10/01/2017
Gr 3–5—As with other historical events covered in the series, Tarshis focuses on one specific character and a limited time frame in order to make the story manageable for readers who may lack background knowledge. Orphaned Nathaniel Fox, 11, is living with his uncle in Connecticut in 1776. Uncle Storch is a Tory and a Northern slave owner. In an author's note, Tarshis explains that 40 percent of people in Connecticut in 1776 owned slaves. When Uncle Storch threatens to beat a young enslaved boy named Theo, Nate diverts his uncle's anger to himself, then runs away. He stows away on a merchant vessel with the idea of getting to New York City and becoming a ship's cabin boy. Instead, he ends up in a military camp, with American soldiers preparing to do battle with British forces. While Nate knows that a war is occurring, like many people, he is not highly interested or informed until it touches him personally. Reunited with a former employee of his father's, Nate fights in the Battle of Brooklyn in August 1776. After his adventures with the Continental Army, Nate learns that his uncle died, leaving Nate as his sole heir. The boy eventually returns home to free Theo and his mother. Tarshis successfully blends historical fact with an involving narrative. VERDICT Purchase where the series is popular. This would also be useful as a supplementary resource for studies of the American Revolution.—Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's School, Richmond
Summer’s almost over, but that doesn’t mean summer reading should be winding down. We’ve got a sizzling set of stellar new books for young readers to help soak up those final lazy days before school is back in session. A new edition of Jeff Kinney’s bestselling Diary of a Wimpy Kid; new installments of favorite […]