Glory, Passion, and Principle by Mellissa Lukeman Bohrer

Glory, Passion, and Principle: The Story of Eight Remarkable Women at the Core of the American Revolution is a phenomenal book. Written by Mellissa Lukeman Bohrer because she wanted her daughters to know about real female role models, this book is full of information and is well written. Unlike many books devoted to history, the eight accounts covered in this book are not bland. Bohrer tells the facts, illustrates different possible theories and speculations, and then fills in the gaps with what these inspirational nonconformist women must have been thinking and feeling.

These eight women lived in a very pivotal time in history, and they covered every sphere of the colonial world from a slave, to a Cherokee "Beloved Woman," and even a First Lady. These women acted, and as a result, helped, each in their own unique ways, forge a new nation. What makes this book even more moving is the knowledge that women in the colonial period were generally treated as inferiors. Education, independence, and Fortitude were qualities that were only admired in men. In a time when women were supposed to cook, keep house, and birth babies, it is a wonder that we have as many historical accounts as we do.

Sybil Ludington, daughter of Colonel Henry Ludington, was a sixteen year old girl. Born the first of twelve children, her days were consumed with the many tasks required of a mother's faithful helper. Her one indulgence was horseback riding, and that is why this female heroine came to bear the title of, "The Female Paul Revere."

Phillis Wheatley, born in an undetermined region of Africa, arrived in the colonies and was sold into slavery at the age of seven. She learned to read and write. Many of her poems were published, garnering critical acclaim by a society that generally believed her race to be incapable of educated thinking and understanding. Her works were noticed by the likes of General George Washington, and they helped to keep the ideas of freedom fresh in their minds. It is for this reason that she is known, not only as the Mother of African-American Literature, but also as the Mother of all American Literature.

Abigail Adams wasn't just the wife of an American President; she was also his faithful advisor. She was the daughter of a man who did not value a woman's education; however, she had a voracious mind. The second class status given to women of the time made her speak to her husband about equality. She was an advocate for equality of all peoples despite their race, religion, or sex. Her steady influence can be seen in the preamble to the Declaration of Independence which her husband helped to write.

Mercy Otis Warren, a good friend of Abigail Adams, was also a writer. She mainly penned plays of political satire which entertained and inspired patriots all across the colonies. Fireside chats, at her home, also bred many ideas and strategies that helped in the birth of a nation.

Lydia Darragh was born in Ireland and immigrated to the British Colonies. Raised as a Quaker, she was originally neutral to the war; however her opinion began to change when her son enlisted in the Continental Army. She was filled with worry over him. Add to that the fact that British officers occupied her home, and you have a spy in the making. Her heroism helped win an important battle.

Molly Pitcher was the nickname of a remarkable woman. Because Molly wasn't her real name, historians disagree over who she really was. There are two possible candidates with very similar stories. Both women were "camp followers," a group made up of the wives and children of Continental Soldiers. While despised by most officers at the beginning of the war, these women played their part and earned the respect of soldiers throughout the colonies. They cooked, cleaned, and waded through dead bodies foraging for clothing, munitions, and rations to supplement the Patriot's dwindling supplies. On the battlefields, these women also carried buckets of water to cannoneers who must swab the inside after each blast. Molly Pitcher, realizing that her cannoneer husbands had been killed, took over his duty, firing the cannon and helping to win a battle. Several accounts of these women joining the fight have been found in the journals of officers from all over the colonies, making Molly more of a representation of all of those outstanding women.

Deborah Sampson was born into poverty. At the age of five, she watched her father walk away from home, never to be heard from again. Her mother then separated some of the children and sent them to live with relatives. Deborah became the indentured servant in a home full of boys. After completing her servitude, she stayed on at the home for a while before setting off to join the Continental Army. She fought alongside her male counterparts, all the while fearing the detection of hr gender. She was a good soldier, and she earned the prestigious position of aide-de-camp. When she was eventually found out, it was not as painful as she had feared.

Nancy Ward, known as Ghigau or Beloved Woman by her Cherokee people, was a respected tribal council member. Nancy married a white man. They had a daughter, named Elizabeth, before her husband returned to his white wife. It was because of her relationship with her husband and because of the child they had together, that Nancy encouraged peace between the Cherokee and White peoples. She maintained her adamant stance on peace until the day she died; however white encroachment on their lands and lack of respect for their treaty agreements made Nancy's opinion less favorable to her tribe. When the Cherokee planned to attack nearby white settlements, Nancy released white prisoners and sent them to warn the villagers. Her decisive action saved many lives.

With this book, Bohrer tells the world about some of the first female role models of America. She takes eight women of various circumstances and places in society, so that every woman can have someone to look up to. Her narrative is engaging and makes you want to learn more about the woman's role in shaping this nation.