The Revolutionary War Begins: Would You Join the Fight? by Elaine Landau. Published in 2009. Interest Level: 3-6 Reading Level: 4.5
What would you have done if you lived during the revolutionary war? The Revolutionary War Begins: Would You Join the Fight? gives readers an opportunity to answer this question. The book’s simple text and easy to follow organization provides a concise introduction to the history of the American Revolution.
The content of this book includes a brief chronological explanation of the first few years of the war organized into two- to five-page chapters. Coverage primarily includes the 1760s to 1775, with a brief summary of the end of the war. Each chapter concludes with a text box which includes questions posed to the reader asking them to consider the same choices made by key figures during the Revolution. The following chapter begins with the heading “Here’s What Happened?” explaining to the reader the choice actually made. While most events are discussed from a Patriot perspective, there is reference to the decisions made by the British.
This book also visually engages readers through the use of art reproductions, photographs, and maps. A timeline, glossary of highlighted vocabulary throughout the text, a listing of additional resources, and an index rounds out the coverage of this event in United States history.
This book could prove beneficial to a beginning researcher or struggling reader needing to learn about the first years of the Revolution. A teacher could also use this title as a read aloud to spark discussion about this historical event.
The American Revolution for Kids: A History with 21 Activities by Janis Herbert. Published in 2002.
Interest Level: 5-8 Reading Level: 7.7
Ever wonder what life was like during the time of the American revolution? The American Revolution for Kids: A History with 21 Activities gives readers the opportunity to not just read about this historical time period, but also to participate in activities common to Revolutionary life.
This interactive text chronicles the events leading up to and through the War for Independence, including key and lesser-known figures from diverse backgrounds. Both African-American and female contributions are discussed, as well as the role of Native Americans in the war. In addition to the historical narrative, there are a variety of sidebars with containing pertinent contextual information such as explanations of military ranks. There are also a number of brief biographies highlighting figures of the time. Art and portrait reproductions provide visual support throughout the book.
What makes this text unique is the incorporation of 21 historically related activities. From making Liberty Tea Punch after reading about the Boston Tea Party to learning the steps to a minuet, George Washington’s favorite dance, readers will be transported back to the time period through participation in a variety of activities.
This book provides older readers a wealth of textual information and with some adult support (teacher or parent), the activities within the book would make great additions to class reports and presentations.
The Crossing: How George Washington Saved the American Revolution by Jim Murphy. Published in 2010.Interest Level: Grades 5-8 Reading Level: 7.4
How did a man with limited military experience commandeer an entire army and successfully gain a nation’s independence? The biography The Crossing profiles the military achievements of George Washington before he became President of the United States.
The book is organized into chapters discussing key points along Washington’s road to victory, from being chosen commander of the Army to the British surrender at Yorktown. Murphy’s engaging prose details Washingtons thoughts and feelings throughout the six years chronicled in the book. The book’s narrative is stunningly set against a variety of sepia-toned portraits and art reproductions. A detailed caption accompanies each visual throughout the book. Accounts of Washington’s military battles are supported through the inclusion of maps depicting the Army’s movement.
Murphy also includes a two-page chapter on the history and background of Emanuel Gottlieb Leutze’s famous painting Washington Crossing the Delaware. He addresses the criticism of the painting by art historians as being historically inaccurate, but goes on to explain an interpretation of Leutze’s intention in creating the painting the way he did. This chapter provides a unique added context of the reach of Washington’s fame long after the War was over. A timeline, listing of additional resources, and index conclude the information provided in this non-fiction text.
Primary Source Accounts of the Revolutionary War by James M. Deem. Published in 2006.Interest Level: 5-8 Reading Level: 7.9
Interested in seeing an original copy of the Declaration of Independence or a photograph of a Continental Army uniform coat? A cross between a book and a website, Primary Source Accounts of the Revolutionary War provides readers with a narrative account of the events of the Revolution as well as screen shots of current websites containing historical information.
Interspersed throughout the text are excerpts from first-hand accounts from historical figures. The book chronologically covers events from the Battles at Lexington and Concord to the British surrender. Art reproductions also add historical context to the book. Bright red section headings divide the events for easy to find reference information.
While the book is identified to be at a 7.9 Reading Level, the content proves to be a simpler read. There is a glossary to help support comprehension, but glossary words are not identified throughout the text for easy reference. A “Chapter Notes” section includes references for citations throughout the book.
The unique thing about this book is its connection to online resources. Books in this publisher’s series have websites (www.myreportlinks.com) with up-to-date links to outside sources providing access to primary sources. This particular title includes 30 current Internet sites on the American Revolution. This is a great tool for beginning researchers as it provides them with primary sources from reputable sites such as the Library of Congress and various Historical Societies and government organizations. This is also definitely a go-to for middle school teachers who want their students to collect reliable research on a focused topic.
Great Americans for Children: Revolutionary War Heroes [DVD]. Produced by Schlessinger Media. Produced in 2003.
Great Americans for Children: Revolutionary War Heroes [DVD]. Produced by Schlessinger Media. Produced in 2003.Interest Level: K-5 Reading Level: N/A
Hosted by a female adult narrator and a multicultural group of younger 'tweens, this DVD provides a 23-minute overview of the events leading up to and through the American Revolution, highlighting over 12 key figures. While this video is marketed for a K-5 interest level, the format and content is most appropriate for the younger tween age range of 8-10.
Through narration and re-enactments, the video chronicles key events. In addition, key terms are visually highlighted and defined throughout the video. Amongst the heroes profiled are Samuel Adams, Paul Revere, John Paul Jones, Thomas Paine, Thomas Jefferson, Nathan Hale– the usual cast of white male participants in the Revolution. However, there are a number of lesser known heroes, including African Americans, women and foreign participants - Sybil Luddington, the Marquis de Lafayette, Crispus Addix and the Rhode Island slaves, Mary Hayes, and Deborah Sampson.
The narrators’ voices are animated and an appropriate tone and pace is used for the recommended age group. The children narrators begin the video by posing question for the adult about the Revolution. They then move the video along by assisting her in the narration. An additional male narrator makes the occasional appearance as a breaking news reporter covering the events of the war.
The video does not delve into the life of any one Revolutionary War hero, but rather does provide a quick snippet of facts about several. The introductory nature of this video makes it a great tool from which a student could choose a Revolutionary War figure to then further research.
