Founding Mothers: Remembering the Ladies by Cokie Roberts –OPTIONAL

Roberts, Cokie and Illustrated by Goode, Diane Founding Mothers: Remembering the Ladies 40 pgs. HarperCollins, 2014. $17.99  Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G Violence: G.

This book is a collection of women who lived during and contributed to the American Revolution. Some examples are Mercy Otis Warren, Martha Washington, and Dolly Madison. Each ladies achievements are presented on a two page spread including illustrations.

I had a couple of problems with this book. First, elementary students studying the American Revolution could use a bit more information than is presented here. Even if just more biographical information could have been added to each page, it would make this text more useful to students and teachers. Second I am not a big fan of Diane Goodes Illustrations. They feature washed out looking women and boring color schemes. These are the type of illustrations that appeal to grown-ups not children. I am not saying that it needed to be flashy, but it was even putting me to sleep, and it certainly doesn't do justice to these bright and vivacious revolutionary women.

EL –OPTIONAL Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.