Samuel Adams

Children's Literature

Samuel Adams by Kate Davis is part of the "Triangle Histories of the Revolutionary War" series. This book describes the life of Samuel Adams, with a definite emphasis on the pre-Revolutionary War period in Massachusetts. The text explains where Adams grew up and possible reasons as to why he felt so passionate about the cause of liberty. One problem with this book is that it explains events such as the Boston Tea Party in a biased manner. For example, in explaining the problem of the excess tea, the book states, "To have tea forced on them was one more example of how they lacked a voice in their own affairs. They did not want any tax, no matter how small, to be used to fund the English government." This is a true statement for many patriots; however, it throws all colonists in the same category and does not explain what the loyalists believed. If a reader wants to read mostly about the events of the Revolutionary War in and around Boston, or the actions of the Continental Congress in Philadelphia, then this book is a wonderful choice. However, if a reader wants to read a broader and more balanced view of Samuel Adams's life, then another biography would be a more appropriate choice. 2002, Blackbirch Press, Ages 8 to 12.
— Joella Peterson

School Library Journal

Gr 6-8-In a time when women had few rights and no voice, Abigail Adams was respected by the leaders of the day for her intellect and bravery. Samuel Adams, cousin to Abigail through her marriage to John, was a fiery speaker and writer who devoted himself to the cause of freedom. The lives of these remarkable people are interwoven with historical accounts of their times, giving depth to the books and a greater understanding of why each one was so extraordinary. Lengthy sidebars highlight historical events but they sometimes come in the middle of sentences and are not always related to the adjoining text, which may be confusing to readers who lack background about the American Revolution. The books contain numerous illustrations and historical engravings in black and white and in color. Each volume begins with the same preface discussing the American Revolution in general terms.-Heather E. Miller, Homewood Public Library, AL Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.