Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday, dear friends. You all know what a fan I am of nonfiction picture book bios that uncover little-known heroes and heroines. Today’s featured book definitely falls into that category. CLOAKED IN COURAGE: Uncovering Deborah Sampson, Patriot Soldier by one of my favorite authors and critique buddies, Beth Anderson, launches on November 15th – and I’m jumping for joy! And if you leave a comment and share the post on social media, you might be jumping for joy also because one lucky person is going to win a copy of this brand-new book!

CLOAKED IN COURAGE: Uncovering Deborah Sampson, Patriot Soldier

Written by Beth Anderson

Illustrated by Anne Lambelet

Published by Calkins Creek/Astra

Ages: 7-10

Themes: Courage, American Revolution, Gender equality

Synopsis: From Amazon:

The remarkable story of Deborah Sampson, a woman who fought in the American Revolution disguised as a man—and who ends up finding her true identity and purpose in life.

Deborah Sampson didn’t like being told what to do, especially by the King of England. Fiercely independent, 18-year-old Deborah enlists as Robert Shurtliff in George Washington’s Continental Army to fight for her country’s independence. But being a soldier is hard, dangerous work. Can she fight for her country and keep her identity a secret? Can she also discover who she really is and find her true purpose? This unbelievable story from American history about a woman with a rebel spirit will inspire and enlighten young readers.
 
“Cloaked in Courage is inspiring storytelling centering the life and actions of a brave woman and soldier, Deborah Sampson. Anderson’s contribution brings to light a lesser-known hero in history and emphasizes the importance of historical investigation and research.” —Lori Ann Terjesen, director of education, National Women’s History Museum
 
Why I Love This Book:
1. I love true stories that honor people who didn’t get the recognition they deserved in their own time. And this story is so relevant and current even though it’s about someone who lived 250 years ago.
2. The text is masterfully written – an engagingly fast-paced narrative – kids will connect with Deborah from the first page to the last.
3. The illustrations are fabulous – so much research goes into creating authentic illustrations, especially for a period piece like this.

RELATED ACTIVITIES:

Maps are fascinating…why not try making a map of the original 13 colonies…which was the entire USA in Deborah’s time. Compare it to what America looks like now. And check out detailed instructions as well as other cool crafts: https://hiphomeschoolmoms.com/american-revolution-activities-for-kids/

Plus author Beth Anderson has a link for an educator’s guide! This is a great tool for teachers and even for librarians and parents:
The educator guide: bethandersonwriter.files.wordpress.com/…/cloaked-in-courage_educatordiscussion-guide.pdf

Please take the time to leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of this fabulous new book, CLOAKED IN COURAGE: UNCOVERING DEBORAH SAMPSON, PATRIOT SOLDIER, which launches on November 15th. You can’t leave an Amazon review yet, but you can hop over to Goodreads and leave one there.

Also there’s a Goodreads giveaway 10/31-11/14  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61071638-cloaked-in-courage  

Do you want a signed copy? Signed copies of books make the best gifts…treasured by children for years to come. Here is the link for the pre-order special for signed copy and swag  https://shop.twjbookshop.com/products/cloaked-in-courage-signed-copy-preorder-out-11-15-22

And don’t forget to tell your friends about it, and ask your local library to purchase copies for their collection.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. I’m still in Chicago but will be flying back to NH on Tuesday…it’s been lovely visiting with my son and his family, but it will be good to be home.