Fight for Freedom: The American Revolutionary War

From School Library Journal
Grade 4-8–Bobrick does an admirable job of describing the American Revolution in fewer than 100 pages, half of which are pictures. Each spread covers a separate topic, with a page of text and sidebar of "Quick Facts" facing a full-page illustration. Topics include origins of the conflict, individual battles, profiles of generals from both sides, the Continental Congresses, Loyalists, and the role of women. The illustrations, primarily reproductions of period prints or later paintings of the events described, include maps of two battles and a map of the Colonies showing the locations of all the battles mentioned in the text. This title compares favorably with Lisa Frederiksen Bohannon's The American Revolution (Lerner, 2003) and Susan Provost Beller's The Revolutionary War (Benchmark, 2001). Two minor quibbles: the caption for a painting identifies the recipient of John Burgoyne's surrender as George Washington, rather than Horatio Gates (though it is easy to see how that error was made given the rendering) and a sidebar that states that the Liberty Bell was last rung in 1846. It was last tolled then, but has been sounded many times since. In all, this title is an excellent choice for both general readers and report writers.–Elaine Fort Weischedel, Millbury Public Library, MA Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist
Gr. 5-8. Bobrick, author of Angel in the Whirlwind: The Triumph of the American Revolution (1997), now addresses a younger audience. In a series of double-page spreads, this large-format volume profiles significant individuals and discusses the progress of the Revolutionary War. Typically, the left-hand page carries several paragraphs of text, a sidebar of "Quick Facts," and a small illustration. On the facing page is a large picture related to the subject. Printed in color, most of the illustrations are period paintings and prints, though from a variety of periods. Students will find the book's presentations of battles useful, particularly those accompanied by large-scale maps showing terrain and troop movements. Though the book does not include notes, even for quotes, it has a glossary, a bibliography, and an annotated list of suggested Web sites as well as a time line on the endpapers. The highly illustrated format leaves little room for detailed discussion, but students will find the book a well-organized and clearly written introduction to the war. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Book Description
Renowned historian Benson Bobrick has written a moving chronicle of the American Revolution for young readers. From the first stirrings of unrest under British rule at the Boston Tea Party, to the treachery of Benedict Arnold at West Point, to George Washington's Christmas Eve surprise attack at the Battle of Trenton, to the British surrender at the Battle of Yorktown, Fight for Freedom explores the war that created one independent nation out of thirteen diverse colonies. Fight for Freedom contains personal anecdotes from soldiers and civilians, as well as profiles of the many historical luminaries who were involved in America's fight for independence, such as George Washington, King George III, Abigail Adams, Benjamin Franklin, John Paul Jones, Thomas Jefferson, and Lord Cornwallis. Bobrick also explores the origins of colonialism in the New World, the roles women and Native Americans played during the American Revolution, the intricacies of building a new government, and the fate of those who remained loyal to the British crown after the onset of war. Bobrick's dynamic narrative is highlighted with many period oil paintings, political cartoons, and key campaign and battlefield maps, making Fight for Freedom the ultimate book on the American Revolution for kids.


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For a time period not lacking in resources, Bobrick manages to create one of the best for young readers, a volume that is attractive, informative, and accessible to history buffs and browsers alike. One- and two-page essays cover the major people, battles, documents, issues, and events of the time, doing for the American Revolution what James McPherson's Fields of Fury (2002) did for the Civil War and Stephen Ambrose's The Good Fight (2001) did for WWII, the two previous works in the series. Solid, clear writing, colorful maps, large reproductions of period oil paintings, political cartoons, and sidebars presenting "Quick Facts" yield a wealth of material. Especially handy is a list of ten of the best Web sites on the subject. One of the few resources to make the Revolution truly alive and interesting for young readers. A must for libraries and classrooms. (timeline, glossary, bibliography, index) (Nonfiction. 9+)


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