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Adventures of Rush Revere #1
Rush Revere and the Brave Pilgrims: Time-Travel Adventures with Exceptional Americans
So you think history is boring? A fellow named Rush Revere is about to change your mind, big-time! Saddle up for the most thrilling history lesson ever - with Rush Revere and the Brave Pilgrims.
Go back in time to experience the Mayflower voyage firsthand, and ask the people who were there:
Why do you want to leave Europe?
Who's your leader on the Mayflower?
How many people are on this ship?
What food do you eat on board?
Where do you sleep?
Does the ocean make you seasick?
What will you do when we finally see land from the deck?
Join Rush Revere's time-travel adventure - and go rush, rush, rushing to history!
Go back in time to experience the Mayflower voyage firsthand, and ask the people who were there:
Why do you want to leave Europe?
Who's your leader on the Mayflower?
How many people are on this ship?
What food do you eat on board?
Where do you sleep?
Does the ocean make you seasick?
What will you do when we finally see land from the deck?
Join Rush Revere's time-travel adventure - and go rush, rush, rushing to history!
212 pages, Hardcover
First published October 29, 2013
468 people are currently reading
2266 people want to read
About the author
Rush Limbaugh
66 books242 followersAmerican radio host and conservative political commentator.
His nationally-syndicated talk show, The Rush Limbaugh Show, airs throughout the world on Premiere Radio Networks. He has been credited with reviving AM radio in the United States, and is considered to have been a "kind of national precinct captain" for the Republican Party's Congressional victories in 1994.
National Review magazine, in a 1993 cover story, called him "The Leader of the Opposition" during the Clinton presidency. A month after Bill Clinton's defeat of the the Elder Bush in 1992, Ronald Reagan sent Limbaugh, a man he never met, a letter in which he thanked Limbaugh "for all you're doing to promote Republican and conservative principles...[and] you have become the Number One voice for conservatism in our Country."
His nationally-syndicated talk show, The Rush Limbaugh Show, airs throughout the world on Premiere Radio Networks. He has been credited with reviving AM radio in the United States, and is considered to have been a "kind of national precinct captain" for the Republican Party's Congressional victories in 1994.
National Review magazine, in a 1993 cover story, called him "The Leader of the Opposition" during the Clinton presidency. A month after Bill Clinton's defeat of the the Elder Bush in 1992, Ronald Reagan sent Limbaugh, a man he never met, a letter in which he thanked Limbaugh "for all you're doing to promote Republican and conservative principles...[and] you have become the Number One voice for conservatism in our Country."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 744 reviews
November 8, 2013
This book is exactly as advertised: an historically accurate account of the pilgrims coming to America and their first few months of trying to start up a colony, including meeting the Indians. It was very cute and well written for the readers it was intended which are 10 to 13 year-olds. I highly suggest this book if you are a parent trying to teach your children the truth about America's beginnings.
A side note regarding those folks on here that have given this book a poor rating. Their negative comments are about:
1. The ability to time travel (duh! It's not real! It's a way for the main characters to bring the REAL accounts of the pilgrims to children in the 21st century).
2. Rush Revere wears a tricorn hat which is not from the pilgrims' time frame. Rush explains at the very beginning of the book that Paul Revere is his idol and that's why he dresses like him. I would argue the question should be why doesn't anybody really notice in the book but I doubt a kid reading this is going to care.
3. Liberty, the talking horse, is annoying. Maybe to an adult. But I'm guessing Tweens will LOVE him because of his snarkiness!
4. Elizabeth is bullied. For all you out there that remember the bullies in your school, the best way to deal with them was to give them a taste of their own medicine, especially public humiliation. I thought this character was handled well in the book, especially because Freedom stands up for herself and that's what I would want my kid to do!
A side note regarding those folks on here that have given this book a poor rating. Their negative comments are about:
1. The ability to time travel (duh! It's not real! It's a way for the main characters to bring the REAL accounts of the pilgrims to children in the 21st century).
2. Rush Revere wears a tricorn hat which is not from the pilgrims' time frame. Rush explains at the very beginning of the book that Paul Revere is his idol and that's why he dresses like him. I would argue the question should be why doesn't anybody really notice in the book but I doubt a kid reading this is going to care.
3. Liberty, the talking horse, is annoying. Maybe to an adult. But I'm guessing Tweens will LOVE him because of his snarkiness!
4. Elizabeth is bullied. For all you out there that remember the bullies in your school, the best way to deal with them was to give them a taste of their own medicine, especially public humiliation. I thought this character was handled well in the book, especially because Freedom stands up for herself and that's what I would want my kid to do!
May 16, 2015
The writing was not good. It is the type of writing you find in books written by people who have little exposure to children's literature, yet think they understand what children's literature is. It's a move that, ultimately, is disrespectful to children as readers. Additionally, there's a lot of telling rather than showing throughout the narrative. It has more than a few didactic moments. While images are credited, the lack of bibliography negates the possibility of classroom use. The fact that he contradicts himself when he describes how time travel works is just the rancid icing on top of this cake wreck.
The following notes are filled with spoilers. Don't read any further if you don't want to see quotations from the text.
"Maybe my decision to teleport aboard the Mayflower and journey with the Pilgrims hadn't been such a good idea after all. In fact, maybe now would be a good time to time-jump back to modern-day America and get some seasickness pills." page 2 and already in pill-seeking mode.
Of course he's a sub at the middle school because the students' female teacher has to go away to play caretaker for her family.
"Class, I want you to put away your history books. Of course, books are wonderful, but when I'm teaching you won't need them." (14) We wouldn't want the kids to hear multiple viewpoints now, would we.
I think he's setting up this girl with special powers of observation and tracking to be a Native American character: "Freedom smiled and replied, 'I've had lots of practice tracking animals with my grandfather;" (39). Later: "'I like him, too,' said Freedom. 'But he is more than a horse. He must be a spirit animal. There is an Indian legend about animals that can talk to humans'" (59). Did I mention that she wears a feather in her "long black hair" and that she has "very tan skin" (37)? OMG!
And now the assumption that athletes have to hide any interest in academics: "'Aren't you a football player?' Freedom said. 'You're never this smart in our other classes.' 'Yeah, well, I really wouldn't fit in with the other guys on the team if I admitted that I'm a science geek,' Tommy replied" (42).
Page 42 - makes all sorts of not-so-oblique references to the author's tea business.
Dear Author: Most middle school kids know what a cannonball is.
"Myles nodded. 'The very one,' he said. 'That sailor mocked our suffering and cursed our people endlessly. He swore and hoped to cast half of us overboard before we came to our journey's end. Yet he himself was the first to be thrown overboard. The word has spread that it was the just hand of God who did it.'" (87) - So, I guess we're going with a vengeful God for this story.
The continued fetishization of the girl character's hair is ridiculous and not even close to subtle foreshadowing: "It was hard not to look at her black hair. It was silky smooth, as if she brushed it a thousand times. This morning there was a yellow feather clipped in it." (117) Enough with the feathers! We get that you're invested in that stereotype.
Have I mentioned that the writing is bad? "'I haven't been this excited since Christmas morning,' Tommy exclaimed. Liberty laughed and said, 'Except instead of opening Christmas presents, you'll be opening history!' 'You're right,' Tommy said. 'Who knew history could be so exciting!'" (117)
Okay, he claims they can't time jump into the future (118), but supposedly the time traveling horse comes from the past (39) and, on page 40, he writes that "I've concluded that Liberty is originally from the revolutionary time period and lived during the Revolutionary War."
Pages 129-130: Rush Revere works to convince William Bradford that the Common House is a bad idea, one rife with socialistic tendencies that goes against independence. Because that's how it really happened. And then right after that he tells the kids, "But we need to remember that we shouldn't change history" (134).
Did I mention that the girl who we are supposed to identify as Native American communicates with animals through her mind/emotions?
pg 146 - I guess I shouldn't be surprised at the horribly stereotypically stilted accent he has Samoset speaking, but really? "Me learn English from fishing men who come for cod." Seriously?
Pg 190, upon meeting Massasoit - "He smiled and spoke a language that was complete gibberish."
Provides photo credits, but no bibliography.
The following notes are filled with spoilers. Don't read any further if you don't want to see quotations from the text.
"Maybe my decision to teleport aboard the Mayflower and journey with the Pilgrims hadn't been such a good idea after all. In fact, maybe now would be a good time to time-jump back to modern-day America and get some seasickness pills." page 2 and already in pill-seeking mode.
Of course he's a sub at the middle school because the students' female teacher has to go away to play caretaker for her family.
"Class, I want you to put away your history books. Of course, books are wonderful, but when I'm teaching you won't need them." (14) We wouldn't want the kids to hear multiple viewpoints now, would we.
I think he's setting up this girl with special powers of observation and tracking to be a Native American character: "Freedom smiled and replied, 'I've had lots of practice tracking animals with my grandfather;" (39). Later: "'I like him, too,' said Freedom. 'But he is more than a horse. He must be a spirit animal. There is an Indian legend about animals that can talk to humans'" (59). Did I mention that she wears a feather in her "long black hair" and that she has "very tan skin" (37)? OMG!
And now the assumption that athletes have to hide any interest in academics: "'Aren't you a football player?' Freedom said. 'You're never this smart in our other classes.' 'Yeah, well, I really wouldn't fit in with the other guys on the team if I admitted that I'm a science geek,' Tommy replied" (42).
Page 42 - makes all sorts of not-so-oblique references to the author's tea business.
Dear Author: Most middle school kids know what a cannonball is.
"Myles nodded. 'The very one,' he said. 'That sailor mocked our suffering and cursed our people endlessly. He swore and hoped to cast half of us overboard before we came to our journey's end. Yet he himself was the first to be thrown overboard. The word has spread that it was the just hand of God who did it.'" (87) - So, I guess we're going with a vengeful God for this story.
The continued fetishization of the girl character's hair is ridiculous and not even close to subtle foreshadowing: "It was hard not to look at her black hair. It was silky smooth, as if she brushed it a thousand times. This morning there was a yellow feather clipped in it." (117) Enough with the feathers! We get that you're invested in that stereotype.
Have I mentioned that the writing is bad? "'I haven't been this excited since Christmas morning,' Tommy exclaimed. Liberty laughed and said, 'Except instead of opening Christmas presents, you'll be opening history!' 'You're right,' Tommy said. 'Who knew history could be so exciting!'" (117)
Okay, he claims they can't time jump into the future (118), but supposedly the time traveling horse comes from the past (39) and, on page 40, he writes that "I've concluded that Liberty is originally from the revolutionary time period and lived during the Revolutionary War."
Pages 129-130: Rush Revere works to convince William Bradford that the Common House is a bad idea, one rife with socialistic tendencies that goes against independence. Because that's how it really happened. And then right after that he tells the kids, "But we need to remember that we shouldn't change history" (134).
Did I mention that the girl who we are supposed to identify as Native American communicates with animals through her mind/emotions?
pg 146 - I guess I shouldn't be surprised at the horribly stereotypically stilted accent he has Samoset speaking, but really? "Me learn English from fishing men who come for cod." Seriously?
Pg 190, upon meeting Massasoit - "He smiled and spoke a language that was complete gibberish."
Provides photo credits, but no bibliography.
March 29, 2014
Rush Revere is a middle school history teacher with a time-traveling talking horse named Liberty. He is hired to teach history as a substitute teacher at a middle school. He travels back to the Mayflower and then to Plymouth Plantation.
So why did I dislike this book?
First of all it makes no sense that Rush Revere would be dressing like George Washington 110ish years before George Washington was born.
Second the Pilgrims were not Americans. They were living under British rule but the United States didn't become a country until a lot later.
The time travel. Well I'm not going to nitpick the details because time travel is in and of itself a rather unbelievable but Rush tells the kids why they can't meddle with history by changing things and all he does during the book is interfere with and talk to the various important people. He changes history simply by witnessing these events. At one point he is asked for his opinion which he gives.
The horse. Yeah I hated the horse. He was an irritating character. There was no logic to what he said. He comes from the past and yet at several points he seems to forget it. The Native American girl named Freedom who could talk to animals and who believes that Liberty the horse is a spirit animal is somewhat stereotypical. As is using Liberty and Freedom as names. I mean we get it.
The comeuppance for the girl who is the bully. I don't like it in children's books when the bully gets a comeuppance that is bullying. There are ways to deal with bullying without resorting to bullying.
Also the book smells funny. I know that is a weird complaint and it wouldn't be if I had been reading the e-book version but I had to stop reading because of the smell.
Why did I read it? I read a lot of middle grade historical fiction and I knew this one would be read by a lot of people. Nobody is going to buy or not buy this book on my recommendation in any case. If Rush Limbaugh floats your political boat then you will be buying this for the children in your life and if he doesn't then you won't.
November 15, 2013
I am 14 years old and read this book with my three younger brothers and all of us liked and enjoyed the book, I learned a lot and i know my brothers did to, this book is i think good for anyone my age down to at least my youngest brothers age at 7 years old,
November 13, 2013
Yeah, I read it! I was wondering if I should read a fictionalized history targeted at elementary school students and then thought "Get over yourself! Of course you should!".
It took me a few pages before I acclimated to the style of writing. After humbling myself sufficiently, I really got into the story. It was a 'test' to see how much I could remember from my elementary school days and how accurately I knew the facts about the Pilgrim migration to the New World. (There's an actual test for kids at the end of the book!) Sure, I remembered making Pilgrim hats, Indian feathered headresses, etc. I also remembered how proud I was as each of my three boys learned the truths about our founding families. Their education was my re-education!
What a fun way to review (or learn for the first time) the suffering and challenges experienced by these brave people. These were the original and epic entrepreneurs! I couldn't help but draw comparisons to the immigrants here in Silicon Valley who have given up their country, their families, their homes, their culture, food and language, in seeking an asylum from tyranny or simply a profoundly better economic opportunity. Would you, could you, ever imagine leaving your homeland for a new life in a new land? Talk about risk taking!!!
Add to that the danger from the wilderness, facing a brutally cold winter without a home to snuggle in, foraging and hunting for subsistence food, unsanitary, stinking sleeping quarters on board ship, rancid food and water contributing to widespread illness.... Wow. It's difficult to conceive of their lives. Careful and accurate attention was paid to the Native Americans interacting with these new settlers.
The protagonist Rush Revere thankfully does not get into too much detail regarding the horrific beginnings for the Pilgrims and equal amount of lay-people traveling with them. No nightmares for kids! Mr. Revere includes two children and a sarcastic horse character to boost the curiosity and fun factors.
Appropriate especially for this time of year, this is a quick (250 pages) read reminding Americans about one of the historical foundation stones our country was built on. Can't wait for the next installment in this new series!
It took me a few pages before I acclimated to the style of writing. After humbling myself sufficiently, I really got into the story. It was a 'test' to see how much I could remember from my elementary school days and how accurately I knew the facts about the Pilgrim migration to the New World. (There's an actual test for kids at the end of the book!) Sure, I remembered making Pilgrim hats, Indian feathered headresses, etc. I also remembered how proud I was as each of my three boys learned the truths about our founding families. Their education was my re-education!
What a fun way to review (or learn for the first time) the suffering and challenges experienced by these brave people. These were the original and epic entrepreneurs! I couldn't help but draw comparisons to the immigrants here in Silicon Valley who have given up their country, their families, their homes, their culture, food and language, in seeking an asylum from tyranny or simply a profoundly better economic opportunity. Would you, could you, ever imagine leaving your homeland for a new life in a new land? Talk about risk taking!!!
Add to that the danger from the wilderness, facing a brutally cold winter without a home to snuggle in, foraging and hunting for subsistence food, unsanitary, stinking sleeping quarters on board ship, rancid food and water contributing to widespread illness.... Wow. It's difficult to conceive of their lives. Careful and accurate attention was paid to the Native Americans interacting with these new settlers.
The protagonist Rush Revere thankfully does not get into too much detail regarding the horrific beginnings for the Pilgrims and equal amount of lay-people traveling with them. No nightmares for kids! Mr. Revere includes two children and a sarcastic horse character to boost the curiosity and fun factors.
Appropriate especially for this time of year, this is a quick (250 pages) read reminding Americans about one of the historical foundation stones our country was built on. Can't wait for the next installment in this new series!
March 24, 2014
In the author's note, Limbaugh goes on about how the United States is exceptional because of a founding principal that every person is free. He cannot, therefore, admit that slavery happened here.
He does mention it happening to Squanto when he was kidnapped and became a slave--in Spain.
For parents who gave his book starred review, did you discuss that omission with your children?
Limbaugh's character, Freedom, is "Native American" (no tribe mentioned). Stereotypes of American Indians are packed into and around her character.
I go into depth on both of these points and others in my review at American Indians in Children's Literature:
http://americanindiansinchildrenslite...
Rush Revere? Not recommended.
He does mention it happening to Squanto when he was kidnapped and became a slave--in Spain.
For parents who gave his book starred review, did you discuss that omission with your children?
Limbaugh's character, Freedom, is "Native American" (no tribe mentioned). Stereotypes of American Indians are packed into and around her character.
I go into depth on both of these points and others in my review at American Indians in Children's Literature:
http://americanindiansinchildrenslite...
Rush Revere? Not recommended.
November 11, 2013
As an Indie author, I understand the value of reviews. I know Rush doesn't need my endorsement but potential readers might appreciate hearing what made me keep reading this new children's book. As a grandparent, I'm always looking for good books to pass along to my granddaughter, and I've found one in this series. It's an imaginative way to capture the attention of kids and help them learn about American history.
Rush Revere is a substitute teacher who uses a time travelling horse to take two lucky kids back to important events in American history. He films the events using his I-Pod so the whole class can learn from their adventures. This first book shows his class the hardships and courage of the Pilgrims who struck out for America on the Mayflower. By introducing real people from history as interesting characters in a modern-day story, Limbaugh reveals the truth about brave people who sacrificed so much for freedom. He uses quirky language and funny events that are sure to make kids enjoy the story. Wouldn't you love to see the real people from history? Now you can travel through time and see them for yourself.
I bought the print copy of this first edition as a Christmas gift for my granddaughter, and read it on my Kindle in advance. The Kindle version was fun, but the print version is fabulous. The full color pictures and illustrations really make the story come to life. It's a great series to collect and share with your family. I can't wait to see what comes next in the series. Good JOB Rush!
Rush Revere is a substitute teacher who uses a time travelling horse to take two lucky kids back to important events in American history. He films the events using his I-Pod so the whole class can learn from their adventures. This first book shows his class the hardships and courage of the Pilgrims who struck out for America on the Mayflower. By introducing real people from history as interesting characters in a modern-day story, Limbaugh reveals the truth about brave people who sacrificed so much for freedom. He uses quirky language and funny events that are sure to make kids enjoy the story. Wouldn't you love to see the real people from history? Now you can travel through time and see them for yourself.
I bought the print copy of this first edition as a Christmas gift for my granddaughter, and read it on my Kindle in advance. The Kindle version was fun, but the print version is fabulous. The full color pictures and illustrations really make the story come to life. It's a great series to collect and share with your family. I can't wait to see what comes next in the series. Good JOB Rush!
November 25, 2021
A good read for this time of year. The script on the Thanksgiving Day invitation was difficult to read.
November 6, 2013
The book read well as a children's book that adults could enjoy. The characters were friendly and moral. And the Thanksgiving story was far more accurate than is being told in schools today. And I have the 1950s' 16 mm educational films to prove it.
The white, liberal establishment, before it was the white liberal establishment has always attempted to apply a sophistication and culturation to "The Noble Savage" far prior to the hysteria of the 1960s.
I actually think Native Americans would prefer their ancestors portrayed realistically by history; rather than a patina of white nobility smeared across their memory. I certainly don't want my ancestors portrayed as anything but what they were. How else to learn?
And with Rush's new book, learn the reader will.
A definite recommend.
The surprising thing about it when it arrived was the quality of the binding. The spine is stitched. Beautiful artwork on heavy paper. For the $10 I paid for it, I doubt the author is making much money off of it. He probably subsumes the cost as a tax write-off, since he plugs his tea company about 8 times in the book.
There were a couple of minor plot discontinuities; but ignorable.
The white, liberal establishment, before it was the white liberal establishment has always attempted to apply a sophistication and culturation to "The Noble Savage" far prior to the hysteria of the 1960s.
I actually think Native Americans would prefer their ancestors portrayed realistically by history; rather than a patina of white nobility smeared across their memory. I certainly don't want my ancestors portrayed as anything but what they were. How else to learn?
And with Rush's new book, learn the reader will.
A definite recommend.
The surprising thing about it when it arrived was the quality of the binding. The spine is stitched. Beautiful artwork on heavy paper. For the $10 I paid for it, I doubt the author is making much money off of it. He probably subsumes the cost as a tax write-off, since he plugs his tea company about 8 times in the book.
There were a couple of minor plot discontinuities; but ignorable.
August 26, 2016
I like Rush Limbaugh. I have listened to him since I was young....but he slaughtered this book. First off, the premise was that he wanted to write history for kids in a fun way, that keeps important pieces of info in (which some claim are left out today, though I have no first hand knowledge of that..). Okay, fine..done. Not particular artfully..but fine. Rush is an entertainer...not a writer. All fine. But then he has to take his book and use it as Rush Limbaugh advertising...I mean we get a Two if by Tea (Rush's Tea brand) advert twice in the book...the main character is Rush Revere, and how many times is he told, wow, you are amazing...even, you should get your own radio program. Way to attempt to try to take out PC and then replace it with commercialism. Shameful... This is a a kids book after all...with a pretty respectable aim to start out. If you write another Rush, please keep out the Rush propaganda. It only gets two stars because, okay, it was nice to read the story of Thanksgiving around this time of year.
November 12, 2013
I'm giving this book 5 stars because it is just cute and full of facts. I've learned so much from Rush over the years and with this adorable book I love that I learned so much more from it. Anybody who listens to Rush's show around Thanksgiving you'll know each year he tells to real story of Thanksgiving, how it is really about the pilgrims finding out how socialism does NOT work and that's really what Thanksgiving is all about. If I were a history teacher I would throw away the required history book and teach the class Rush's Rushing To History book and the many more to come. I recommend this to children and adults alike :)
February 6, 2014
My kids LOVED this book! They never wanted to stop reading and can't wait until the next one comes out. At first I thought it was a little long on fantasy and short on history, but after we finished I grilled the kids pretty good about the historical facts. Even my 6-year-old was answering like a pro! :)
Well done, Rush!
Well done, Rush!
October 31, 2013
Great book! Our kids our loving it! It's making history come alive for them. It's both fun and engaging! Liberty, the talking horse, is their favoirte character! Thank you for getting our kids excited about American history!
May 22, 2014
Rush Revere and the Bold Pilgrims was not as horrible as I thought it could get, but pretty close. The main character, Rush Revere, is a substitute teacher who goes around dressed in Colonial-era clothes (that's not a stretch!) with a talking, time travelling horse named Liberty (who can disappear when he holds his breath). They travel back in history to give students a live view of historical events--in this case, the Pilgrims' crossing of the Atlantic. Rush takes two students along for the ride, and much is learned!
About the best part of the story is that the propagandistic/chauvinistic aspects of his historical tale do not completely overwhelm the historical tale. The general elements of the events are presented accurately, if perhaps focused on traditional American propagandistic themes. The privations that the Pilgrims had to endure are well covered, for example.
However, there are many elements of the book that rankle me. It is annoying that the girl with the straight dark hair turns out to have Native American roots, has a shaman for a grandfather, and can speak with animals--and I might feel more strongly about that if it were my ethnic heritage that was presented in such a derivative and ultimately insulting manner.
Also, many of the historical figures have an almost uncanny ability to foreshadow important American thought from much later in history--as when William Bradford comments that he hopes to build "one nation under God" (before even leaving for the New World, mind you).
And, while this is Limbaugh's fantasy we're talking about, nevertheless I find it jarring that the characters jump in and out of the time stream at will without regard for the historical events they keep imposing upon. Limbaugh actually makes these transitional points worse by having the historical figures offer up the lamest dialogue in a transparent attempt to sweep the incongruity away: "Rush!" says Bradford at one point, "I am sorry I haven't been able to get to see you in a while. How have you been?" This, mind you, while the Pilgrims are tucked away on the Mayflower, which was not a large ship by any measure. And Limbaugh completely leaves unexplained how his cell phone video signal can time travel as well.
Further, it is difficult to read this book and NOT be reminded that it was written by the illustrious Rush Limbaugh. The drawings that accompany the text have Rush Limbaugh's rotund face superimposed on them, which I find downright disturbing. And don't get me going on the ego of a man who plugs his own (real life) iced tea company in the course of his fantasy novel--and whose talking horse suggests that "Rush" should have a radio show where people call in and he gets to talk about important issues of the day. Ugh.
My final criticism with this book has ultimately to do with whether Limbaugh succeeds on his own defined ground of providing an entertaining story for his youth audience. I don't think that he does. there's something about the way Limbaugh writes that comes across to me as an old out of touch man trying to prove that he can still connect with the Youth of Today. Perhaps it's that the age demographic doesn't ring true. The school appears to be a middle school, and in some parts the kids act that age. But in other parts, the story and its characters sound more like high school. And the storytelling suffers because of Limbaugh's conflation of the two groups.
About the best part of the story is that the propagandistic/chauvinistic aspects of his historical tale do not completely overwhelm the historical tale. The general elements of the events are presented accurately, if perhaps focused on traditional American propagandistic themes. The privations that the Pilgrims had to endure are well covered, for example.
However, there are many elements of the book that rankle me. It is annoying that the girl with the straight dark hair turns out to have Native American roots, has a shaman for a grandfather, and can speak with animals--and I might feel more strongly about that if it were my ethnic heritage that was presented in such a derivative and ultimately insulting manner.
Also, many of the historical figures have an almost uncanny ability to foreshadow important American thought from much later in history--as when William Bradford comments that he hopes to build "one nation under God" (before even leaving for the New World, mind you).
And, while this is Limbaugh's fantasy we're talking about, nevertheless I find it jarring that the characters jump in and out of the time stream at will without regard for the historical events they keep imposing upon. Limbaugh actually makes these transitional points worse by having the historical figures offer up the lamest dialogue in a transparent attempt to sweep the incongruity away: "Rush!" says Bradford at one point, "I am sorry I haven't been able to get to see you in a while. How have you been?" This, mind you, while the Pilgrims are tucked away on the Mayflower, which was not a large ship by any measure. And Limbaugh completely leaves unexplained how his cell phone video signal can time travel as well.
Further, it is difficult to read this book and NOT be reminded that it was written by the illustrious Rush Limbaugh. The drawings that accompany the text have Rush Limbaugh's rotund face superimposed on them, which I find downright disturbing. And don't get me going on the ego of a man who plugs his own (real life) iced tea company in the course of his fantasy novel--and whose talking horse suggests that "Rush" should have a radio show where people call in and he gets to talk about important issues of the day. Ugh.
My final criticism with this book has ultimately to do with whether Limbaugh succeeds on his own defined ground of providing an entertaining story for his youth audience. I don't think that he does. there's something about the way Limbaugh writes that comes across to me as an old out of touch man trying to prove that he can still connect with the Youth of Today. Perhaps it's that the age demographic doesn't ring true. The school appears to be a middle school, and in some parts the kids act that age. But in other parts, the story and its characters sound more like high school. And the storytelling suffers because of Limbaugh's conflation of the two groups.
December 17, 2014
Don't listen to any of the reviews that are two stars and lower. I think they hate Rush Limbaugh and want to give his book a bad review out of spite. This book was fun. I liked Liberty, the horse. He was witty. I liked the kids, Tommy and Freedom. This book was not written for adults. It was not written for self-proclaimed intellectuals or "deep thinking" people. Mr Limbaugh clearly states in the book that he wrote this for kids. American kids need to know that the pilgrims came here for religious freedom. They were good people. They were industrious and very intelligent. They had an amazing relationship with the Native Americans who helped them survive and succeed. I highly recommend this book.
October 5, 2025
Even as an adult, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I learned "severdal" things from it and laughed out loud multiple times. Rush demonstrates his sense of humor well throughout this book through very likable characters.
I'm rating it a 5 on the ability I believe it has to interest not only children, but perhaps even adults in the important events in American history and the way it teaches the importance of self reliance and personal responsibility. I hope Rush listeners, and all conservatives across the country, pick this one up for their kids. This book looks like the beginning of something very good for children's literature at a time when it seems to be most needed.
I'm rating it a 5 on the ability I believe it has to interest not only children, but perhaps even adults in the important events in American history and the way it teaches the importance of self reliance and personal responsibility. I hope Rush listeners, and all conservatives across the country, pick this one up for their kids. This book looks like the beginning of something very good for children's literature at a time when it seems to be most needed.
July 8, 2015
*leaning toward 3.75 stars*
My dad gave this to me one night and told me to give it a try, and so I did, and honestly, was surprised by this book.
First, let me say this is VERY middle grade, and is used for teaching history in a fun way.
I definitely learned some things, and at times was a very fun read, but it got kind of info-dumpy as expected.
Although I had a few problems with this book, I definitely recommend to any younger individual wanting to learn more about the American pilgrims and their journey to America.
My dad gave this to me one night and told me to give it a try, and so I did, and honestly, was surprised by this book.
First, let me say this is VERY middle grade, and is used for teaching history in a fun way.
I definitely learned some things, and at times was a very fun read, but it got kind of info-dumpy as expected.
Although I had a few problems with this book, I definitely recommend to any younger individual wanting to learn more about the American pilgrims and their journey to America.
September 18, 2013
Although the Rush Revere book has not yet been released, I am giving it 4 stars for the potential it has to educate the youngsters of America. It is available today to pre-order and is being released on 10/29. Get it now for $11.99 at www.rush-revere.com as the price goes up to $19.99 on 10/29.
November 6, 2013
Even though I have not read this yet I will give it all the stars plus more, rush is a no nonsense type of guy and I have tons of respect for this man. This book will be added to my 8 year old sons extensive book collection!
October 29, 2013
Skip it. There isn't enough truth in the illustrations let alone the text. Do your kids a favor and learn the ACTUAL history with them at your local library.
November 27, 2020
I finished this book Thanksgiving morning. Even though I am not the target audience, that last chapter was really moving. It was a beautiful reminder of what is really important in hard times.
It handles the delicate issue of telling describing a historical event filled with separation, suffering, fear, and death truthfully, but delicately enough for a young audience. The sorrow and desperation of the first year of Plymouth are offset by the silly antics of Liberty, the sly references to the author’s better-known occupation, and the fun snarls of time travel. Still, when you reach the last chapter, the joy and gratitude expressed in that first Thanksgiving are palpable.
He does explain the Pilgrim’s desire for religious freedom, but the focus is more towards political and social freedom. It doesn’t explain their religious beliefs in any depth though.
Rush did a wonderful job of narration, but I wouldn’t recommend listening to it first. The illustrations are wonderful. The maps are colorful and clear. The pictures of locations and antiques are clear and well sized. All together they really help the reader get a better grasp of what the author is describing.
I would recommend it as a wonderful way to introduce history to a young audience.
It handles the delicate issue of telling describing a historical event filled with separation, suffering, fear, and death truthfully, but delicately enough for a young audience. The sorrow and desperation of the first year of Plymouth are offset by the silly antics of Liberty, the sly references to the author’s better-known occupation, and the fun snarls of time travel. Still, when you reach the last chapter, the joy and gratitude expressed in that first Thanksgiving are palpable.
He does explain the Pilgrim’s desire for religious freedom, but the focus is more towards political and social freedom. It doesn’t explain their religious beliefs in any depth though.
Rush did a wonderful job of narration, but I wouldn’t recommend listening to it first. The illustrations are wonderful. The maps are colorful and clear. The pictures of locations and antiques are clear and well sized. All together they really help the reader get a better grasp of what the author is describing.
I would recommend it as a wonderful way to introduce history to a young audience.
October 1, 2015
Ugh. Okay. So for the first 100 pages, not including the authors notes, it wasn't that bad. it didn't feel like it was pushing an agenda but instead just trying to tell the history in a fun way as to what happened with the pilgirms.
But the last half of this book? OMG is it propoganda. It definitely pushes the pick yourself up by your bootstraps narrative. It is also pushing a private property agenda in which of course everyone should own property and it talks about it as if it's the most obvious fact. As if this is always how the world has worked when clearly that is not true, especially among many Native tribes. I also wasn't a fan of them calling Native languages 'gibberish'
The worst part though, at least for me, was it saying that America has always been one nation, under God. It speaks as if that has always been in our pledge which is just blatantly false. It was just aggrevating.
Not only all of this, it's just not well written. At all.
I'm writing this review promptly after finishing in class on my phone so it might not be the most coherent.
The only reason it gets 2 instead of 1 is because my kids found it funny.
But the last half of this book? OMG is it propoganda. It definitely pushes the pick yourself up by your bootstraps narrative. It is also pushing a private property agenda in which of course everyone should own property and it talks about it as if it's the most obvious fact. As if this is always how the world has worked when clearly that is not true, especially among many Native tribes. I also wasn't a fan of them calling Native languages 'gibberish'
The worst part though, at least for me, was it saying that America has always been one nation, under God. It speaks as if that has always been in our pledge which is just blatantly false. It was just aggrevating.
Not only all of this, it's just not well written. At all.
I'm writing this review promptly after finishing in class on my phone so it might not be the most coherent.
The only reason it gets 2 instead of 1 is because my kids found it funny.
November 12, 2013
I was surprised to see Rush Limbaugh publish a book like this. He is called Rush Revere in this title and he has a time traveling horse named Liberty. I get the impression there'll be more titles to come, covering more historic topics (depending on sales, of course.)
In this one, he is a substitute teacher who brings the story of the Pilgrims to life. He does this by using Liberty to bring them both back in time, and uses a cell phone app to project the lesson to the classroom.
There's enough information within the story to actually learn something, all neatly wrapped in a narrative. Great story for a youngster to read. Great way to get a youngster to learn while reading something relatively fun.
In this one, he is a substitute teacher who brings the story of the Pilgrims to life. He does this by using Liberty to bring them both back in time, and uses a cell phone app to project the lesson to the classroom.
There's enough information within the story to actually learn something, all neatly wrapped in a narrative. Great story for a youngster to read. Great way to get a youngster to learn while reading something relatively fun.
November 7, 2013
I loved this book! As a parent, I enjoyed the characters' communication styles, I found the wit entertaining, and I found the facts enlightening. I recommend all schools add it to their curriculum. Regardless of political beliefs, Rush is an exceptional communicator and the perfect person to turn "boring" history into an exciting journey all while reviving passion for our Country's founding. Rush did a masterful job weaving in the Puritans' first principles in a way that easily applies today. All three of my boys loved the book, too! I look forward to the next adventure with Rush Revere and Liberty! Thanks for giving this to us, Rush!
November 8, 2013
Read this book aloud to my four sons ranging in age from 7 to 14 and they all enjoyed it. It tells the story of the Pilgrims, the sobering reality of what they went through, but it is balanced well with a sarcastic, always hungry, very eccentric talking horse. Great read, cannot wait for more. To read more of what all my boys thought of this book, check out my blog Life With Four Boys...Coffee Please.
http://denisedykstra.com/2013/11/rush...
http://denisedykstra.com/2013/11/rush...
November 5, 2013
Great historical fiction for young readers. Rush tells the story of a time traveler who goes and witnesses the history of the pilgrims coming to the Americas and the first Thanksgiving. The author made history fun and exciting. It has a fast pace and I can see it keeping the attention of kids. The many pictures are a wonderful addition to the story. I would definitely recommend this book.
September 16, 2017
A fun look at history...the Mayflower with humor.
November 21, 2018
The American experiment is based on a few core principles, none more important than the idea that individuals should be free to live how they choose so long as they harm no one else. Whether or not you agree with Rush Limbaugh's conservatism, he is a tireless student of American history, ready to distill its lessons for people of any age who would like a clearer picture of where we came from and what our future could be.
Rush Revere is a substitute history teacher with a unique tool for instructing middle-schoolers: a time-traveling, talking horse named Liberty, who centuries ago somehow tore the fabric of space-time and can visit any era of American history with his friend and manager, Rush Revere. Traveling to important dates in history and video-recording what happens brings history to life for Rush's students in a fresh new way.
Rush's latest challenge is Manchester Middle School, where the kids he's substitute teaching have no enthusiasm for history. Rush shows them a video glimpse of life in the early 1600s, with him preparing to set sail for America on the Mayflower with William Bradford, Myles Standish, and the other Pilgrims. Tommy White, the class troublemaker, is suddenly no longer apathetic toward history; he and a girl named Freedom agree to stay after school and take a trip to the seventeenth century with Rush Revere and his time-traveling horse. Rush warns that they will actually be going back in time and it could be dangerous, but Tommy and Freedom accept the risk without missing a beat. Exploring history in person is an opportunity too marvelous to pass up.
What do Tommy and Freedom think of being onboard the cramped Mayflower, packed in beside seasick Pilgrims destined for the New World? William Bradford and the other leaders kindly welcome Rush and his two students in their guise as fellow Pilgrims, but don't have time to socialize during the trip. That enables Rush and his three companions (the horse, Liberty, can vanish from sight by holding his breath, a useful skill on a ship where he wouldn't be allowed passage due to limited space) to time-jump as they please and experience the voyage's highlights. They walk the frozen ground during the Pilgrims' first winter in America, which killed most people who sailed on the Mayflower; they observe the arrival of Samoset, Squanto, and Massasoit, friendly Indians who help the Pilgrims recover from winter and learn to cultivate the New World soil. The legacy of the Pilgrims can feel like a dry story disconnected from life today, but to those men and women who risked their lives for freedom it was as thrilling an adventure as a human can have, and their society provided the foundation for the United States more than a century and a half later. The Pilgrims were courageous pioneers we can learn from for the rest of our lives, and by the end of this book, Tommy and his classmates wouldn't dream of disputing that.
"If we feel and learn nothing from the tragedies of the past, then we'll never know how to truly help avoid those same tragedies in the future. Certainly, we can't avoid all pain and suffering, but we can and should learn from it."
—Rush Revere, Rush Revere and the Brave Pilgrims, P. 135
Anyone familiar with his radio show knows Rush Limbaugh has opinions on politics, but he's reasonably subtle with them in Rush Revere and the Brave Pilgrims, mostly letting history speak for itself. His restraint in discussing the Pilgrims' failed socialism experiment is noteworthy. The "A Note from the Author" segment is where he leaves most of his commentary, such as his explanation of what "American Exceptionalism" means. "It does not mean that we Americans are better than anyone else...American Exceptionalism and greatness means that America is special because it is different from all other countries in history. It is a land built on true freedom and individual liberty and it defends both around the world...The sad reality is that since the beginning of time, most citizens of the world have not been free...many people in other civilizations and countries were servants to their kings, leaders, and government...Many citizens in the world were punished, sometimes severely, for having their own ideas, beliefs, and hopes for a better future...The United States of America is unique because it is the exception to all this. Our country is the first country ever to be founded on the principle that all human beings are created as free people." Accordingly, Americans can be proud of their country whether the people in charge are good or evil, wise or foolish. America is a product of its citizens and its Constitutional commitment to liberty, and as long as that stands we can be proud to be part of our Founding Fathers' ongoing social experiment.
Not every aspect of time travel in this book is believable, and Tommy is overly knowledgable and articulate for a kid who has never shown signs of academic interest. Rush Revere and the Brave Pilgrims isn't logistically airtight, but the story is laugh-out-loud funny at times and I adored Tommy and Freedom even if they don't always come across as authentic kids. I would probably rate the book one and a half stars, but there's enough here for me to read on to the next episode, Rush Revere and the First Patriots. I'm sure it will be fun.
Rush Revere is a substitute history teacher with a unique tool for instructing middle-schoolers: a time-traveling, talking horse named Liberty, who centuries ago somehow tore the fabric of space-time and can visit any era of American history with his friend and manager, Rush Revere. Traveling to important dates in history and video-recording what happens brings history to life for Rush's students in a fresh new way.
Rush's latest challenge is Manchester Middle School, where the kids he's substitute teaching have no enthusiasm for history. Rush shows them a video glimpse of life in the early 1600s, with him preparing to set sail for America on the Mayflower with William Bradford, Myles Standish, and the other Pilgrims. Tommy White, the class troublemaker, is suddenly no longer apathetic toward history; he and a girl named Freedom agree to stay after school and take a trip to the seventeenth century with Rush Revere and his time-traveling horse. Rush warns that they will actually be going back in time and it could be dangerous, but Tommy and Freedom accept the risk without missing a beat. Exploring history in person is an opportunity too marvelous to pass up.
What do Tommy and Freedom think of being onboard the cramped Mayflower, packed in beside seasick Pilgrims destined for the New World? William Bradford and the other leaders kindly welcome Rush and his two students in their guise as fellow Pilgrims, but don't have time to socialize during the trip. That enables Rush and his three companions (the horse, Liberty, can vanish from sight by holding his breath, a useful skill on a ship where he wouldn't be allowed passage due to limited space) to time-jump as they please and experience the voyage's highlights. They walk the frozen ground during the Pilgrims' first winter in America, which killed most people who sailed on the Mayflower; they observe the arrival of Samoset, Squanto, and Massasoit, friendly Indians who help the Pilgrims recover from winter and learn to cultivate the New World soil. The legacy of the Pilgrims can feel like a dry story disconnected from life today, but to those men and women who risked their lives for freedom it was as thrilling an adventure as a human can have, and their society provided the foundation for the United States more than a century and a half later. The Pilgrims were courageous pioneers we can learn from for the rest of our lives, and by the end of this book, Tommy and his classmates wouldn't dream of disputing that.
"If we feel and learn nothing from the tragedies of the past, then we'll never know how to truly help avoid those same tragedies in the future. Certainly, we can't avoid all pain and suffering, but we can and should learn from it."
—Rush Revere, Rush Revere and the Brave Pilgrims, P. 135
Anyone familiar with his radio show knows Rush Limbaugh has opinions on politics, but he's reasonably subtle with them in Rush Revere and the Brave Pilgrims, mostly letting history speak for itself. His restraint in discussing the Pilgrims' failed socialism experiment is noteworthy. The "A Note from the Author" segment is where he leaves most of his commentary, such as his explanation of what "American Exceptionalism" means. "It does not mean that we Americans are better than anyone else...American Exceptionalism and greatness means that America is special because it is different from all other countries in history. It is a land built on true freedom and individual liberty and it defends both around the world...The sad reality is that since the beginning of time, most citizens of the world have not been free...many people in other civilizations and countries were servants to their kings, leaders, and government...Many citizens in the world were punished, sometimes severely, for having their own ideas, beliefs, and hopes for a better future...The United States of America is unique because it is the exception to all this. Our country is the first country ever to be founded on the principle that all human beings are created as free people." Accordingly, Americans can be proud of their country whether the people in charge are good or evil, wise or foolish. America is a product of its citizens and its Constitutional commitment to liberty, and as long as that stands we can be proud to be part of our Founding Fathers' ongoing social experiment.
Not every aspect of time travel in this book is believable, and Tommy is overly knowledgable and articulate for a kid who has never shown signs of academic interest. Rush Revere and the Brave Pilgrims isn't logistically airtight, but the story is laugh-out-loud funny at times and I adored Tommy and Freedom even if they don't always come across as authentic kids. I would probably rate the book one and a half stars, but there's enough here for me to read on to the next episode, Rush Revere and the First Patriots. I'm sure it will be fun.
March 15, 2014
Middle school history class will never be the same again, at least not for the students at Manchester Middle School, especially Tommy and Freedom. The student's new substitute instructor, Rush Revere, not only delivers vivid history lectures, but he actually brings the historical events being taught to life, via his time-traveling, sometimes invisibility-prone horse Liberty. This particular book in the soon-to-be series addresses the first Thanksgiving and the challenges the first settlers faced while traveling across the Atlantic for days upon days in the smallest, frugal of confines. As readers, we get an inside look of life aboard the Mayflower, and are introduced to William Bradford, one of the leaders on the ship bound for an unforgettable voyage. Furthermore, alongside Tommy and Freedom, readers are taken back to where this country first began, and its early beginnings on the Plymouth Plantation are far from glamorous. Moreover, with a fictional twist on a nonfictional journey, this books gives learning about the events leading up to the arrival at Plymouth Rock a whole new perspective via a somewhat modernized, yet witty way.
With this in mind, I would certainly consider this boon teachable; however, due to the controversial baggage carried by the book's author Rush Limbaugh, I would recommend getting parental approval from students' parents before integrating the novel into the curriculum. Nonetheless, the book fits snugly alongside a unit on the first Thanksgiving and arrival of the first group of European settlers to the Americas in 1621. Even so, in order for students to really grasp the historical aspect this book presents, I think some pretense teaching might need to be done about some of the characters and historical events that come up in the story, just so that the the content that is being read about is not something completely foreign to the students. If it were, the whole historical experience of the book might not appear to be as relevant to the upper elementary readers. Nonetheless, I think students in this age range would enjoy the aspect of time-traveling that this story includes, and I foresee students to find the reactions of Tommy and Freedom in the book to be realistic and something they can relate to.
In regards to how this book could specifically be incorporated into the curriculum, one way would be to address the science fiction anomaly of time-traveling brought about in the book. Students could write about a time period they would like to travel back to if they could, and could even tough on some people of the era they might run into, what type of clothing they would need to invest in before departing to ensure they would not end up sticking out like a sore thumb, and what souvenirs they might be interested in bringing back. On another note, students could take a different standpoint on the time-traveling concept, writing to someone from the past informing them of all of the technological advances and modern amenities that the future holds, such as electricity, cell phones, and in-house plumping.
Additionally, a way to integrate nutrition and health alongside the reading of this book would be to discuss the different dishes that were included on the first Thanksgiving dinner table. What food groups were included? What foods did the settlers have access to and which were harder to come by? Were they able to include all five food groups at the first feast? Do you think a balanced diet was something the early pilgrims were even relatively concerned about? These are just some questions students could consider and research upon before presenting their findings to the class or synthesizing the found information into a tangible product, such as a Prezi or Glogster. as a nutritional extension activity, students could create their own Thanksgiving feast that includes some elements of the first Thanksgiving while also incorporating appropriate nutritional portions and items from all of the food groups, aspects of a well-balanced diet that we now have more knowledge about in 2014 than those who lived in 1621 were aware of.
Conclusively, I found this book to present a fresh viewpoint on the whole traveling on the Mayflower in route to celebrating the first Thanksgiving ordeal, something that all the history books cover, but none of which include time-traveling adventures or a horse that has the ability to disappear on a moment's notice. with fun, kid-friendly aspect, such as some cartoon-oriented illustrations sprinkled throughout, this book present historical information through a fictional means with middle school-aged main characters that students are bound to be intrigued in following back to 1621 chapter after chapter.
With this in mind, I would certainly consider this boon teachable; however, due to the controversial baggage carried by the book's author Rush Limbaugh, I would recommend getting parental approval from students' parents before integrating the novel into the curriculum. Nonetheless, the book fits snugly alongside a unit on the first Thanksgiving and arrival of the first group of European settlers to the Americas in 1621. Even so, in order for students to really grasp the historical aspect this book presents, I think some pretense teaching might need to be done about some of the characters and historical events that come up in the story, just so that the the content that is being read about is not something completely foreign to the students. If it were, the whole historical experience of the book might not appear to be as relevant to the upper elementary readers. Nonetheless, I think students in this age range would enjoy the aspect of time-traveling that this story includes, and I foresee students to find the reactions of Tommy and Freedom in the book to be realistic and something they can relate to.
In regards to how this book could specifically be incorporated into the curriculum, one way would be to address the science fiction anomaly of time-traveling brought about in the book. Students could write about a time period they would like to travel back to if they could, and could even tough on some people of the era they might run into, what type of clothing they would need to invest in before departing to ensure they would not end up sticking out like a sore thumb, and what souvenirs they might be interested in bringing back. On another note, students could take a different standpoint on the time-traveling concept, writing to someone from the past informing them of all of the technological advances and modern amenities that the future holds, such as electricity, cell phones, and in-house plumping.
Additionally, a way to integrate nutrition and health alongside the reading of this book would be to discuss the different dishes that were included on the first Thanksgiving dinner table. What food groups were included? What foods did the settlers have access to and which were harder to come by? Were they able to include all five food groups at the first feast? Do you think a balanced diet was something the early pilgrims were even relatively concerned about? These are just some questions students could consider and research upon before presenting their findings to the class or synthesizing the found information into a tangible product, such as a Prezi or Glogster. as a nutritional extension activity, students could create their own Thanksgiving feast that includes some elements of the first Thanksgiving while also incorporating appropriate nutritional portions and items from all of the food groups, aspects of a well-balanced diet that we now have more knowledge about in 2014 than those who lived in 1621 were aware of.
Conclusively, I found this book to present a fresh viewpoint on the whole traveling on the Mayflower in route to celebrating the first Thanksgiving ordeal, something that all the history books cover, but none of which include time-traveling adventures or a horse that has the ability to disappear on a moment's notice. with fun, kid-friendly aspect, such as some cartoon-oriented illustrations sprinkled throughout, this book present historical information through a fictional means with middle school-aged main characters that students are bound to be intrigued in following back to 1621 chapter after chapter.
March 1, 2017
My kids LOVE this series. They are always giggling about the things liberty does and I do think they're learning a lot about history through reading these books. A win-win. The only reason I took off 1 star is because thy aren't particularly well-written.
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