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The Legend of Betsy Dowdy
Kitty Griffin
Illustrated by Marjorie Priceman
Atheneum Books
August 31, 2010/ ISBN 9781416928164
Children Fiction (Ages 4-8)
Amazon
Reviewed
by Bob Walch
Based on a story that
dates back hundreds of years, the legend of Betsy Dowdy is a classic
tale of a young North Carolina girl who makes a dangerous ride to
warn her countrymen of an impending attack by the British during
the American fight for independence.
Betsy rode from her home on the barrier island of Currituck across
the colony to tell General Skinner’s militia that Lord Dunmore
and the Redcoats were ready to attack. The young girl rode her horse
Bess on the perilous adventure that took her across rivers and through
the forest to alert the American forces.
The enemy was engaged at Great Bridge and defeated by the local
North Carolina militia on December 8, 1775. Seven months after Betsy’s
heroic ride, the American colonies united and declared independence.
With detailed colored illustrations that follow Betsy’s legendary
ride, this picture book introduces the story of a teen-ager whose
exploits rivaled Paul Revere’s and have been part of the oral
tradition of the South for many decades. An excellent example of
standing up for what you believe in, hopefully this tale will make
young readers wish to learn more about American history.
Reviewer's
Note:
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