Molly Bannaky

By Alice McGill and Chris K. Soentpiet

Book Overview

On a cold gray morning in 1683, Molly Walsh sat on a stool tugging at the udder of an obstinate cow. When she spilled the milk, she was brought before the court for stealing. Because she could read, Molly escaped the typicalpunishment of death on the gallows. At the age of seventeen, the English dairymaid was exiled from her country and sentenced to work as an indentured servant in British Colonial America. Molly worked for a planter in Maryland for seven long years. Then she was given an ox hitched to a cart, some supplies-and her freedom. That a lone woman should stake land was unheard of. That she would marry an African slave was even more so. Yet Molly prospered, and with her husband Bannaky, she turned a one-room cabin in the wilderness into a thriving one hundred-acre farm. And one day she had the pleasure of writing her new grandson's name in her cherished Bible: Benjamin Banneker.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0547076762
• ISBN13: 9780547076768
• Release Date: January 2009
• Publisher: Clarion Books
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 8.2" x 11.2"
• Age Range: 4 to 7 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 2

Customer Reviews

Everything That a Picture Book Should Be

You know that a picture book is truly a GOOD book when you are reading it and enjoying it as a teenager! I noticed this picture book in my younger brother's collection, and was instantly drawn to the startlingly good picture on the book cover. Curious to see who this Molly Bannaky was, I opened the book and began to read her story. WOW!! Molly is truly amazing. She begins life as a milkmaid in 17th century England, and after accidently spilling the milk one day, she is accused of stealing it. Molly escapes the death penalty by being able to read the Bible (law in England at the time), but instead is sent as an indentured servant to America. After seven years of work, she finally claim land of her own. And Molly doesn't stop there-she buys a slave just to free him, marries him, and becomes Benjamin Bannaker's grandmother!The story isn't the only thing that's great here. The illustrations really are breathtaking and you will find yourself simply sitting and looking at them. Soentpiet has captured the feeling of England and colonial America within these pages; the large size format makes the illustrations even more special.The story is simple enough for young readers, yet fascinating enough for anyone to enjoy. The illustrations are timeless-what more could you want?

Savanah from Ashley River Creative Arts El.

I think Chris Soenpiet's work was OUTSTANDING! The pictures nearly come to life. Molly Bannaky is one example. It was marvelous!!! The pictures were excellent and the writing was outstanding! That award was meant to be there. I like to read this book every night! My favorite part was when Molly Bannaky went on the boat to America.

Not just for younger children

As a media specialist in a middle school, I probably would have passed over this picture book for selection. However, after previewing it, I was stunned with the art and the story of Molly Bannaky. It is a compelling story that would hold the interest of middle and maybe even some high school students. Students who enjoy picture books for the art work will find this a treat. The lighting in this is particularly memorable and I think many young artists would be inspired. This is a wonderful picture book with a compelling story of a lessor known historical character with inspiring illustrations. I've ordered it for the media center. :)MZ Cox

Making a life in a new land

I love books where reading saves someone's life. As an indentured servant, Molly Bannakay would have been executed if she could not read. Her life was spared but she had to work off seven years' labor and claim land to begin her own farm. What a powerful portrayal of a woman! When she realizes she cannot farm alone, she buys a slave to help her. In fair exchange, she treats him well and he teaches her about irrigation. The relationship flourishes and they marry. This biracial marriage seems ahead of its time and place so I was glad to see that the story leads to a picture biography of the scientist Benjamin Bannaker's grandmother, who taught him to read--and so the reading cycle goes on.The illustrations by Chris Soentpiet are just like portraits. Each page could be framed and put in an art museum.