Founding Mothers (Hardcover) Age 7-12

The wives, mothers, sisters, and daughters behind the scenes of the American Revolution contributed to their country’s birthplace as significantly as the men in the spotlight

Too often we think of our founding fathers and Presidents as lone wolves.  There seems to be this notion that the full extent of our country’s issues, for better or worse, rest on a single person’s -or a small group’s- shoulders.  However, that would be ignoring the many people involved in the big picture, including the very significant role women played in shaping our country.  After all, we were a country founded on limiting a single person’s power!  Look no further than Articles I-III of our Constitution that lay out checks and balances within the three branches of our federal government and between the federal and state governments.  We were set up to be a country of debate between various voices.  James Madison is quoted as saying, “Ambition must be made to counteract ambition.”  We want lots of voices to be heard and our own Constitution was clearly written to limit one person- or even a group or branch of people- from having too much power.  The Founding Fathers worked together for guidance and opinion and there are many instances in our history where you can see gridlock -or even war- if people do not work together to govern our country.  You may not see a woman’s name signed to our Constitution, but that certainly does not mean that many women didn’t significantly shape that document!

I think a lot about the women that are not as well known as the men of our country’s history. Look no further than John Adams and the major role his wife, Abigail, played in the life of this well known founding father.  While author, Cokie Roberts, has done acclaimed historical literature for adults, she felt the importance of teaching our children the history of the women of the revolution was needed; from fighting to behind the scenes work.  The importance of making sure that a percentage of our country’s voice – made up of a majority of women – is and was heard is something I think should be taught to children at a young age.  Politics and government are not limited by a person’s gender.  The biographies of our female patriots’ accomplishments are honored in a way that is smart and age-appropriate for children.  Excellent read!

Did you know?  Although Benjamin Franklin accepted the title of the first postmaster general of the colonies, his wife Deborah Read Franklin actually ran the postal service.

Women’s Right To Vote!  The United States Constitution was adopted in 1787 but American women would not be granted the right to vote until the 19th Amendment was passed in 1919.  The 1920 presidential election was the first election where women were allowed to vote and Warren G. Harding, a Republican from Ohio, was elected.

Happy President’s Day!  President’s Day falls on Monday, February 17, 2014 this calendar year.  President’s Day is celebrated on the third Monday in February.  Originally titled ‘George Washington’s Birthday’, the federal holiday was enacted by Congress in 1879 and celebrated on Washington’s actual birthday (February 22) until 1971.  Now known as President’s Day, it has become a day to honor all of our presidents – with Lincoln and Washington being noted as having February birthdays.  State officials in Massachusetts still celebrate George Washington’s birthday on February 22.

Founding Mothers (Hardcover) Age 7-12

www.harperscollinschildrens.com

List Price: $ 10.52 (through Amazon.com)