Tales of Young Americans
Drawing upon our nation’s pivotal struggles and triumphs Tales of Young Americans highlights our nation’s essential stories; moments that shaped our national memory and history as seen through the eyes, ideals, and actions of young Americans.
Our series begins, like our nation, in 1777 Philadelphia with The Scarlet Stockings Spy. The historical moment that holds special meaning for Scarlet Stockings Spy author, Trinka Hakes Noble.
“The Scarlet Stockings Spy has deep personal meaning for me because my direct ancestor, James Hakes, was a solider in the Revolutionary War. He traveled from Connecticut with Col. Sippitt’s Regiment to Pennsylvania and New Jersey to join Washington’s Army from September 1776 to March 1777, where they distinguished themselves at the Battles of Trenton and Princeton. I set this story in the same time period.
My ancestor continued to serve in the Continental Army, and in 1780, General Washington visited the Hakes home in Rensselaer, N Y, where they were expecting a child. The General requested the child be named in honor of him. So, in August of 1780, George Washington Hakes was born, and became my Great-Great-Great Grandfather.
American history has always been alive for me. Through my writing and storytelling, I am able to transport myself back to the times of my ancestors. While walking the battlefield at Princeton, New Jersey, in preparation for writing this story, and retracing the footsteps of my ancestor who fought there 227 years ago, I was deeply moved. I felt not only immense gratitude and pride, but a strong connection to those who came before me, to the characters in my story, to my own cherished freedom and my own country.”
Trinka will be traveling extensively in the coming months reading from and talking about Scarlet Stockings Spy to students, teachers, and parents. She is an extraordinary storyteller. We hope you have a chance to hear her.
In coming seasons we will also introduce young readers to a pair of buglers at the Battle of Gettysburg, a young man’s journey to adulthood during a November nighttime river crossing on the underground railway (Friend on Freedom River, Gloria Whelan), as well as other tales of Young Americans who are as brash, idealistic, and courageous as their young country. Tales of Young Americans will inspire a new generation of children to make their mark in history. It will also give teachers and educators a new set of tools in which to inspire.
We hope you enjoy our new series.