Boston Revolts!

American Adventure #9

by Susan Martins Miller

History comes alive for eight-to-twelve year olds in this close-up, fun-to-read, multi-generational story of a fictional family spanning three centuries of actual historical events. God's hand is seen at work in people's lives and in the events that shaped our nation.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Childrens, Fiction, Chapter Books, Adventure, Middle Grade

144 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1998

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the ninth book in The American Adventure series. This series tells about the lives of children from many generations of a fictional family throughout American history, from the settling of Plymouth by the Pilgrims through the end of World War II.

Boston in the year 1765 is a city filled with whispers of rebellion. Twelve-year-old Kathleen Lankford is worried. New taxation laws caused by the British have already changed life for the Lankfords and their relatives and friends, and food is scarce. Kathleen is especially afraid for her fourteen-year-old brother, William, who has joined the Sons of Liberty. Patriots are rioting in the streets and attacking British soldiers to protest the unfair tax laws, and Kathleen fears that William will be injured, or even killed. While one of her uncles supports the Patriots and another supports the Loyalists, Kathleen's parents struggle to stay neutral, but Kathleen is still afraid. All she wants is for life to be peaceful again, but she fears that will never happen.

This book brings to life the history of pre-Revolutionary War Boston. The characters could be a bit better developed, but it's still an enjoyable read. Young readers who have read previous books in the American Adventure series, or who enjoy historical fiction about colonial times, will likely enjoy this book.

[Daniel Gaul · Rating 4 out of 5]

A young girl's compassion for a young soldier in the prelude to the US Revolution really sets her apart!

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beginning in 1764, Boston Revolts commences twelve years before the Revolutionary War. Discontent is brewing in the colonies. The Colonist resent being taxed by England without representation in Parliament. The Lankford family is at the center of the novel. Twelve year old Kathleen Lankford feels unsettled and her older brother is rebellious and joins the Sons of Liberty. Skirmishes, protests and violent acts are performed by both England and the colonists. Boston Revolts is a painless way to learn about the early events leading to the American Revolution.

[Marius B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Previously in the series: Maggie's Choice (#8)

Set through the years 1764-1766, Boston Revolts! chronicles the journey of the Lankford family,
-of their attempt at neutrality in a city that is becoming torn between the ideas of rebellion and loyalty.

You follow Maggie's daughter - Kathleen (11-13) - who struggles with fear as she sees the changes occuring in the minds of the people of Boston, including her older brother William; Kathleen wants nothing but to understand, and ultimately for things to be unchanging.

Historical figures involved/mentioned were James Otis and Sam Adams.

Next up in the series: The Boston Massacre (The American Adventure #10)

[Shannon Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just found this series recently-The American Adventure. I was only able to buy 2 of the books since I found them at a thrift store. These books will be great for bringing history alive for my 5/6 graders with characters they can relate to.

[Andria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good writing, facts seemed accurate. Not necessarily surprising.

[Hope · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was awesome. love how its not just about the war, but it is a story about how a family stays strong throughout this time of war.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gives the events surrounding the stamp act from the point of view of the children of Boston.