Founding Mothers: Remembering the Ladies
What’s inside...
A historical non-fiction book that explores the lives and contributions of the women who shaped America's early years, from the Revolutionary War to the early years of the Republic. The book highlights the stories of women such as Abigail Adams, Dolley Madison, and Sacagawea, who played a crucial role in shaping the country's history and government. The author, Cokie Roberts, uses her extensive knowledge of American history to bring these women's stories to life and show how they influenced the founding of the United States. 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.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-10
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What challenges do you think women faced during the time of the Founding Mothers?
How did the actions of the Founding Mothers impact the history of the United States?
Why is it important to remember and honor the contributions of women in history?
If you could meet one of the Founding Mothers, who would it be and what would you ask her?
How can we apply the lessons learned from the Founding Mothers to today's world?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by discussing the concept of 'Founding Mothers' and explore what your child knows about the American Revolution and the contributions of women.
Use the stories in the book to highlight specific examples of courage and perseverance demonstrated by these women, making historical connections to the present.
Encourage your child to think critically about the role of women in history and society, and ask them how they think these roles have evolved over time.
Discuss the idea of legacy and ask your child what kind of legacy they would like to leave, drawing parallels to the impactful lives of the Founding Mothers.
Reinforce the importance of learning about all aspects of history, including the often overlooked contributions of women, to develop a well-rounded perspective.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Perseverance
Explanation: The book portrays the relentless efforts of women who played crucial roles during the founding of America, despite facing numerous challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persist in their goals and endeavors, despite difficulties, mirroring the determination shown by these pioneering women.
Example Lesson: Value of Leadership and Influence
Explanation: Through stories of women who influenced the early political landscape of America indirectly and directly, the book highlights the importance of leadership.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to take initiative in group activities and understand the impact of leading by example in their schools and communities.
Example Lesson: Equality and Justice
Explanation: The book discusses the significant contributions of women, advocating for recognition and equality, paralleling the broader fight for justice during America's founding.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be integrated by children by practicing fairness and equality in their interactions with peers, fostering an inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: Historical Awareness
Explanation: It educates about lesser-known figures in American history, broadening the narrative beyond the well-documented male figures.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore and value diverse perspectives and contributions in history, leading to a more comprehensive understanding of past events.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Explanation: The book illustrates how women overcame societal constraints and personal hardships to contribute significantly to their country.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of bouncing back from setbacks and continuing to strive towards making a difference in their own lives and the lives of others.