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Abigail Adams: Witness to a Revolution
Abigail Adams was an extraordinary woman who witnessed the gathering storm of the American Revolution and saw the battle of Bunker Hill from a hilltop near her home. Through her letters to friends and family, Abigail Adams lives in history--and now in this award-winning biography by Natalie Bober. Black and white illustrations.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 1995
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
November 26, 2010
I had heard that Abigail Adams advocated women's rights, and better education women, but what you don't normally hear is WHY she advocated those things. This book tells the whole story, with excerpts from Abigail's own letters. She proved with her own life how women can be great influences on the world through their families, working to strengthen their husbands and raise their children toward a future of liberty under a just government.
Highly recommended: easy to read, entertaining, and inspiring for all ages!
Highly recommended: easy to read, entertaining, and inspiring for all ages!
May 21, 2025
I really loved and enjoyed this book and also realized once again how wimpy most of us are, compared to what the Revolution generation did and had to face and remained happy and not depressed all the time. The fortitude needed to live was immense. Reading on John and Abigail again through Abigail’s eyes was a delight and what she was going through, mostly, I could sympathize. There were times where I must admit my postmodern mindset was annoyed but overall I can only respect all the things she faced and did and often just thinking about it made me exhausted. She was far from perfect but what an incredible example of a stately, honest and wise woman. If we could all strive to be a little like her, it would better our love for sure. A lot of it was heartbreaking. I’m so thankful the family saw fit NOT to burn all her letters like she asked, what a treasure that would’ve been lost!
I read this the first time in community and now I’ve just started it with my first son. Curious how it’s going to go.
2025: There were still parts I enjoyed of this book, but on the third read, it is getting longer it seems.
I read this the first time in community and now I’ve just started it with my first son. Curious how it’s going to go.
2025: There were still parts I enjoyed of this book, but on the third read, it is getting longer it seems.
November 14, 2022
I really enjoyed this biography and my love and appreciation for both Abigail and John Adams' grew. I had no idea what an early advocate for women's rights that Abigail was and I am so thankful she had the ear of our 2nd president. I especially resonated with her in the revolutionary war years of Abigail's lives where she was knee deep in raising and homeschooling her children. I admire and felt exhorted by her in how she sustained long absences from her husband, parented and ran the household alone, and yet maintained such a deep friendship with her husband. I believe if I were to read again in a later season of my own life, I would deeply resonate with her later years of having older children, wayward children, grandchildren and a new set of hosting and presidential responsibilities.
Bober was an excellent and engaging writer and I would love to read more of her biographies.
Bober was an excellent and engaging writer and I would love to read more of her biographies.
December 31, 2024
At times I found this book frustrating, this was not the fault of the author, but the circumstances of John and Abagails marriage, Abagail seemed constantly anguished by John's absences, while John's ego would never allow him to put his wife and family first and refuse an appointment; in spite of this they were very much in love.
She is known as being the wife and mother of presidents, aside from that she was a valued advisor to her husband and maintained their large estate during John's many absences.
It was apparent Abagail was a very wise and intelligent women and was an early women's rights advocate. Because of her times she was restricted in what she could accomplish, I can only imagine the heights she could obtain today!
She is known as being the wife and mother of presidents, aside from that she was a valued advisor to her husband and maintained their large estate during John's many absences.
It was apparent Abagail was a very wise and intelligent women and was an early women's rights advocate. Because of her times she was restricted in what she could accomplish, I can only imagine the heights she could obtain today!
May 21, 2025
Wow. Preread this as Gabe will be reading it for school next year. So interesting and I learned a lot
On second read, I loved Abigail’s relationship with her husband and how much he respected her mind.
On second read, I loved Abigail’s relationship with her husband and how much he respected her mind.
May 31, 2023
What a great children's biography of a truly remarkable woman! The only downside was the patronizing commentary on Abigail Adams believing the home was a woman's domain.
September 10, 2025
It has been such a delight to slowly read this book with my oldest over the last year. It is one of the best biographies I’ve ever read. I bawled my way through the final chapters. What an inspiring woman and remarkable family! I’m already wanting to start it over again.
September 9, 2020
My 8th grader was supposed to read this as the first Language Arts unit of the year (part of the Moving Beyond the Page Level 12-14 curriculum). He struggled through the first two chapters, so I agreed to read the rest aloud to him. As well as keeping him focused, reading this to him, gave us a chance to discuss as we read (which included laughing at little jokes that he might not have otherwise caught, and adding commentary about poor behavior on the part of founding fathers, including Thomas Jefferson with Sally Hemings, who was barely older than his daughter who she accompanied to France).
Abigail Adams was pretty bad ass. She followed the social norms of her time -- marrying, raising children, and running her household like a boss -- but behind the scenes, she influenced not only her husband and son (both POTUSes, in case you missed that), but also corresponded with Thomas Jefferson (until they had a falling out over politics, which they eventually patched up) and other influential men (and some of their wives).
She wrote a lot and this biography is based heavily on her letters to family and friends. While I appreciate the support of original documents, the way that Ms. Bober incorporates the many excerpts (from brief phrases to much longer passages) into the narrative is often awkward. Keep in mind that I was reading this aloud and assumed different voices to differentiate between Abigail, John, and other characters when they were being quoted. This meant often switching back and forth multiple times within the same sentence. Awkward.
Among all the quotes and less interesting details, Ms. Bober does manage to capture the more interesting aspects of AA's life: international travel, some really tragic losses (including four of her six children and several grandchildren during her lifetime), and a major role in American history.
Abigail Adams was pretty bad ass. She followed the social norms of her time -- marrying, raising children, and running her household like a boss -- but behind the scenes, she influenced not only her husband and son (both POTUSes, in case you missed that), but also corresponded with Thomas Jefferson (until they had a falling out over politics, which they eventually patched up) and other influential men (and some of their wives).
She wrote a lot and this biography is based heavily on her letters to family and friends. While I appreciate the support of original documents, the way that Ms. Bober incorporates the many excerpts (from brief phrases to much longer passages) into the narrative is often awkward. Keep in mind that I was reading this aloud and assumed different voices to differentiate between Abigail, John, and other characters when they were being quoted. This meant often switching back and forth multiple times within the same sentence. Awkward.
Among all the quotes and less interesting details, Ms. Bober does manage to capture the more interesting aspects of AA's life: international travel, some really tragic losses (including four of her six children and several grandchildren during her lifetime), and a major role in American history.
March 30, 2021
AmblesideOnline year 4 book...my oldest son was NOT a fan of this book...I think mainly because it was a bit more feminine book. There was a lot of political and historical information as well as information about John Adams and the rest of their family but it was primarily about Abigail. I thought it was well written and enjoyable.
Updated: younger daughter didn’t love it either
Last reading with a child: my youngest son was very invested in the characters and truly enjoyed this book! He may have even teared up when Abigail died at the end.
Updated: younger daughter didn’t love it either
Last reading with a child: my youngest son was very invested in the characters and truly enjoyed this book! He may have even teared up when Abigail died at the end.
May 12, 2025
My third time through this book was just as engaging and moving as the first time I read it. An outstanding biography which relies heavily on the Adams’ copious written correspondence.
April 27, 2022
I think studying the life of Abigail Adams is a great way to learn about early American history, since, as the title of this book points out, she was a witness to the Revolution, and personally acquainted with many of the most important leaders of the time. So I thought this book would be a good addition to our homeschool reading list.
However, this biography annoys me. Several times in just the first 25% of the book, the author is at pains to make sure we know that DESPITE Abigail’s devotion to her duties as a wife and mother, she was STILL an intelligent and worthwhile human being. *eye roll*
Then there was this comment about Abigail and John during their courtship: “Their letters were gay, uninhibited, and full of passion, with no hint of their Puritan descent or their Calvinist upbringing.” *even bigger eye roll* Because, obviously, Puritans and Calvinists definitely couldn’t possibly be happy or expressive or in love!
In my opinion, any writer who is so utterly ignorant about Puritans and Calvinists that she can only parrot modern misconceptions and prejudices about them is NOT qualified to write about early American history. So this book is going straight back to the library, and instead we’re just going to read the letters of John and Abigail Adams—which are available on Kindle for free, by the way.
However, this biography annoys me. Several times in just the first 25% of the book, the author is at pains to make sure we know that DESPITE Abigail’s devotion to her duties as a wife and mother, she was STILL an intelligent and worthwhile human being. *eye roll*
Then there was this comment about Abigail and John during their courtship: “Their letters were gay, uninhibited, and full of passion, with no hint of their Puritan descent or their Calvinist upbringing.” *even bigger eye roll* Because, obviously, Puritans and Calvinists definitely couldn’t possibly be happy or expressive or in love!
In my opinion, any writer who is so utterly ignorant about Puritans and Calvinists that she can only parrot modern misconceptions and prejudices about them is NOT qualified to write about early American history. So this book is going straight back to the library, and instead we’re just going to read the letters of John and Abigail Adams—which are available on Kindle for free, by the way.
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May 3, 2012Amber Randol
Biography
This book goes into great depth on the life of Abigail Adams, who was a First Lady and the mother of a president. When she married her husband John, they were apart alot and she wrote many letters throughout her life to him that recorded her life. Her husband was the second president of the United States, and her son was John Quincy Adams, the sixth president. Her letters included advice to her husband about things he was dealing with, and this book provides details about all of those as well as the birth of the United States through her eyes. It starts out with her birth to her death. She was not the typical woman, knowing things about poetry, politics, and philophy. This book details the life of a woman who provided alot of information about the American Revolutionary War and who was known to many. I think having a biography an Abigail Adams is good because she was such an inspirational woman, and her life provides alot of information.
Biography
This book goes into great depth on the life of Abigail Adams, who was a First Lady and the mother of a president. When she married her husband John, they were apart alot and she wrote many letters throughout her life to him that recorded her life. Her husband was the second president of the United States, and her son was John Quincy Adams, the sixth president. Her letters included advice to her husband about things he was dealing with, and this book provides details about all of those as well as the birth of the United States through her eyes. It starts out with her birth to her death. She was not the typical woman, knowing things about poetry, politics, and philophy. This book details the life of a woman who provided alot of information about the American Revolutionary War and who was known to many. I think having a biography an Abigail Adams is good because she was such an inspirational woman, and her life provides alot of information.
Currently reading
June 11, 2024What a woman! Another AO year 4 history book, and just finished 12 weeks ahead of Annie. 🙌🏼 A very realistic account that included so many of her own letters. The book didn’t shrink back from exposing the many hardships they endured, the constant-sickness, their struggle and worry and joy with their children and grandchildren, their own character-strengths and flaws, and the birth of a nation in the background of it all. I think our favourite part was when John Quincey watched her melting her pewter spoons into bullets. Just loved it!
Read for a second time with Calvin! 2024
Read for a second time with Calvin! 2024
March 17, 2018
Abigail Adams is someone I would have liked to have known. Ahead of her time in the desire to educate women, yet with a strong sense of purpose in caring for her family, her intelligence, industriousness, and wisdom are admirable. This book whets my appetite for more of our founders and their families.
June 13, 2024
Read aloud for history with my 10 and 11yo girl and boy as part of our Ambleside Online booklist.
We all enjoyed it - a book rich with topics to discuss and think about (freedom, work ethic, government, rebellion, women’s rights and education, standing firm for what you believe in, marriage, faith, commitment to family, grief, sorrow, and more).
My best memories in homeschooling my children will always be traveling back in time together and meeting the people who make up the pageant of history through our books. 💕
We all enjoyed it - a book rich with topics to discuss and think about (freedom, work ethic, government, rebellion, women’s rights and education, standing firm for what you believe in, marriage, faith, commitment to family, grief, sorrow, and more).
My best memories in homeschooling my children will always be traveling back in time together and meeting the people who make up the pageant of history through our books. 💕
May 10, 2021
AO Y4. This is a wonderful biography about the amazing woman Abigail Adams was. She was a woman who suffered much but willingly and had a strong sense of integrity. She endured long separations from her husband and children but was a rock behind which great men thrived. She advocated for women’s right to an education.
May 5, 2023
Read with my daughter for AO year 4.
This was my second time through the book and it was not my daughter's favorite book this year. I really enjoyed it though! I found Abigail to be an incredible woman full of grit and fortitude.
I think this is one my daughter will eventually pick up and read again when we come back to the revolution in later years.
This was my second time through the book and it was not my daughter's favorite book this year. I really enjoyed it though! I found Abigail to be an incredible woman full of grit and fortitude.
I think this is one my daughter will eventually pick up and read again when we come back to the revolution in later years.
October 11, 2024
Reading this book reminded me how much I love biographies. It is well written and gives a fascinating look at the world, a new country, and one of its first presidents from the eyes of his devoted wife. Definitely glad I picked up this AO book to pre-read.
May 23, 2025
What an incredible life. Reading this book you get a real sense of the kind of woman Abigail was, and plenty of ideas for deciding the kind of person you want to be. I’ll be so excited to read this again with my other kids.
October 15, 2020
3.5 stars. A very interesting book about a woman I knew nothing about, she had a fascinating life and was fun to learn about.
February 10, 2024
Loved Abigail and her advocation for education for all! Didn’t love the slut shaming of the ballerinas and women whose dresses showed their arms :(
March 10, 2024
A very readable biography of an interesting woman.
April 29, 2024
Read alongside Naomi as part of history this year. Absolutely Loved this book.
January 16, 2025
I am not typically a biography lover, but I was in tears by the end of this. Such an inspiring life! I'm very glad this is on the AO list.
December 10, 2025
Learned so much. Inspired by her life. 25-26 school year.
October 16, 2024
At first glance I thought this book would be boring and hard to read, but it immediately felt very approachable and kept me coming back to learn more!
August 14, 2025
So good. Loved reading about this incredible, strong woman and getting such a wide political climate. She calls me to greater endurance and diligence as a wife. To think we will one day converse in heaven!
November 5, 2013
My Mom recommended this book to me, about a month ago, I put a hold on it at the library, and have been reading a few chapters each day. Abigail Adams: Witness to a Revolution is a biography of Abigail Adams compiled by Natalie Bober using the letters that Abigail wrote to her husband, friends, and family. I really enjoyed the book, and I think in part because I was just in Boston this summer, so I knew so many of the historic places that were discussed in the book, and that was really neat. (I am still sad that my American history is not all that great!)
What I learned the most, is what an influence Abigail Adams had on our country.
She believed females should be just as educated as males, and with that being said, she taught her daughter, Nabby, both Latin and Greek. Although, John did not want others to know about this, as it was not appropriate at that time for young women to be that educated. Abigail was incredibly intelligent and had much knowledge about things such as poetry, politics, and philosophy, John would often times quote Abigail's letters to Congress.
Abigail was one strong woman, taking care of the farm, and raising her family, while John was away in Philadelphia, and traveling the world. For most of their marriage they lived apart from each other.
I really enjoyed that Abigail was such a prolific letter writer, she would write John at least once a day if not more often, a lost art in today's world with email. Something I personally still enjoy doing, putting a hand written note in the mail, who doesn't love having "good mail" in their mail box?
If you want to learn more about Abigail Adams, and her family along with the Revolutionary War, I highly recommend picking up this book - it is located in the Young Adult section (which I was a bit surprised about)
Bober is an excellent author, and I will be picking up her book on Thomas Jefferson in the near future.
What I learned the most, is what an influence Abigail Adams had on our country.
She believed females should be just as educated as males, and with that being said, she taught her daughter, Nabby, both Latin and Greek. Although, John did not want others to know about this, as it was not appropriate at that time for young women to be that educated. Abigail was incredibly intelligent and had much knowledge about things such as poetry, politics, and philosophy, John would often times quote Abigail's letters to Congress.
Abigail was one strong woman, taking care of the farm, and raising her family, while John was away in Philadelphia, and traveling the world. For most of their marriage they lived apart from each other.
I really enjoyed that Abigail was such a prolific letter writer, she would write John at least once a day if not more often, a lost art in today's world with email. Something I personally still enjoy doing, putting a hand written note in the mail, who doesn't love having "good mail" in their mail box?
If you want to learn more about Abigail Adams, and her family along with the Revolutionary War, I highly recommend picking up this book - it is located in the Young Adult section (which I was a bit surprised about)
Bober is an excellent author, and I will be picking up her book on Thomas Jefferson in the near future.
June 8, 2022
I read this with my child as part of the homeschool curriculum. Never before has an historical figure seemed so real. Abigail, John Adams, John Quincy Adams... have all become flesh and blood to me and the Revolutionary War feels as close as D-Day thanks to the letters of Abigail Adams. We see the family problems and financial problems as part of the daily life of this famous couple and see Abigail as a wife, mother, farmer, first lady, and unexpected leader. I'm so glad I got to meet this admirable woman through this book.
May 16, 2019
Reading this for Ambleside Online’s year 4...so excited that is is part of the curriculum and I can’t wait for my kids to read it!! An exceptional biography of an exceptional woman...I felt really immersed in the time period and in her personal struggles. There was a hint of feminism at first I thought, but I think the author was just trying to help a modern reader understand the times of Abigail Adams. One objectionable paragraph (for younger readers) in chapter two, regarding the sexual tension between John and Abigail during their courtship...I will probably read that chapter aloud to my students and edit or skip that one paragraph. I was brought nearly to tears by her courage and sacrifice for her country, for the many trials she faced, by her passionate and foundational beliefs in education (‘even’ for women and black citizens), her tender love of her family and the intensity of trials of life, travel, illnesses and war dangers in that time. Great read! What a great tribute to a woman with a powerful, feminine influence on her family and the world. So inspiring.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews