Sisters of Scituate Light

by Stephen Krensky, Stacey Schuett (Illustrator)

Krensky and Schuett have brought to life the true story of how two resourceful sisters--daughters of the lighthouse keeper in Scituate, Massachusetts--became heroes by saving their New England town during the War of 1812. Full color.

Genres: Picture Books, History, Childrens, Nonfiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published May 15, 2008

Reviews

[Chrisanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story based on related interviews.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

During the War of 1812, sisters Abbie and Rebecca Bates are tending Scituate Light while their father makes a brief trip to shore. When a British warship arrives in the harbor, the girls must think quickly to protect their home. Armed with only a fife and drum, the girls play “Yankee Doodle Dandy”. The British, fearing what they assume is the imminent approach of American soldiers, retreat and never return to Scituate Light. Abbie and Rebecca are later hailed as heroines in the community.

Krensky uses the sisters’ own words (gleaned from later accounts of the incident) for the book's dialogue. Vibrant illustrations enrich the retelling of this classic lighthouse legend, although the depiction of the British soldiers as sneering villains is too stereotypical and does not match the style of the rest of the art.

[Cassandra Ball · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought that this would be a really fun book to read with maybe first graders. It was not a difficult read and was very simple in it's meaning and overall story line. I did enjoy the story and liked how it was historical. The pictures I could tell has been done with pastels and I thought they were nice, however for this story I would have preferred a little more detailed pictures. I was also confused because at the end of the book it said that the girls were 21 and 17 but from the story I gathered that they were young teenagers. Other than those two things I thought it was a good book and would be good when discussing real life accounts from war.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I heard of this incident before, but never in a picture book format. I love this story of two sisters who outwit the British navy! According to the note at the end, the sisters were apparently older than they are depicted in the illustrations, which is my only objection. Recommended for units on women's history or the War of 1812.

[Mir · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute depiction of a historical (or at least local lore) incident in which two girls left alone to tend their father's lighthouse during the War of 1812 succeed in scaring off a British vessel.

[Emily Sammartino · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Bates family maintain and look after a lighthouse in Boston, ensuring the safety of all at sea. During a time at war tensions are high and all are on edge, due to previous attacks. When the family leaves for a trip, Rebecca and Abbie are faced with the biggest challenge, protecting their town.
The book is set during the War of 1812 and while I have some knowledge regarding this time and what is was like, I had never heard this story. The girls not being much younger than me and having to face the danger of the British Army is a terrifying thought. The story touched on facts that I had not known. Overall the setting was effective in educating the reader while also keeping them entertained

[Luisa Knight · Rating 4 out of 5]

You’ll enjoy this story of The Army of Two during The War of 1812!

Two sisters (teens, though depicted as younger in the book) come up with a clever idea to ward off the British soldiers from landing at Scituate, Massachusetts.

It’s well told and has good illustrations to boot, so add this to your early American history reading list.

Ages: 3 - 10

[Marissa Morrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story of real childhood heroism, well told.

[Kris Dersch · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun little story. Illustrations probably could have added more to it, but I do like the way the British soldiers were portrayed. Kids will like being in on the joke.

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful tale of patriotism and bravery during the War of 1812 in New England. I love finding stories about Massachusetts for our girls, since that is where I grew up. And I love that this is a true story. The brief glimpse of life in a lighthouse during those times is informative and fascinating. And the fact that these two brave girls were able to scare away the British is a testament to their ingenuity and the success of military deception techniques during that highly regimented time.

[Stephen Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written and beautifully illustrate recount on the Battle for Scituate Light. This Battle was won by two American teenagers who were left by their father in charge of the lighthouse during his brief absence. Suddenly the British are seen on the horizon and these two teens defeat them single handedly and unarmed. A shot was never fired! A great read that underscores what I always tell my students, "Never sell yourself short nor underestimate someone else simply because of their age. Never!"

Thank you for the loan Franklin Public Library.

[Rosa Cline · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a child's storybook that was based off of real life events that happened back in the War of 1812. Two little girls was responsible to keep the lighthouse going to save the ships from wrecking against the rocks. When they saw the British ship arriving they knew they had to do something so the two of them took a drum and a fife and played Yankee Doodle Dandy and the British thought there was a full army about to attack and they turned away. Known to them it was simply two little girls. In the back of this book there is a page that tells more about this event and the girls.

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on a true story.Two lighthouse keeper's daughters left in charge of Scituate Light outsmart British Marines planning to attack Scituate Harbor in 1814. Grabbing their fife and drum they strike up Yankee Doodle Dandy, fooling the Brits into believing that a militia was assembling. Kids (teens) outsmart adults and save the day!

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love stories of people who accomplish improbable tasks and this is a pretty good one. The story of two young women who repel a British ransacking of their town with some simple trickery and misdirection is pure brilliance. Similar to Cornstalks and Cannonballs by Barbara Mitchell.

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love lighthouses and thought this book would be about lighthouses...but it was more about two sisters who lived at the Scituate lighthouse, and how their quick thinking saved them from British Soldiers who were coming ashore in September of 1814.

[Zonia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great true-to-life story of two young girls from a small New England town during the Revolutionary War.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the historical aspect of the story that takes placing during the War of 1812!

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Personal story of two young (17 and 21) adult sisters who fooled the British Navy in the War of 1812. Lovely illustrations, suspenseful, empowering for girls.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a true story about 2 sisters who save their town from British invasion during the War of 1812. Love this!