Redcoats and Petticoats [Library Binding]

Katherine Kirkpatrick (Author), Ronald Himler (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1999 | Age Level: 7 and up | Grade Level: 2 and up

Members of a family in the village of Setauket on Long Island are displaced by the Redcoats and serve as spies for the Revolutionary Army of George Washington.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-6-It is 1778 and the Revolution has come to Setauket, Long Island. Thomas Strong, son of a loyal Patriot who has been imprisoned by the Tories, tells how he is sent to search for a neighbor's whaleboat and report the location to his mother. Unknown to him, Thomas's mother then hangs specific petticoats or handkerchiefs on the clothesline as a code to pass on the information to the Patriots across the Long Island Sound. It is only when the war is over and he meets General Washington that Thomas realizes just what part his family played in the Setauket Spy Ring. Historical picture books can bring the past alive in a simple and appealing manner, but when the history gets in the way of the story, or vice versa, problems occur. This book falls short on both accounts. There is not enough historical information to make the story clear and not enough story to personalize the facts. Only after carefully studying the map and historical notes at the end of the book does the plot become understandable. The text is just not cohesive and there are many "whys?" within the pages of this valiant but flawed effort. Himler's illustrations are a real plus. They help to clarify difficult passages and his pastel watercolors give a soft, personal touch to each event. For supplemental material, especially in New York State history classes, this might be helpful when thoroughly and properly introduced.
Beth Tegart, Oneida City Schools, NY
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews

Basing the book on true incidents and real people of the Revolutionary War, Kirkpatrick (Trouble's Daughter, 1998, etc.) recreates the actions of a Patriot spies begun by Robert Townsend and assisted by strong-willed, cool-headed Nancy Strong in the little town of Setauket, New York; Nancy used her clothesline and petticoats to signal the location, spotted by her son, of a whaleboat that would transport a vital letter about British battle plans directly to General George Washington. The complete spy ring route, which carried crucial information from British-occupied New York City to Patriot-held Connecticut, is depicted in a colorful map at the conclusion of the book; the detailed historical notes that follow will intrigue those interested in learning about the strong men and women who were instrumental in changing the nation's history. Himler's splendid watercolor paintings illustrate the danger involved in trying to foil the Loyalists and the daily threat of exposure that was faced by the Setauket spies. (map, sources) (Picture book. 5-9) -- Copyright ©1999, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Library Binding: 32 pages
• Publisher: Holiday House; 1st edition (March 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823414167
• ISBN-13: 978-0823414161
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 8.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #820,801 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars REDCOATS AND PETTICOATS makes the Revolution come alive, April 29, 2000

By 

Kelly Giordano (Williamsville, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: Redcoats and Petticoats (Library Binding)

Told from the perspective of a young boy, Redcoats and Petticoats makes history come alive. Young readers easily see themselves in the place of a boy puzzling over the things his mother is asking him to do and wondering if the stress of the war and his father's capture is making her crazy. Imagining themselves as such allows students to see history as real and personal experiences happening behind the anonymous dates and times and places of history texts. While this book is recommended for ages 5-9, I would encourage middle- and high-schoolers, as well as adults, to read it. The text, while simple and straightforward, is not condescending, and the story is fascinating. The laying out and building of the story maintains interest and suspense, while depicting the indomitable spirit and ingenuity of our Revolutionary patriots. I would consider this book a must-read to accompany any study of our Revolutionary period in history, or a terrific and enlightening story to read for no particular reason at all.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Teaching PIcture Book, November 1, 2009

By 

history fan (Chicago) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Redcoats and Petticoats (Library Binding)

I used this book for a 5th grade reading lesson on thinking while you read. It also tied in well with the Revolutionary War unit we were doing in Social Studies. Because the book sets the stage for a surprise ending and has characters the kids could connect with, there was a LOT of thinking going on.

Great pictures, text, plot. Based on a true story about a woman who is a Patriot spy during the Revolution.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant!, October 30, 2007

By 

J. Arena (Williamsburg, VA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Redcoats and Petticoats (Library Binding)

When you are an ordinary person, living a peaceful life in a small town, and suddenly find that an invading army has turned your church into a fort, there is no question that your life has been changed! When those strange soldiers move into your home, arrest your father as a traitor, and your mother starts to act crazy -- doing laundry over and over -- you know that life may never be the same again!

This book is the true story of a Long Island family who became part of the Setauket Spy Ring, earning the gratitude of George Washington. Illustrated beautifully with watercolors, this simply written text would be entertaining to both children and adults.

Maps and historical notes are included. Redcoats and Petticoats is a wonderful achievement.