Victory or Death! Stories of the American Revolution

From School Library JournalGrade 4-7-In these eight short stories, the authors have included familiar names as well as lesser-known, culturally diverse heroes of the American Revolution. In their introduction they state, "We've tried to reflect the many cultures in America during that time." Francis Salvador, a Jew, risked his life to sign South Carolinians to the loyalty oath. James Armistead, an African American, spied on Benedict Arnold at the command of his friend Lafayette. Sixteen-year-old Sybil Ludington rode 40 miles through dangerous territory to rally her father's militia. The stories of Bunker Hill and George Washington crossing the Delaware include the support of African-American soldiers and a Quaker officer. Selections about Abigail Adams; Deborah Samson; and Grace Growden Galloway, a loyalist whose husband fought with the British, are also included. Historical detail, much of which is drawn from primary resources, is seamlessly integrated. Black-and-white pencil drawings and maps appear throughout. Each selection can stand alone as a read-aloud but together the emphasis on unsung and diverse heroes comes through stronger.Jean Gaffney, Dayton and Montgomery County Public Library, Miamisburg, OHCopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.