, timeline, visit the island, selected bibliography—all articles.

[Jacey Hernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book to read to beginning readers. It tells a story about a young girl having the courage to take over her fathers lighthouse keeping. She goes through challenges along the way and saves many. It is also a true story and an inspiring one.

[Kris Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Has a Miss Rumphius feel, one of greatest books of all time

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This picture book biography tells of the life of Kate Moore who tended a lighthouse off the Connecticut coast in the 1800's. During this time in history all the work of the lighthouse was done by hand, and required great physical strength. It was unheard of that a woman should be a lighthouse keeper. Nevertheless, Kate learned the profession from her father, and worked as his assistant. After his death she became the official lighthouse keeper. In her lifetime she saved the lives of 23 sailors.
Beautiful watercolor art evokes the wind and waves of the Atlantic coast.
Tie-in with
women's history month,
ELA studies of narrative nonfiction, biography.
Compare with "Kate's Light" by Spires, "Hello, Lighthouse" by Blackall.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated. Loved the alliteration.

[Julie Carithers Overstreet · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true story of a girl who became a lighthouse keeper. She saved lives and was a hero!! Great story!

[Gigi Conrad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Go read this! It's so inspiring and would make the perfect gift to a daughter, niece, or really any kid.

[Nanny B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the images and storyline

[Camilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an extraordinary and empowering story for young and old women alike.

[Lynnette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Conneticut. A wonderfully illustrated story based on the real lighthouse keeper Kate Moore who saved numerous ships and sailors.

[Amira Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

📱

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

The true story of Connecticut lighthouse keeper Kate Moore is captured in this inspiring picture book biography. At a time when girls were expected to learn how to keep house and find a husband, Kate "traded in her skirt for a pair of pants and got to work." She braved bad weather and dark nights to make the journey from their home out to the lighthouse, then hauled buckets of whale oil up the steep steps to fill the lamps and light them. That trip had to be made four times each night to keep the lamps burning and the "way to safe harbor" illuminated. The watercolor illustrations show Kate climbing the circular stairs to the top of the lighthouse; readers must turn the book sideways to see the steps circling inside the walls of the tower. Images also capture Kate's battle against the waves as she rows out to rescue shipwreck survivors.

Back matter includes a photo of Kate, a timeline of her life, photos of the lighthouse, an author's note, selected bibliography, and a few more details of Kate's extraordinary life. During the course of her career she "plucked from death" twenty-three sailors, but she told those who asked, "I wish it had been double that number."

Whether you are looking for stories that exemplify bravery, books about women who defied societal expectations and took on what were considered men's jobs, or titles about life on the Atlantic coast in the 1800s- this book does all that and more.

[Panda Incognito · Rating 4 out of 5]

The illustrations are excellent and give a strong sense of place, and the author did a great job telling the story in a way that will engage kids and adults with all of the right vivid details.