REVOLUTIONARY SARAH

Lawson’s illustrated book for young readers tells the story of a true unsung figure of the American Revolution.

In this short historical-fiction novel, 7-year-old Annie Perkins and her mother walk to Grandma Sarah’s house in Medford, Massachusetts, for a visit in 1834. There, Sarah tells Annie the story of the Boston Tea Party and how she helped the cause with her husband, John Fulton, who was one of the Sons of Liberty. During the war, when British troops attempted to steal firewood from Sarah’s home, she ran after them, took one of their oxen by the horns, and turned it back around—all the while hoping that the soldiers wouldn’t shoot a woman. After this success, Maj. John Brooks tasked Sarah with sending a message across enemy lines to Gen. George Washington in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and she did so, alone in the dark of night, after rowing a boat across the river. As an author’s note points out, the women who were instrumental in the Revolution, such as Sarah Bradlee Fulton, whose life inspired this book, often had their stories preserved through oral histories. This book’s plot effectively demonstrates the importance of these by having Annie listening intently to her Grandma Sarah’s adventures, asking pertinent questions, and making connections to her personal experience. Finally, Annie learns that her older brother, Nathan, has never heard these stories, and she promises to ensure that future generations of her family will hear of her grandmother’s heroism. Coriell’s detailed, half-page black-and-white sketches decorate some pages, showing Sarah’s exploits, the clothing of the different eras, and both the Patriots and British troops. Sarah also introduces Annie to several complex political concepts in engaging, easy-to-understand language. The narrative itself offers both exciting action and discussion of important issues. The inclusion of figures such as Samuel Adams, Paul Revere, and John Hancock will encourage young readers to further explore American history.

An inspiring true history of one of the daring Daughters of Liberty.