Book details
Molly Bannaky
Description
On a cold gray morning in 1683, Molly Walsh sat on a stool tugging at the udder of an obstinate cow. When she spilled the milk, she was brought before the court for stealing. Because she could read, Molly escaped the typicalpunishment of death on the gallows. At the age of seventeen, the English dairymaid was exiled from her country and sentenced to work as an indentured servant in British Colonial America. Molly worked for a planter in Maryland for seven long years. Then she was given an ox hitched to a cart, some supplies-and her freedom. That a lone woman should stake land was unheard of. That she would marry an African slave was even more so. Yet Molly prospered, and with her husband Bannaky, she turned a one-room cabin in the wilderness into a thriving one hundred-acre farm. And one day she had the pleasure of writing her new grandson's name in her cherished Bible: Benjamin Banneker.
Age
7-9
Text complexity
proficient
Length
32 pages
Why to read
- Educational Value: 'Molly Bannaky' is a historical picture book that introduces young readers to the story of Molly Walsh, an English milkmaid who became a pioneer in America. It provides an engaging way to learn about colonial history and the early days of Maryland's settlement.
- Cultural Diversity: The book highlights the diverse cultural landscape of early America by depicting the true story of Molly, who eventually married one of her enslaved workers, an African man named Bannaky. Their grandson, Benjamin Banneker, would go on to become a well-known African American scientist and abolitionist.
- Illustrations: Chris K. Soentpiet's detailed and realistic watercolor illustrations bring the story to life, offering readers a visual feast that enhances the narrative and provides a deeper understanding of the historical period.
- Inspiring Story: Molly Bannaky's life story is one of resilience and determination. It serves as an inspiration to readers, showing how one person's courage and hard work can overcome adversity and lead to significant contributions to society.