Customer Reviews

In Search of Molly Pitcher

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History based on the actions of anyone not extremely famous and documented is often largely based on true stories of significant deeds that become even more significant over time. Molly Pitcher is considered a heroine of the American Revolutionary War; supposedly she received her name and fame as a water carrier. The story, most of which has to be legend, is that as the battle of Monmouth raged on a very hot day, a woman carried fresh water to the frontline troops. Since she supposedly carried it in a pitcher and had the nickname of Molly, when the soldiers needed water, they called out, "Molly, the pitcher", which was shortened to "Molly Pitcher."
Peggy McAllister is an eighth student who is determined to win the Rattletop award for the best research paper profiling a great American hero. Her choice is the part fictional/part factual character of "Molly Pitcher." Peggy is ably assisted in her search for information by GreatGramps, a retired private investigator and veteran of World War II, Mrs. Spinner, a local historian who is also the author of historical novels and many helpful librarians. As Peggy conducts her research, she begins to realize that history is factually based, but only to a point.
She has a hard time in determining exactly what Molly's real name was, as there are several candidates for the role. By using intelligent cross-referencing and assigning relative probabilities to the accuracy of the claims, she is able to develop a reasonable report regarding the life of Molly.
This story gives the reader an excellent glimpse into how fictional history can be when you delve into the details. The reasoning engaged in by Peggy and her aides demonstrates that some of the tale must be myth. The idea that Molly would be lugging water in a simple pitcher is absurd; it is far more likely that she would have hauled it in a bucket. The investigators also apply a historical context regarding the medical thought of the time and they even ponder whether the Colonial forces would have removed many of their clothes before the battle due to the heat of the day.
This book maintained my interest throughout; I completed it in less than a day. It soundly describes the elements and pitfalls of research, how lengthy and difficult it can be and how multiple sources can contradict one another.

I loved this book nearly from the beginning. What intrigued me almost immediately is that Linda Grant De Pauw wrapped the entire story around the basics of research. While schools give you research assignments, rarely do they teach you how to research, and "In Search of Molly Pitcher" does.

When Peggy McAllister learns about the Rattletop award for "excellence in social studies," she knows that she has to be the winner. Little does she realize that the journey she undertakes will provide her with greater rewards than the Rattletop award.

Peggy knows very little about research, but her grandfather suggests she goes to see Mrs. Spinner. At first, Peggy thinks Mrs. Spinner is more than a little eccentric, but she quickly learns that there is more to Mrs. Spinner than first appears. Peggy also learns that Mrs. Spinner is a master researcher and Peggy puts her newly learned knowledge of basic research to the test immediately.

As all good researchers know, there is more to research than making up note cards and organizing them. Peggy learns that supposedly reputable sources often are not, the value of cross-checking references, and the difference between primary sources versus secondary sources. While my explanation may seem dry, Peggy's journey is not. Peggy learns the value of visiting locations where events happened to help put her information into perspective. Peggy also learns the value of deductive reasoning and analysis. I believe the parts of the book where Peggy reconciled her data were my favorite parts of the book.

In addition to an overview of research basics, Peggy's search for the real Molly Pitcher was outstanding. I learned more about Molly Pitcher, and the misinformation surrounding Molly Pitcher, than I have learned in the rest of my life. It seems to me that the story as I learned it so many decades ago was filled with errors.

Rarely do I recommend books to wide audiences, because most books have a specific niche that they fit into. "In Search of Molly Pitcher" should be required reading for all students planning to attend college, and certainly for any aspiring historian or scientist. This book provides an easy way to learn the basics of research and teaches that a researcher must challenge information asserted to be facts until the information can be cross-checked by an independent source or a primary source; preferably a couple of primary sources. By surrounding these fundamental lessons with the story of an eighth grade student doing her own research project was brilliant. Kudos to author Linda Grant De Pauw!

Enjoy!

In Search of Molly Pitcher, by Linda Grant De Pauw, is a young adult novel that not only seeks to solve the mystery of just who Molly Pitcher was, but also the mystery that confounded all of us in grade school: how the heck am I supposed to write a paper about that?

The protagonist is Peggy McAllister, a thoroughly modern heroine. Peggy is a misfit at school, seemingly friendless, and throws herself into her schoolwork to keep busy. When a local contest offers prize money for "excellence in eighth grade social studies," Peggy decides to enter with a paper on a great American hero. She picks Molly Pitcher out of a list her social studies teacher provides to the class even though the teacher tries to dissuade her from this selection, saying too few facts are known about Molly. Peggy is tough, however, and more than up for the challenge.

And what a challenge it is. Conflicting stories abound - some calling Molly a sergeant and others a captain; some saying her husband was killed and others just wounded; some saying she carried a pitcher and others a bucket - and very few are based on primary sources. Peggy soldiers on, with support from her Greatgramps and a local historian/historical romance author, collecting a huge amount of evidence about the numerous women who were on the battlefields of the Revolutionary War. She finally develops her thesis that "Molly Pitcher" was not an actual person but instead the embodiment of female martial bravery during the American Revolution. Peggy writes her paper and wins her prize - although her cranky social studies teacher gives her a B- for writing about several women as opposed to one American hero, as was the assignment.

Peggy is a very believable little girl. The quest she goes on to uncover the truth about this American icon is likewise laid out in realistic fashion. In Search of Molly Pitcher is as much an instruction manual on how to undertake a research project as it is a detective story about one of American history's mysteries. De Pauw takes the reader step by step through the research process her main character follows: figuring out what questions need answering, learning the difference between primary and secondary sources, assembling a bibliography, organizing information into hard evidence and leads for further exploration, and putting the mass of information into cohesive form.

It's been a long time since I had to write an eighth grade research paper. I'm also not that interested in the American Revolution. But I sat down and read In Search of Molly Pitcher in one sitting, as excited as Peggy as she sorted out the facts from the fiction about her hero. This book takes an innovative approach to getting middle schoolers interested in history. If only someone had done something like this for math when I was in grade school I might be able to solve the mystery that is my checkbook register today.

When Lonely eighth grader Peggy McAllister learns about a contest with prize money for first place, she enters. The contest is for Excellence in Eighth Grade Social Studies and Peggy decides to do a paper on an American Hero. And with the help of her ninety-year-old pal Greatgramps, who used to be a private investigator many years ago, she sets out to learn about and write about Revolutionary War hero Molly Pitcher

And that is not an easy task. Was Molly even real or was she a combination of many women. Was she a legend that had grown over time. In the end that's what Peggy concludes, saying that Peggy was the embodiment of all of the women who had fought in the Revolutionary War.

But what really makes this young adult novel stand out is the journey Peggy goes on as she learns how to write a research paper with the help of her intrepid crew, Greatgramps, historical romance writer Mrs. Spinner and librarian Miss Guelphstein. Peggy's journey kept me interested, but what's more important, it kept my twelve-year-old nephew interested too and that's saying something, because he'd much rather be playing than reading.

Finally a great read with educational value for young adults...In Search of Molly Pitcher. Peggy McAllister discovers an award for research in social studies. She set out to win the award and ends up learning how to research in the process. Peggy follows the suggestion of her grandfather and engages Mrs. Spinner to help with her research. She quickly learns what to record on note cards, how to cross check references, and the power in finding primary resources.

Peggy learns the value of proper research techniques while actively finding the real Molly Pitcher. The historical details and interactive nature of the story makes it easy to relate to and even more enjoyable to read. My fourth grader was so intrigued that she signed up for the social studies research project at her school. The chapters build on each other and you are finished before you know it. The cover art adds a pictorial diary to Peggy's research. If you are in need of inspiration to complete a research project - this is DEFINTELY THE BOOK!

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Reviewing for Real Page Turners

"In Search of Molly Pitcher" is a story about a girl named Peggy McAllister, a student in the eighth grade, who is working on an assignment for social studies. She must write a research paper on someone she considers a "Great American". The paper can also be entered in a contest for those who meet the requirements and the deadline. Peggy McAllister is determined to not only write a great paper but to win the contest.

While the main story is about a schoolgirl writing a research paper, and her setbacks along the way, this book is so much more than that. It is really a "how-to" book about writing research papers and tracking down historical facts. It's loaded with practical advice about organizing thoughts and materials as well as a list of resources for finding information. This book could be used in the classroom as a guide for middle-grade students who are learning how to write research papers. 4 stars.

From the moment that Peggy McAllister heard about the Rattletop Award for eighth graders showing excellence in social studies, she's been determined to win it. Her social studies teacher, Mr. Pettibone (or Prissybone, as Greatgramps calls him), has required that everyone complete a research paper on one "Great American," and they can choose to enter that paper in the contest. Peggy knows that she must do something extraordinary for this award, so she picks the most obscure female name on the provided list.

Mr. Pettibone insists that Peggy will never have a chance at the Rattletop, since so little is known of Molly Pitcher that she may even be a myth. Now even more determined to succeed, Peggy digs into the legend behind the woman who manned the cannon after her husband fell in the Revolutionary War. With the enlisted help of her retired detective Greatgramps, his eccentric historian friend, and a network of librarians, Peggy takes a methodical look at multiple sources and leads, giving the reader an educational tour of the process of historical research.

Although we read this story from a first-person perspective, I closed the book feeling like I still hardly knew the main character. The focus on research method tends to drown out the rest of the story, and I would have loved to see more of Peggy's emotions, especially those involving situations other than her research investigation.

Thus, I believe this novel might make a good primer for students about to embark on their own extended project. The insight presented on research processes is rather thorough, and would stimulate a child who may have difficulty finding a place to start.

You may have heard the legend of Molly Pitcher when you were in elementary school. She was the angel of the battlefield during the U.S. Revolutionary War, bringing water to the thirsty men. And when her husband was killed in action, she took charge of his cannon. Her name wasn't really Molly Pitcher, of course; she was given the nickname after flitting around with a pitcher slaking the soldiers' terrible thirst.

So just how true is this legend? Linda Grant De Pauw's charming protagonist Peggy McAllister researches the story of Molly Pitcher not only for an 8th grade research paper, but for a chance to win to win the first ever Rattletop Award. Peggy's teacher is annoyed with her choice, pointing to the scarcity of information about Molly Pitcher and basically saying that it will leave her with no possible way to win the award. Undeterred, Peggy forges ahead with the capable assistance of her great-grandfather, a former private investigator, and a local historian. They do not do the research for her, but give her tips on how to organize her material, where to search for resources, and serve as her guide to the nearby historic sites.

De Pauw has written a story that works as a story and as a guide to how to perform and organize research. While I was in college, I frequently saw many people who did not have any idea how to organize their thoughts into a cohesive research project and subsequently did not make the grades they otherwise would have earned in their classes. When I tutored friends in writing, I taught them the index card technique that Peggy uses with such success in the book.

I enjoyed Peggy's story, and truly appreciated learning so much more about the available facts behind the Molly Pitcher legend. I think De Pauw has hitten a home run with this one, and I definitely plan to read more of her fiction and non-fiction. This is a great book for middle-grade children. I think it might appeal more to girls than to boys because of the nature of the topic and the character, but a wise teacher could use it as a springboard for getting students involved in research projects and papers.

Linda De Pauw's story gives the reader an excellent glimpse into how legend and history are often separated only by a fine line. It also reveals how interesting and intriguing both can be when you dive into the details. Through a narrative that is both engaging and well paced, De Pauw describes the truth behind historic investigations--it is difficult, complex and test one's character unlike anything else we experience. A lesson any young researcher should learn before they pick up the cause for which historians dedicate their efforts.

Peggy likes school, which makes her smart, but not popular. When she reads about a contest for excellence in history, she knows she's going to compete for the award. When she chooses her topic from her teacher's list, she picks Molly Pitcher -- and has no idea how complicated her life will soon become.

There's not a lot known about Molly Pitcher and the details that are known are few and far between. Peggy researches her topic at the local library and finds a dead end. Her grandfather takes her to visit the local historian. Together, they come up with a plan to find out information and solve the mystery behind the identity of Molly Pitcher.

For the rest of the year, Peggy lives and breathes Molly Pitcher. At the end, she still doesn't have the information she desired. Disappointed, Peggy doesn't know how to tackle her paper, until she realizes that she's been looking at the paper in the wrong way.

The mystery surrounding the identity of Molly Pitcher will intrigue readers. This is a great tale for anyone interested in American History.

Reviewed by: Jennifer Rummel