HISTORICAL Drama FICTION a story based on true events from the past

Girl. FIGHTER. HERO. In the midst of a bloody war, 16-year-old Sybil Ludington will risk everything to save the country she loves.

ILLUSTRATIONS BY ALLAN DAVEY Based on a true story from the American Revolution. By Mack Lewis 

SCOPE.SCHOLASTIC.COM • NOVEMBER 2015 9 CHARACTERS Sybil: No. But know this: We are The militia was Circle the character you will play. a military force well armed in this house. made up of *Starred characters have major speaking parts. Crosby: And the Colonel? Is he here? civilians, like *Historians 1 & 2 (H1, H2) farmers and Sybil (suspiciously): What do you shopkeepers. *Narrators 1 & 2 (N1, N2) know of my father? They were called up, or “raised,” THE LUDINGTONS: *Sybil Ludington (teenage Crosby: I know he swore an oath to to help the army Patriot), Colonel Henry Ludington (father), the Crown, yet he commands the in emergencies. Mother, Rebecca (sister, 14), Mary (sister, 11) local militia against King George. Sybil: I demand to know who you are at once. THE LOYALISTS: Mr. Prosser, Henchmen 1 & 2, N2: The man throws aside his cloak, brushes the hair Cowboys 1 & 2 away from his eyes, and grins. OTHERS: Enoch Crosby (family friend and a spy), Sybil: Mr. Crosby! Messenger, Mr. Hopkins, Mr. Scribner, N1: Sybil flings open the door. Mrs. Shaw, General George Washington Sybil: Why did you not announce yourself? Crosby: I did not recognize the horse out front. I didn’t know who might be here. Sybil: That’s my new horse, Star. I’ve been patrolling. AS YOU READ, What does Sybil prove THINK ABOUT: to others? Crosby: Of course you have, brave Miss Sybil. I suspect not even an army of Redcoats could frighten you. Sybil: One cannot be brave if one is fearless, Prologue Mr. Crosby. H1: The year is 1777. It’s a dangerous and violent time: Mary: Are you really a spy? America is at war with England. Crosby: I couldn’t say so if I were, now could I, Miss H2: The American colonists fighting for independence Mary? But whatever you’ve heard, you mustn’t are called Patriots. repeat it. Make no mistake, we are at war. The H1: Other colonists, who remain loyal to King George, threats are real. are called Loyalists. Sybil: That’s why we need every capable person to H2: Our story begins with 16-year-old Sybil Ludington, join in this fight. Tell me, Mr. Crosby, do you think the eldest daughter of the much-respected Patriot it fair that women cannot join the militia? Colonel Henry Ludington. Mother: Sybil, leave poor Mr. Crosby alone. Sybil: Oh, Mother! You know I am as capable as Scene 1 any boy. March 1777, Hudson Highlands, New York Crosby: No one doubts that, Sybil. The Colonel tells N1: On a damp, moonless night, a mysterious traveler me of your skill with a musket. But listen, I have in a dark cloak knocks on the Ludingtons’ door. urgent news: The British put up a reward for your N2: Sybil cracks the door open. Her mother and 11 father’s capture. You must warn him. siblings stand behind her, tense with fear. Sybil: Yes, what is it? Scene 2 N1: The man speaks in a coarse whisper. Thick locks of Late at night, April 6, 1777 hair obscure his eyes. N2: Sybil, musket in hand, is standing guard in Crosby: Have you lodgings for the night? front of her house. Rebecca runs up. Sybil: We do. Who are you, sir? Rebecca: Men on horseback are coming! One of Crosby: Have you any guests in the house? them is that rat Mr. Prosser. CREDITS TK

10 SCHOLASTIC SCOPE • NOVEMBER 2015 CREDITS TK another night. Prosser N1: they leave. Prosser: Henchman 2: there. Henchman 1: Prosser: pacing infrontofthewindows. positions behindthetrees.Theyseeshadowyshapes N2: house isfullofmen. in frontofthewindows.Wemustmakeitlooklikethis Sybil: N1: even setitonfire. bolder. Theywillattackusandlootthehouse—maybe for Father.Iftheyfind out Fatherisn’there,theywill be Sybil: on July4,1776.Thewarwentforanothersixyears. out in1775,andtheDeclarationofIndependencewassignedayearlater, own nationandnolongerbelongtoEngland.TheRevolutionaryWarbroke independence. ShebelievedthatAmericansshouldrulethemselvesastheir Like manypeopleinthe13Colonies,SybilLudingtonwaspassionateabout THE WAR Hourspassandstillthe“men”pace. Prosser’smenrideuptothehouseandtake Sybilgoesinsideandwakesuphersiblings. one cannon! one Everyone!Lightcandlesandwalkbackforth Loyalistscoundrel!Hemustbeafterthereward men to fire to men It took six took It

(frustrated) Holdyourpositions.Wewillattackwhen TheColoneliswell-guardedtonight. Toomanytofight. Itlookslikethere’shalfa : Let’smoveout.Wewillreturn regiment in

Messenger: organize themastheyarrive. Colonel: gunpowder. tents, clothing,blankets—nottomentionmusketsand at once.Wehavevitalsuppliestheretoprotect:food, Messenger: N1: will takeallnighttoalertthem! Colonel: Danbury isundersiege.Youmustcallupthemilitia. Messenger pounding onthedoor.Sybil’sfatheranswers. N2: Sybil: Messenger: Sybil: and Iamutterlyspent. Themessengercollapsesonabench,exhausted. Thefamilyispreparingforbedwhenthere’sa I know these roads like no one else. Iknowtheseroadslikenooneelse. Iwillgo,Father. Rideonandtellmymento Butmymenarescatteredovermanymiles.It

(sweating, outofbreath) I can go no farther, sir. I’ve ridden 20 miles, Icangonofarther,sir.I’veridden20miles, GeneralWoostersaystomarchDanbury You?You’rejustagirl. Evening, April26,1777 SCOPE.SCHOLASTIC.COM

Scene 3

: Colonel Ludington! ColonelLudington! muster •

NOVEMBER 2015 here. I will here.Iwill

 11 Messenger: Then you know that Cowboys lurk in the N2: She clutches her ankle in agony as a woman forest. The Highlands are Patriot territory, but they’re appears in the doorway. thick with Loyalist bandits. Shaw: Why, Miss Sybil, what are you doing way Mother: And don’t forget Mr. Prosser. out here? In colonial days, Sybil: Father, you know I can do it. “Cowboys” were Sybil: Calling up the militia. Colonel: Take a long stick. Bang on each Loyalists who robbed Shaw (helping Sybil up): A little thing like suspected Patriots, house as you ride past. Do not stop. taking mainly food you shouldn’t be out riding in the middle of N2: Sybil saddles up Star and hoists herself and cattle. Cowboys the night. gave what they took onto the horse. The sky glows orange from to the British army Sybil: People are depending on me. the fire in Danbury. The siege has begun. and others loyal to Shaw: Let the menfolk worry about the King George. Sybil: Hiya! fighting. Come warm yourself in front of the N1: Sybil rides off. hearth, dear. Messenger: You have sent her to her doom. Sybil: If the Redcoats sack Danbury, they will press on. Colonel: You do not know my Sybil. They will burn our homes. They will capture and kill my father. Our dream of freedom will be as dead as ash. Scene 4 N1: Sybil breaks away and hobbles back to her horse. Later that night in the Highlands Sybil: I must continue on. Lives hang in the balance. N2: The wind howls as Sybil races along the road. N2: Sybil rides off, her voice echoing in the night. N1: Her excitement carries her to the first house. Sybil: To arms! To arms! N2: She bangs on the shutters. Sybil: The British are attacking Danbury! To arms! Scene 5 Hopkins: We cannot let Danbury fall. Near dawn, April 27, 1777 Sybil: Tell your neighbors: Muster at Ludington’s. N1: Sybil and Star trudge down the road. N1: The first drops of rain fall. Sybil rides on to Carmel. N2: Suddenly, Sybil sees shadowy figures in the Scribner: Who goes there? Friend or foe? distance. Sybil: Sybil Ludington, sir. Sybil: Whoa, boy. Scribner: What news? Sybil’s N1: A group of Cowboys Sybil: The British are sacking Famous steps out in front of her. Danbury! Muster at Ride They surround her, Ludington’s! grabbing Star’s reins. Scribner: I shall spread Sybil: Get back, you the word! thieves! How dare you! N2: The storm worsens Cowboy 1: Now, now, and Sybil’s clothes are Hudson little miss. We mean soon soaked through. Highlands only to take your purse. N1: She speeds Cowboy 2: And your horse. through Mahopac. Sybil: I’d die before I’d see a N2: Fatigue sets in. Her Loyalist on my horse. legs ache and her neck Cowboy 1: That can be stiffens. arranged. N1: She leans out to bang on N2: Sybil feels herself being the shutters of a cottage and pulled down. Star rears up on

slips, falling into the mud. his hind legs, kicking. Sybil hits MAP BY STEVE STANKIEWICZ

12 SCHOLASTIC SCOPE • NOVEMBER 2015 THE WOMEN AND CHILDREN Even though women were not allowed to enlist, they were a major part of the war effort. Women cooked for the army, ran into battle carrying water to soldiers, sewed military clothes, and fed and cared for the wounded. Women and children also helped make gunpowder and cannonballs. The women who stayed behind often had to defend their homes, as Sybil did, while their fathers, husbands, and sons were away fighting. There were also women who dressed up as men to be able to fight.

the ground—hard. Scene 7 Sybil (staring up): Mr. Prosser? How low you have fallen! May 1777 Prosser: Silence, traitor! N2: Sybil is mending a saddle when Mary rushes over. Sybil (standing): If you think you will get away with this, Mary: Come quick! Continental soldiers are marching you are gravely mistaken. up the road! N1: Brandishing her stick, Sybil jabs wildly at the N1: Sybil follows Mary out to see General George Cowboys. They step back, surprised, giving her just Washington and an army of men standing solemnly. enough time to get up on Star. Colonel: General Washington would like a word. Sybil (as she races off): You shall pay for your disloyalty! N2: Sybil curtsies. The General extends his hand. Washington: I want to shake the hand of the person Scene 6 who mustered our troops to defend Danbury. Early morning, April 27, 1777 Sybil: Thank you, sir. But I understand we were too N2: Sybil, slumped forward in Star’s saddle, emerges late. Danbury was destroyed. from the trees to see her home bathed in morning light. Washington: We may not have saved our supplies, but N1: In front of her house stand some 400 men: the the British paid a heavy toll for coming near the militia. The Colonel is calling out directions. Sybil’s Highlands. I’d wager they won’t attempt such an mother and sisters are carrying food and water. Her incursion again. little brothers are shining shoes. N1: Sybil smiles. N2: One of the men sees Sybil. Washington: Forty miles in the dead of night! It was a Hopkins: Sybil Ludington the Brave! You have done it! feat worthy of my best men. Scribner: Because of you, the Highlands will be Sybil: I am honored to have served defended this day! our cause. And I hope I have All: Cheers for Sybil the Brave! Cheers for Sybil! Hooray! shown you that it is not only TURN N1: The men clap and cheer. the best “men” who can THE PAGE JESSICA MCGOWAN/GETTY IMAGES Colonel (beaming): I knew you could do it, Sybil. fight for freedom. • to read about two amazing female warriors.

SCOPE.SCHOLASTIC.COM • NOVEMBER 2015 13 14 military’s most difficult and elite training programs. of the soldier ahead of them. watch on the only thing they can see: the vague shape treacherous over roots and vines makes the journey especially time, but on this hot August night, the risk of tripping pounds of heavy gear would be a grueling task at any T Nonfiction Welcome to the Army’s Ranger School, one of the SCHOLASTIC SCOPE • Ranger School.Buttheymaynevergettogoonmissions—just . To make it through, the soldiers keep Should Women brackish block the moon’s light. Marching through it’s night now, and their leaves completely swamps are green and lush by day, but he mangroves that crowd Florida’s Two womenjustgraduatedfromtheArmy’selite water while hauling about 75 NOVEMBER 2015 because they’refemale. Do This? as rescuing hostages from terrorists. some of the Army’s most dangerous operations, such prestigious trainees graduate. Those graduates go on to join the swamps. It’s so difficult that only about 40 percent of raids. The program ends with drills in Florida’s brutal of the training, where they practice ambushes and than 40 minutes. Then comes the “mountain phase” includes sit-ups, chin-ups, and running 5 miles in less challenges. First, they must pass a fitness test that The Same Training

Historically, only men have been able to sign up for During the 62-day program, trainees face intense BY MELANIE ABRAHAMS 75th Ranger Regiment, which is sent on

MITCH FRAZIER/U.S. ARMY/GETTY IMAGES Ranger School. But this year, the school opened its Griest says, “we’ve been able to inform that decision as doors to women, and two of them—First Lieutenant to what they can expect from women in the military— Shaye Haver and Captain Kristen Griest—made that we can handle things physically and mentally on history as its first female graduates. the same level as men, and that we can deal with the Yet, despite their earning the Ranger Tab—a same stresses in training that the men can.” patch worn on their uniforms indicating that they graduated—the two aren’t eligible to become actual The Debate Rangers because they are women. So even though Second Lieutenant Erickson Krogh, who graduated they have the same training as their male peers, Haver from Ranger School along with Haver and Griest, says and Griest can’t participate in any Ranger missions. that it’s a soldier’s training, not his or her gender, that should matter. “I would always rather have someone Equal Opportunities with a Ranger Tab to my left and right when I’m in The Navy first allowed women to enlist and serve in combat situations,” he says. “I don’t care if that’s a 1917, during World War I. Back then, women worked male or a female.” mainly as interpreters, messengers, and translators. It Still, there are those who would rather see women wasn’t until 1976 that women were permitted to enroll kept out of combat roles. Some people argue that in military academies. Today, female soldiers make though women may be able to accomplish the same up roughly 15 percent of the active-duty military. physical tasks as their male peers, women are not But some 240,000 military positions—including naturally as strong as men, and that puts them at leading soldiers during combat, operating tanks, and greater risk of injury. Others have raised the concern taking part in special operations such as those that male soldiers may be distracted by the undertaken by the Rangers— presence of women in the ranks. remain off-limits to female Yet Second Lieutenant officers. Michael Janowski insists that That could all change in the women were far from a January, which is the deadline distraction at Ranger School. for Army, Navy, and Air Force In fact, he credits Haver with leaders to recommend whether helping him succeed. Halfway to allow women to hold up a rocky climb, he struggled historically male combat jobs. with his heavy gear and asked the Once all arguments are made, Kristen Griest other trainees to help him carry (right) and United States Secretary of it. “Shaye [Haver] was the only Shaye Haver Defense Ashton Carter will make (left), the one who volunteered,” he said the final decision. first women to later. “I probably wouldn’t be graduate from “I do hope that with our Ranger school. sitting here right now if it wasn’t performance in Ranger School,” for Shaye.” •

WRITING CONTEST

If you are capable, you have the ability to do something. How did Sybil Ludington prove her capability? How did Shaye Haver and Kristen Griest prove their capabilities? Answer both questions in a short essay. Use text evidence to support your ideas. Send your essay to SYBIL CONTEST. Five winners will get A Soldier’s Secret by Marissa Moss. GET THIS

JESSICA MCGOWAN/GETTY IMAGES ACTIVITY ONLINE

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