The Redcoats Are Coming!

The Imagination Station #13

by Marianne Hering, Nancy I. Sanders

The first of a three-book story arc about the American Revolution, "The Redcoats Are Coming" follows Patrick and Beth as they assist the revolutionaries by waking up the sleeping citizens of 1775 Concord before the Redcoats come. In this adventure, the cousins meet Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, and John Hancock. They help smuggle musket balls, sound the alarm that the Redcoats are coming, and deliver a secret message to Paul Revere. Along the way they learn that most of the revolutionaries leaned on God's direction and even pastors helped in the cause.Christian parents and teachers will appreciate the historical facts as well as the biblical worldview training their kids and students will absorb. The kids will appreciate the excitement and tension of an America at war with England, and in some ways, with itself. A curriculum for Christian schools and homeschool families will be available.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian, Christian Fiction, Childrens, Time Travel, Middle Grade, Adventure

144 pages, Paperback

First published December 25, 2013

About the author

Marianne Hering is a prolific writer, having written hundreds of articles and a number of books for children and parents. For nine years she worked for several magazines in Focus on the Family’s periodicals department and became the editor of Clubhouse, a Focus on the Family children’s magazine with a circulation of more than 100,000.

As a book developer for Focus on the Family, she and coauthor / creative director Paul McCusker launched the Adventures in Odyssey book series The Imagination Station in 2010. Currently the series includes 19 books, with two more contracted for 2017 release. Paul bowed out of his role in 2015 to pursue other creative avenues. The combined sales are more than 450,000.

Currently Marianne is a freelance writer taking assignments. She and her husband live in Colorado with their twin sons.

Reviews

[Charly Troff (JustaReadingMama) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first Imagination Station the kids and I have read (we picked it up as part of our American Revolution unit study), but I was very impressed. I have seen this series offered as an alternative to people who don't love Magic Tree House and I can see why. We actually love the Magic Tree House series, but I know we will read more in the series.

[Daniel Roth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was Really good. I love this period in history

[Linda Finn · Rating 5 out of 5]

We really enjoyed this book for its historical content ! This is the first in a sub-series revolving around the Revolutionary War. We read this book as part of a homeschooling unit study on the American Revolution. We had fun reading as a family each night till we were done and I really feel we learned a lot in a fun way ! The children’s attention was held while one of us read and to me this is important. This book only took a few nights to read , so it was great for before bed or during breakfast. If your children like history and you are looking for something that is fun and full of adventure, give this book a try !

[Bethany Meadows · Rating 3 out of 5]

Being a lover of the audio series "Adventures in Odyssey" from my childhood, I have seen this series advertised for several years now. I finally decided to try out the series and ordered a couple of the books from Amazon. It was an easy quick read. I think I would have loved it as a child, particularly with the element of the kids taking a ride in the Imagination Station and going on adventures throughout time and history. I appreciate the approach to history from a Christian perspective as it teaches children things that have been hidden from many modern history books. I feel these will be a great teaching tool to my children as they grow older and can begin to read the series.

[Tim Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looks like this book starts another line of connected stories. Cant wait to see where it goes.

[GheenGirls · Rating 5 out of 5]

Turtle just re-read this series at her own request. She said: great! Return to library.

[Jordyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another really cute book from a cute series! Apparently these books every though they were written for kids are still very suitable to young adults!

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Notes for self--okay, not great. The kids didn't like it as much as magic tree house.

[Sarah P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was decently exciting

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

My own children grew up listening to Adventures in Odyssey so I was excited when I found this series. I loved the historical content of the Revolutionary War and the author wrote a fun adventure that will keep the interest of kids! This is an easy and quick read that I will pass on to my grandchildren for their enjoyment.

Patrick and Beth go back in time to Concord, Massachusetts in 1775. Their assignment is to deliver a letter to Paul Revere. While there they also meet Samuel Adams and John Hancock. Oh no... the letter goes missing... what will happen? Are they accused of being spies? Will Paul Revere believe them? Are they stuck in the past and not get back to Whit's End?

I recommend reading these series to supplement history for elementary children. Jump in to The Imagination Station!!

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

My siblings have all enjoyed The Imagination Station books based on the popular Christian radio drama Adventures in Odyssey, and would eagerly snatch up the latest book whenever the library had it available to check out. So when the opportunity arose to review the newest book in the series, The Redcoats Are Coming! I thought it would be neat to try the books out for myself; as well as to own a copy for my siblings to read and enjoy as well, since they love this series so much already.

This book, as well as the rest of the series, is written for a younger audience of beginner readers, as a first chapter book age level; due to the easy-to-read words used in the shorter sentences, and wonderful illustrations that accompany the story. While I was aware of this book being for a beginning reader, I did feel like the book went beyond my expectations of an average children's book; and despite the fact that I am older, I still enjoyed the story. I think that the story was written in an easy to understand/read way, and was very engaging, even to me! I also particularly loved how bits of history were interwoven into the story, when the characters go back in time to 1775, and meet important men from that time such as Paul Revere and Samuel Adams. This book had the perfect balance of history and fiction and was very fast paced and exciting; being sure to keep young readers engaged and turning pages! I also think this whole series would be a wonderful resource to home-schooling families, as it involves important events in time that help children learn while going back in time in the imagination station.

I was able to read through this book in about 45 minutes because of the beginner reading level and larger font, and really enjoyed it. The ending was very exciting and leaves you on the edge of your seat, wanting to get your hands on the next book to continue the story. Overall I'd recommend this book to beginner readers as a fun way to dive into chapter books and also learn about history!

DISCLAIMER :: I received a free copy of The Redcoats Are Coming! from Tyndale publishers for the sole purpose of this review. I was not paid to write this review, and all thoughts expressed in my review are completely my own, honest and unbiased.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Imagination Station books! In these adventurous books, cousins Patrick and Beth travel through time meeting a lot of great people from history. Their adventures usually encounter some mystery to solve and are often trying to get out of a sticky situation. The latest adventure takes the cousins back to 1775 to meet Paul Revere. This is the first of a three book set about the American Revolution.

Back of the Book Description:
"If they capture you, they can hand you for treason," Paul Revere said. Join the cousins Patrick and Beth on a patriotic adventure set in 1775, Concord, Massachusetts. They have a simple mission: to deliver a letter to Paul Revere. They arrive just in time to meet founding fathers John Hancock and Samuel Adams. They also meet a teen girl name Sybil. She's collecting musket balls for the Patriots and is on the lookout for Loyalist spies. But where is Paul Revere? When the letter goes mysteriously missing, all seems lost. Patrick and Beth try to get it back, only to be accused as spies! Will they be able to convince Paul Revere they're on the side of freedom? Or will the real spies win out and crush the Revolution before it begins?
The key to adventure lies within your imagination!


My Thoughts:
The author has again done a great job to get kids interested in American history. I love that the story goes back in time and brings history to life! The story line is great and will capture the attention of your kids. Patrick and Beth seem to end up right in the middle of things and that is no exception with this story. I love the mystery of the missing letter. A good mystery is always great! These books are just great reading for kids. You can rest assured that they will not only teach them about history, but will include a good moral lesson as well. If you're looking for a great series to start with your child who is age 7 and up, consider picking up this series.

Look for the next book in this 3 part series called Captured on the High Seas. You can find out more about The Imagination Station books by clicking here.

***I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Charissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Redcoats are Coming, an Adventures in Odyssey book by Focus on the Family, is a walk into the Revolutionary war with Patrick and Beth as they assist uncle Whit, the keeper of Imagination Station, on an adventure to awaken the citizens of Concord Massachusetts before the Redcoats come. On their adventure, Beth and Patrick must deliver the letter to Paul Revere, but also find themselves meeting Samuel Adams and John Hancock along the way. Their adventure they find is far more then just witnessing firsthand the actions that took place during the revolutionary war, as they themselves partake in the events, smuggling musket balls and helping sound the alarm that the Redcoats are coming!

This book is a great way for children six and over to not only learn about the historical facts of this time, but to also learn how the people during the time of the revolutionary war looked toward God for direction. This book brings a more biblical view that is sometimes forgotten in history books, and would be a great resource for Christian teachers of all sorts, as well as parents looking to establish a solid Christian education for their kids from home. What I love about this book, and the series alike, is how it brings these historical events into a story line that children can relate to, by taking them onto an adventure with children just like them. They get to see these events from a child's point of view.

I'm so glad to add this book to my son's collection, even though he seems to still be a little young to capture the true events of the book, it's never too early to start. This books will be one we can return to over and over again as he grows, and hopefully will be followed by more books just like it. I would love for my son to grow up with a more biblical view of our nations history, setting a good solid foundation for him in years to come.

-I received this book for free through Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for an honest review.

[Mercy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Back Cover:
Join Cousins Patrick and Beth on a patriotic adventure set in 1775, Concord, Massachusetts. They have a simple mission: to deliver a letter to Paul Revere. They arrive just in time to meet founding fathers John Hancock and Samuel Adams. They also meet a teen girl named Sybil. She's collecting musket balls for the Patriots and is on the lookout for Loyalist spies. But where is Paul Revere? When the letter goes mysteriously missing, all seems lost. Patrick and Beth try to get it back, only to be accused as spies! Will they be able to convince Paul Revere they're on the side of freedom? Or will the real spies win out and crush the Revolution before it begins?

The Positives:
Well, firstly I have loved Adventures in Odyssey since I was 4. I've probably listened to almost every single episode. (There are over 700!) I saw this book for review on Tyndale and I thought, "Why not? May not be the most interesting book for my age, but I still love Adventures in Odyssey!"
I read it in about 45 minutes. Super easy and it was a bit interesting, if not also predictable. I'm sure it's exciting for the age group this is intended for: (7 year olds and up). It was definitely a fun trip back to the Revolutionary War. Paul Revere is always a great person for kids to learn about.
This book did leave cliffhanger, with Patrick and Beth jumping into the Imagination Station which had just been hit by an imaginary bullet. It ended with them being on a ship in the middle of the ocean with a pistol being pointed at their backs.

The Negatives:
I didn't find anything wrong with this book!

The Overall:
This was a very enjoyable read, even if it wasn't for my age group. I highly recommend to any moms that want their kids reading good, Christian books!

I received this book for free from Tyndale House in exchange for my honest review.

[Christi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary: Book 13 in the Imagination Station series, "The Redcoats Are Coming follows Patrick and Beth as they assist the revolutionaries by waking up the sleeping citizens of 1775 Concord before the Redcoats come. The cousins meet Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, and John Hancock and help smuggle musket balls, sound the alarm that the Redcoats are coming, and deliver a secret message to Paul Revere. Along the way they learn that most of the revolutionaries leaned on God's direction and even pastors helped in the cause."

This is the first of this series that we have read but both of my girls, ages 3 and 5, found this book interesting and I found it a very interesting read as well. It is what I call a Christian version of the popular Magic Tree House series that we have also read and I am looking forward to reading the other books in the series. While it may not be completely historically accurate, it is a great way to make historical events come alive and to even tie in some family history as I told our girls about family members who were alive and in this area during this time in history. This book has helped to spark a genuine interest in not only historical events but also in our own family history so I would say it has been a great stepping stone for discussion and learning as well.

We will be sure to share reviews of other books in this series as we read them. I have a feeling the girls will be hooked :)

*DISCLAIMER: While I have not been monetarily compensated for this review, Tyndale House Publishers HAS provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for review.

[Melissa Rosas]

This is a story of two cousins, Beth and Patrick. They have a friend that is somewhat of a mentor, Whit, who has this "Imagination Station" that is like a time machine. They find a letter in Whit's attic that is addressed to Paul Revere and they have a mission to take it to him. They travel back to Concord Massachusetts in search of Paul Revere and are in the colonial era of early America. Here they go on a crazy adventure running into historic figures like John Hancock, Samuel Adams and Paul Revere. Will they get the letter to Paul Revere?

Questions for the students:
1) Would you have given the letter to the two spies to save yourself?
2) How would you tell the story through the red coats point of view? What would change and what things would stay the same if any?
3) What was the secret code Beth and Patrick had to know when finding the Patriots? Why did they have to stay secret?
4) How is the way people greeted each other in the past to how we greet each other today? Do we act differently when we interact with people now then they did back then?
5) What would you have done in Beth's situation when she couldn't figure out if Dr. Church was a Patriot or not?

Citation:
Hering, M. & Sanders, N. (2014). The Imagination Station Presents: The Redcoats Are Coming!. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in a three book series about the American Revolution. It was an exciting and frightening time in history, and the authors treat readers to a view from two young people. Come along with Patrick and Beth to Concord, MA, and meet some of the people who stood on the front lines of the landing of the British soldiers.

Patrick and Beth were two unsuspecting children who find an envelope addressed to Paul Revere in a very old Bible. Through the Imagination Station, they are transported back in time to the American Revolution where they meet many famous people from history (like Paul Revere and John Hancock). They meet a girl named Sybil and learn first hand what it means to help in the war effort. This book enables children aged six to nine to see the war through the eyes of other children.

I really enjoyed this book and found myself thinking about the children I will buy copies for. There are fifteen chapters (like: A Mysterious Letter, Dangerous Spies, Alone in the Dark, and Willing to Die) that will capture the attention of young readers encouraging them to read on. The Secret Word Puzzle at the end was also a treat. I recommend this book to parents and grandparents. I received my review copy from Tyndale House in exchange for an honest review.

[Mariejkt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary
"The Imagination Station, The Redcoats Are Coming!" by Marianne Hering and Nancy I. Sanders is book #13 in the Adventures in Odyssey, Imagination Station series. Just so you know I have not read the previous 12 books but that did not matter I was still able to get into this book. The main characters are Patrick and Beth cousins who Whit sends back to 1775.

My thoughts
This is a wonderful historical fiction book for children. I have to admit I am not a big Adventures in Odyssey fan but this book blew away my expectations. It starts with Whit talking to the two cousins Patrick and Beth about their upcoming trip to Boston. He reveals that he has a letter for Paul Revere not just any letter but one that the cousins need to deliver to Paul Revere himself. The cousins end up working with the patriots and helping Paul Revere on his famous run. The twins come into the typical trouble involving helping the patriots that you probable can figure will happen but it still is a fun read. At the end it leaves the book open for the next book in the series which I do want to read myself. I can't wait for my youngest to read this when we do the American Revolution in a couple weeks.

I received this book from Tyndale House Publishers for free for my honest review.

[Meagan Myhren-Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Redcoats Are Coming
The Imagination Station #13
By Marianne Hering and Nancy I. Sanders

The Redcoats Are Coming is the first in a three book arc and Beth and Patrick are about to go on an adventure that will take them to the start of America's Revolutionary War. Not only will they meet some of the men who names are closely linked to the Revolution they take part in spreading the word that "The Redcoats are coming!"

This is a book that should appeal to homeschooling families as this can be a launching point into a study of the Revolutionary period. The excitement and adventure will appeal to kids. Readers of The Magic Tree House, Time Warp Trio, and the A - Z Mystery books will want to pick this up as it will have an appeal to them while providing an educational experience at the same time.

Take a trip back in time with the Imagination Station and join the Revolution, but be careful or you may get stuck in the past... until Captured on the High Seas! This one story arc you won't want to miss. And be sure to check out the Secret Word Puzzle at the end of the book for even more Redcoat fun!

Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book as part of their Blogger Program, no expectations were placed upon this review.

[Carol R Gehringer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marianne Hering and Nancy Sanders continue their series that lets the reader experience significant events in biblical, world, and American history through the adventures of Beth and Patrick. The young cousins use the Imagination Station invented by Mr. Whitaker (from Focus on the Family’s Adventures in Odyssey series) to travel back in time.

In The Redcoats Are Coming, Beth and Patrick embark on a patriotic adventure in 1775 Concord, Massachusetts – just before Paul Revere’s famous ride. Their mission is to deliver a letter to Paul Revere. They meet John Hancock and Samuel Adams, as well as a teenage girl named Sybil (possibly Sybil Luddington?). When the letter is misplaced, they try to get it back, only to be accused of being spies. Will they be able to convince Paul Revere they only want to help the patriots?

Focus on the Family and Tyndale co-publish this historical fiction series for children to explore the way faith has played a role in history. The series includes biblical, world, and American history. Parents will appreciate the historical facts and biblical worldview expressed in these stories.

Recommended for public and school libraries, as well as home schooling students.

Carol R. Gehringer
Worthy2read.wordpress.com

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Imagination Station: The Redcoats are Coming by Marianne Hering and Nancy Sanders.

I really love to see these historical books for children. This is definately geared for a 7-10 year old. A great way to have children learn while they enjoy a bit of adventure. These books are so fun for children, they don't even realize how much history they are taking in!

This story is about two kids that must deliever a letter to Paul Revere. They actually jump into the era and play out history!

Obviously, I am a ways past this reading level. I picked this for future use with my daughter, it is never too early to start gathering these great learning utensils! I actually started reading this with her, which only held a 4 yr olds interest for about 2 pages. Something about not having enough pictures...haha.

This book was provided to me by Tyndale House free of charge, in exchange for an honest review. Nothing I wrote was under instruction and my full opinion is written above.

[Misty Nordyke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this to my kids today in our homeschool for History.
So, I decided to let my kids tell you what they thought about the book themselves.
Here is what they said:

Misty:
I LOVED THE BOOK! I rate it 5 stars. I love how odyssey makes the characters travel to different
places. I think it is easier to learn history with imaginary characters blended with real history.
I like how it takes and puts you into the story with Beth & Patrick.

Jerry:
I LOVED THIS BOOK! I rate it 5 stars. I think it is cool how we can learn history while having fun things happen in the same book.

Tessa:
My favorite part of the book was when Beth and Patrick traveled back in time in the Imagination Station to the time of the Revolutionary War. I thought the whole book was good. This a book every parent or teacher should read to kids. It was a fun way for me to learn about the Revolutionary War. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book.

[Ann Saylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of the Imagination Station radio series: Adventures in Odyssey, so I jumped at the opportunity to review one of their books.

It's a kid-friendly whimsical look at the time period just before Paul Revere's ride. I loved getting a little bit deeper glimpse into the life of the revolutionaries and I always enjoy historical fiction. It's an easy read that children will enjoy. And it would be great to pair with history lessons in a home school setting or a Christian school.

I would recommend this book to boys and girls ages 7-10, and I look forward to giving it to my son for his 9th birthday in a few weeks. I look forward, also, to reading more in the series.

I received this book as a gift from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well done!

I was curious to see how the Revolutionary War books were handled. I was particularly curious if the claim would be made that God was on the Americans side - which, since there were God-fearing men on both sides would seem a little conceited. I was pleased that in this book at least that is not the case (haven't yet read the other two in this arc). It is (rightly) noted that many clergy were involved in the war & that the idea of separation of church and state as understood today was a foreign concept back then. Good introduction to the Revolutionary War for young elementary age children - looking forward to the next two in this story-arc.

The simple language, illustrations, & easy-to-read larger font makes this series perfect for young readers.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here we go on another adventure with Beth and Patrick on the Imagination Station! I was actually really excited about this book because I love stories about the Revolutionary War era. This book takes the kids right into the thick of conflict and they haul musket balls secretly for the Patriot cause. While learning the secret code between Patriots, Patrick also has a letter for Paul Revere that happens to disappear. Some men start poking around and it comes down to who is the spy for the Loyalists.

This book is so fun while being action packed. This is a great book to get young adults into history, it doesn't have to be boring!

I highly recommend!

[Tammy G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Redcoats Are Coming! is the first book of three about the American Revolution. Out family was excited about this "series" because first of all it's Adventures in Odyssey and secondly we are studying about the American Revolution as a family for the month of June, to get ready for our July 4th celebration. This year we thought since our children were older it would nice if they knew "the why" of why we celebrate Independence Day each year. This is a great read! Filled with action, history and plenty imagination. A great asset to any child's summer reading! In my {humble opinion} one just miss with the Adventures in Odyssey books!

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the Redcoats are Coming, cousins Patrick and Beth find themselves in 1775 Concord. There they meet historical figures such as Paul Revere, John Hancock, and Samuel Adams and they lend their aid to the Revolutionaries by delivering secret messages, smuggling ammunition, and alerting the sleeping citizens of the Redcoats approach. As in the other books of this series, I found valuable Christian truths were taught as well as accurate historical facts in a way that would not only captivate readers, but also drive those lessons to heart.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Redcoats Are Coming! is another time travel adventure with Beth and Patrick. I loved introducing admirable people who were part of our country's independence to my kids. They were fascinated with Paul Revere, John Hancock, and Samuel Adams.
A great read for children to learn more about Revolutionary War history.
5 stars.

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Patrick and Beth tell Whit that their grandmother is taking them to Boston for a summer vacation, he sends them first on an adventure in 1775 to learn more about the start of the American Revolution. There they learn more about John Hancock and Samuel Adams. They also learn more about life in Colonial America. Fantastic book for elementary aged kids!

[Joy Strickland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in the series! Patrick & Beth are going to Boston but before they go, Whit has them take an adventure. They get to go help Paul Revere warn people that the red coats are coming. It was an exciting story with a cliff-hanger for an ending.