Revolutionary War (Battle Box)

Children's Literature - Leigh Geiger

This boxed kit consists of a sixty-four-page picture book for middle readers and a set of thirteen document reproductions and other related war memorabilia. The text presents an engaging and well-organized discussion of the war, the events leading up to it, and the aftermath. The major events are organized chronologically and broken down into manageable sections. Each section includes a brief introduction and a time line that summarizes the significant events. Additional key information is highlighted in colorful text boxes with related graphics. Although the term "Battle Box" is used on the front cover of this package, the words refer not to the fact that the materials come in a box but to the text boxes in each section that list the details of significant battles. Each section contains at least six "battle boxes" which always follow the same format (location, date, commanders, casualties, etc.) Additional short paragraphs, highlighted using the same text box technique, provide interesting background details: including relevant vocabulary (dragoons, naval blockade), influential figures (Rochambeau, Cornwallis), weapons (tomahawk, muskets) and what life was like at the time (smallpox, life under siege). This "bite-sized" approach makes this book a useful reference for students looking for specific information. The thorough index will also be helpful in finding particular topics. The memorabilia, which includes several documents such as Cornwallis' letter of surrender and a recruitment poster, as well as a cloth flag, sample stamps from the Stamp Act, and Revolutionary era money will help bring this historical era to life. Reviewer: Leigh Geiger, Ph.D.