Write On, Mercy!: The Secret Life of Mercy Otis Warren

Growing up on Cape Cod, Mercy Otis (1728-1814) preferred listening to her father's stories about his work as a member of the colonial House of Representatives to cooking or sewing. Writing poetry and "fiery pamphlets about 'natural rights' for men and women," Warren was active throughout the Revolutionary War, attending meetings for patriots who were planning the Continental Congress, as well as writing political plays and later the History of the Rise, Progress, and Termination of the American Revolution. Woelfle's sturdy writing outlines the course of Warren's life as a wife, mother, and activist. Wallner's bright gouache illustrations have an unadorned style well-suited to the period. End pages include a time line of Warren's life, a note about the "separate spheres of influence" of men and women at the time, and a painting of Warren by John Singleton Copley. Ages 8-up. Illustrator's agent: Libby Ford. (Mar.)

Gr 2-5--This picture-book biography tells Warren's story and shows the state of women's education and opportunities in Colonial and Revolutionary America. Born to a relatively progressive family, a fact frequently noted, Warren was educated at home and grew up with an interest in politics and in writing. As an adult, she became involved in politics through her writing, publishing political poems, essays, and, finally, a famous history of the American Revolution. Painterly images in soft colors dominate the book, and all of the pictures focus primarily on people, such as Warren herself, her family, her husband, and fellow writers and revolutionaries. Quotes from her writings and those of her contemporaries are highlighted throughout. This is a good introduction to one woman's life, and the place of her life in history, supplemented by quite a bit of back matter. Great for reports and background information on an important but oft-overlooked early American figure.--Heather Talty, formerly at Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School, New York City