About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is searching for real-life examples of bravery or when they express interest in history but find traditional textbooks dry. It is an excellent choice for a young reader who needs to see that heroes come in all forms and that one person's quick thinking can change the course of a major event. By focusing on a legendary female figure in a male-dominated historical space, the book provides a powerful entry point for discussing gender roles and civic duty. The story follows Mary Ludwig Hays, better known as Molly Pitcher, as she supports the Continental Army during the Battle of Monmouth. It highlights her transition from a supportive role, bringing water to thirsty soldiers, to a direct combat role when she takes over her husband's cannon. The graphic novel format makes the intensity of the Revolutionary War accessible and engaging for elementary and middle schoolers without being overly graphic. Parents will appreciate the way it fosters a sense of grit and resilience while introducing essential American history.
