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45 pages 1 hour read

Founding Mothers: The Women Who Raised Our Nation

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2004

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Book Brief

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Cokie Roberts

Founding Mothers

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2004
Book Details
Pages

384

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Colonial America • 18th Century

Publication Year

2004

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

1120L

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Super Short Summary

Published in 2004, Cokie Roberts’s Founding Mothers: The Women Who Raised Our Nation is a non-fiction historical study focusing on the contributions women made to the founding of the United States. Through primary sources, Roberts highlights the lives of high-status women such as Eliza Lucas Pinckney, Deborah Read, and Abigail Adams, detailing their efforts in managing households, supporting their husbands, and advocating for women's rights amidst the Revolutionary War. The book discusses themes of duty, equality, and the evolving roles of women in society, positioning these women as essential to the birth of the nation and the early feminist movement. The book contains discussions of childbirth, death, and the hardships endured by women during the period.

Informative

Inspirational

Contemplative

Nostalgic

Reviews & Readership

4.0

9,813 ratings

61%

Loved it

28%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Cokie Roberts' Founding Mothers receives praise for shedding light on the often-overlooked women of the American Revolution. Reviewers appreciate Roberts' engaging storytelling and thorough research. However, some critics find the narrative occasionally fragmented due to its anecdotal approach. Overall, it's a compelling read that broadens historical perspectives.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Founding Mothers?

A history enthusiast would appreciate Founding Mothers by Cokie Roberts, specifically readers interested in women's contributions to America's founding. Fans of 1776 by David McCullough or John Adams will enjoy its compelling narratives and rich historical details.

4.0

9,813 ratings

61%

Loved it

28%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

Character List

Cokie Roberts

An award-winning journalist and best-selling author known for her works on women's history in the United States, who uses her personal connection to American history to explore the overlooked contributions of women.

The wife of Benjamin Franklin, who adeptly managed his business affairs during his diplomatic missions in London, showcasing the supportive roles women played behind the scenes in colonial America.

John Adams's wife, who managed the family farm and reported on political matters, offering an example of a woman balancing domestic responsibilities with patriotic contributions during the American Revolution.

A politically active writer who published pamphlets and poems advocating for independence, balancing her public and domestic roles despite her conservative views on women's societal positions.

The wife of George Washington, who supported the Revolutionary War effort by boosting troop morale in military camps and later navigated her role as First Lady to help set a tone of respect and civility in the new American government.

Book Details
Pages

384

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Colonial America • 18th Century

Publication Year

2004

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

1120L

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