Abigail Adams

Children's Literature

Just one link in an extensive "Triangle Histories" series, this volume is a title in the "Revolutionary War Series of Leaders." The text, carefully interwoven with the larger context of the war, traces the life of Abigail Smith. As First Lady, she became the most trusted advisor of her husband, John Adams, and her views spread to an influential circle of the nation's founders. Each of the Triangle Histories offers a multi-dimensional way to learn and understand history; this volume is unique, however, in addressing a strong feminine role, the only one chosen in the Revolutionary War series. Though each book stands alone, the collection of war leaders—that includes Samuel Adams, Charles Cornwallis, John Paul Jones, Thomas Paine, and George Washington—when taken together with the great battles series, provides the middle reader student with an engaging way to learn about one of the greatest struggles in our country's history. The book is further enhanced by a generous number of historical photographs, an informative preface and introduction, a glossary and an index. An excellent school text. 2002, Blackbirch Press/The Gale Group,
— Lesley Lee Francis

School Library Journal

Gr 6-8-In a time when women had few rights and no voice, Abigail Adams was respected by the leaders of the day for her intellect and bravery. Samuel Adams, cousin to Abigail through her marriage to John, was a fiery speaker and writer who devoted himself to the cause of freedom. The lives of these remarkable people are interwoven with historical accounts of their times, giving depth to the books and a greater understanding of why each one was so extraordinary. Lengthy sidebars highlight historical events but they sometimes come in the middle of sentences and are not always related to the adjoining text, which may be confusing to readers who lack background about the American Revolution. The books contain numerous illustrations and historical engravings in black and white and in color. Each volume begins with the same preface discussing the American Revolution in general terms.-Heather E. Miller, Homewood Public Library, AL Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.