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.
OOH! I’ve heard about her, and I’m so glad her story will be out there for teachers and kids. I’d love to read it, and then pass it onto my daughter and her students.
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Thanks, Rinda!
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This looks like a must-read! Excited to dive into it’s pages. And I love the 13 colonies craft ideas! Super cool!
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Thanks for stopping by! I love maps, too! 🙂
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This book should be in all school libraries – it is the important supplemental reading kids need to realize wars are not just dates and places but people! Thank you.
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It really is a fascinating piece of the American Revolution that tells so much about the times.
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Deborah Sampson sounds simply amazing! I can’t wait to read it and learn more about her.
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She’s a great example of how life’s challenges make you stronger inside and out. Thanks for stopping by!
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Beth’s books are always wonderful! Looking forward to this one.
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Thanks so much, Rose!
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We hear so little about women’s roles in those times. Can’t wait to see it!
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Sampson’s story is fascinating!
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I’ve enjoyed Beth’s other bios so I’ll be sure to check this one out, too!
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Thank you so much!
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I have enjoyed every one of this author’s books that I’ve read. The subjects are always fascinating to me.
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Thanks, Danielle! I’m so glad you enjoy the stories I dig up!
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I’m anxious to read this and learn how Deborah kept her identity as a woman concealed from the male soldiers!
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That was one of my questions as I dug into her story! I learned a lot about the Continental Army 🙂
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I look forward to reading this story. Congratulations, Beth! Looks like another winning book.
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Thanks, Kim!
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I’m excited to read this one! I love PB bios about strong women.
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I hope you’ll love Deborah Sampson’s story!
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Congrats Beth and Anne! Looking forward to reading!
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Thanks so much!
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Vivian, I just got my copy – so I am NOT in the running. But want to say your activity is really fun and I’m glad you featured the book for #PPBF. It’s really an excellent book.
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Thanks so much, Maria!
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Looking forward to reading about Deborah Sampson. I will recommend our library acquires this book!
Thanks for sharing, Vivian! 🙂
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Thank you for sharing with your library!
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I’ve learned a lot of important history as an adult from picture books. This looks like a great contribution!
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Me, too! And apparently it really helps win on Jeopardy!!
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I’m looking forward to hearing Beth read this book next month! Vivian, you’re amazing to keep up with so many blogposts while you’re traveling!
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Thank, Laura! And I agree, Vivian is truly amazing!!
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The fifth grade teachers at my school would love to share this with their students to provide additional perspectives on the American Revolution.
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I learned so much about the American Revolution from researching this book!
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I’ve heard about her because I’ve been researching females of the American Revolution. We had such great women and girls who need more recognition given to them. I love these type of books. Congratulations. I’ve shared this on twitter.
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Thanks for sharing, Janet! Have you read Revolutionary Prudence Wright? I was fascinated by her story too.
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Would love to add this book to our elementary school’s LRC collections. Love!
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I’m always up for talking with kids and answering their questions, too 🙂
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I can’t imagine how much courage and fortitude this took! Can’t wait to read the full story! Thanks, Beth, for another fascinating biography.
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Sampson was one bold woman! Hope you enjoy the story!
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