|
IN SEARCH OF MOLLY PITCHER
Linda Grant De Pauw
Peacock Press of Pasadena
January 2008 (paperback edition)
ISBN 978-1-4357-0607-1
Young Adult
Eighth grader Peggy McAllister's determined to win
the Rattletop Award--an award given to an eighth grader
for excellence in social studies. The award is given to
the student who writes the best research paper on a
great American hero. Peggy's already got one strike
against her--her social studies teacher Mr. Pettibone
doesn't like her. He also doesn't think Peggy's chosen
an appropriate American hero for her paper--Molly
Pitcher, a Revolutionary War heroine. He doesn't think
that there's been enough written about Molly Pitcher to
complete her research paper. Peggy's determined to prove
Mr. Pettibone wrong! Aided by her great grandfather
who's a former private investigator, and Mrs. Spinner,
the local eighteenth century historian and secret
historical romance novelist, Peggy comes up with a
conclusion that's "revolutionary": but, will it earn her
the Rattletop Award and Mr. Pettibone's respect?
IN SEARCH OF MOLLY PITCHER is a well-written, exciting,
and page-turning novel that will interest any reader who
enjoys history. I loved this book, loved the
characters--unpopular but-oh-so-smart Peggy, Greatgramps,
and Mrs. Spinner. This is a wonderful book to learn as
Peggy learns how to dig into history, evaluate sources,
put the pieces together, and write a research paper.
Dare I say it: this is a book that teaches and
entertains! Readers will be able to identify with Peggy,
especially with having a teacher who doesn't like you
despite your best efforts. I enjoyed IN SEARCH OF MOLLY
PITCHER so much that I'm buying several copies to give
to the students in my life!
Reviewed by Debora Hosey |
