They Called Her Molly Pitcher by Anne Rockwell #14

Rockwell, Anne. (2002). They Called Her Molly Pitcher. New York: Random House

Illustrator: Cynthia von Buhler

Grades: 2-5

Curriculum Links: Social Studies

Author Credibility: When Anne Rockwell was young, she already had in mind that she wanted to draw and write. She said in an interview that listening to kids and understanding what they like has been one of the keys to her success. In the author’s note, she talks about how she loved the story of Molly Pitcher as a child. There had been some question about who Molly Pitcher really was. She found information about her from the United States Artillery Association in Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Her actual name was Mary Hays McCauly. There were no other sources for the text in the book.

Awards: none

Summary:
This is a picture book biography of Molly Hays and her contribution during the American Revolution. She followed her husband into battle carrying a pitcher of cold water to soldiers as they grew hot and tired. That is how she received the nickname, Molly Pitcher. During the Battle of Monmouth, her husband was injured and she took over firing his cannon with much bravery. After seeing her dedication, George Washington decided she earned the rank of sergeant in the Continental Army. This story is exciting and presents history in engaging language.

Standards: People, Places, and Environments

Illustrations: Buhler used oil paints on stretched linen canvas. The paintings are burnished with sepia tones to give the appearance of age. There is a two page spread of a battle scene that shows the wounded and dying during a battle.

Access Features: author’s note, illustration of a map of the Battle of Monmouth, timeline, first and last page of book has words written from the Constitution

Tone: The author uses language that is exciting and engaging. She even provides humor in parts of the story.

Book Design: Hardback cover with an illustration of Molly Pitcher looking hard at the British firing a cannon with the confidence of a hundred soldiers, while her hair and apron blows in the wind.

Classroom Use: I would use this book to discuss contributions of women in history. Molly Pitcher should definitely be discussed while talking about the American Revolution, because she was such a hero.

Response: What an outstanding book! I really enjoyed reading it and had some laughs along the way. I wonder what her husband thought her following him to battle and her receiving the honor of sergeant in the Continental Army.

Other Books by the Author:
Only Passing Through: The Story of Sojourner Truth
Our Earth
Our Stars