The American Revolution

Children's Literature

This book from the "People at the Center of" series explores the lives and influences of major players during the American Revolution. The introduction gives a brief explanation of the events that lead to and occurred during the American Revolution. Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Thomas Gage, Marquis de Lafayette, King George III, and Abigail Adams are only a few of the influential people described. Each person's childhood and career before the Revolution is detailed, as well as what they did that makes them a person of interest when studying the American Revolution. Their lives after the Revolution are also described. Full-page reproductions of portraits and paintings of the time give an accurate representation of the people involved in the Revolutionary War. This book is an excellent reference for a child studying the Revolutionary War or influential people in American history. 2004, Blackbirch Press, Ages 7 to 10.
—Amie Rose Rotruck

School Library Journal

Gr 7 Up-- Two books that examine the causes, events, effects, results, and long term influences of these wars. Personal: ities--with appropriate quotations--as well as battles, heroics, and atrocities receive vivid, objective attention, along with a sharp-eyed look at what was happening on the civilian front. Organized chronologically and illustrated with black-and-white reproductions of drawings, paintings, posters, and photographs, both titles contain timelines, well-drawn maps, and age-appropriate listings of further reading. Each volume makes effective use of white space, headings, and informative sidebars. Stewart's narrative isn't quite as smoothly flowing as Vail's, but this is a very minor flaw. Both will be used for report writers and browsers alike. --David A. Lindsey, Lakewood Junior/Senior High School, WA