Poet, Pilgrim, Rebel: The Story of Anne Bradstreet, America’s First Published Poet

Gr 2-5–Growing up, Anne Bradstreet loved reading and listening to poetry with her father. She knew she wanted to be a writer; but her Puritan faith frowned upon it, and there were strict rules against it. This picture book biography shares how Anne Dudley became Anne Bradstreet, who was the first person published in what later became the United States. The narrative touches on how the Puritans were ejected from England and came to the American colonies. Bradstreet’s life was filled with hardship and love, which became reflected in her poetry. Eventually, her work became celebrated on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. Back matter includes a time line of the subject’s life, and an author’s note stating that Bradstreet is one of her ancestors. The detailed illustrations are in simple, muted tones with pops of color to keep readers engaged.