When Paul Revere Rode: Voices from the First Night of the American Revolution

by Sarah L. Thomson, Nik Henderson (Illustrator)

Poems, prose, and dramatic art show how ordinary people, as well as famous ones, played vital roles during the night of Paul Revere's ride and the beginning of the American Revolution, in this picture book for ages 5–10.

Here is the thrilling account of Paul Revere’s midnight ride to warn colonists in the towns of Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts, that the British were coming. Brief narrative text and poems written from the point of view of ordinary people who took part in this historic event make this a unique picture book. Readers will
the stable boy who raced to Paul Revere to deliver the news that the British soldiers were ready to marcha woman who told British soldiers pounding on her door that she was merely preparing a cup of tea for her husband, when in fact they were melting pewter spoons into bulletsan enslaved man who was woken in the middle of the night to alert the Lincoln blacksmith that the British soldiers were marchingand many more, including one poem in the voice of Paul Revere himself
When Paul Revere Rode is a lyrical nonfiction deep dive into a critical turning point in US history. Sarah L. Thomson’s engaging verse and Nik Henderson’s dynamic illustrations will sweep young readers ages 5–10 off on the dramatic horseback journey that kickstarted the American Revolution.

Genres: History, Picture Books, Nonfiction, Poetry, American History, Middle Grade, Military Fiction

40 pages, Hardcover

First published March 17, 2026

About the author

Sarah L. Thomson has written over thirty books for young readers, including poetry, prose, fiction and nonfiction. Her recent books include Cub's BIG World, which School Library Journal called “a big must-have" and Deadly Flowers: A Ninja's Tale, which Booklist called “genuinely thrilling." She lives in Portland, Maine.

Reviews

[Grandma Susan]

Outstanding and detailed history book about Paul Revere. I learned so much. Packed with facts. Nice illustrations. Highly recommend.

I was blessed with an ARC. Thank you NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.

[Dave Schaafsma]

When Paul Revere Rode: Voices from the First Night of the American Revolution (2026) by Sarah L. Thomson combines poetry, prose excerpts from historical documents, and art to help convey the famous ride Revere took to alert citizens and the context for the American Revolution.

I liked the poetry less than the excerpted rationales for resistance and revolution against an authoritarian oppressor. Includes some discussion of early battles. Doesn't focus too much on the violence, but makes it clear this was indeed war, where people actually died for our freedoms. No mention of currrent authoritarian regmes are referenced, but I sure saw parallels. Lots of great historical facts and inspiring perspectives.

[June Price]

This combines history, art, prose, and poetry into a strong tale of the first night of the American Revolution. Most of us are familiar with Paul Revere's famous ride but fuzzy on details, not to mention anyone else involved. This book goes a long way toward filling in some gaps. It's also nicely illustrated and helps you feel like you're there as Revere and others set about their assigned tasks. I liked the mostly dark, frequently rather ominous blues suggesting the night, reminding us that this task was accomplished in the scant span of one night. It also reminds us that there were others involved, from the man loaning a fast horse to Revere to the brave woman facing down Redcoats as her husband and she begin to melt down pewter utensils for bullets.

Needless to say, as a former history major and teacher, I thoroughly enjoyed this creative combo of styles to tell a story we all sorta know but, well, not necessarily all that well. Each spread basically deals with on facet or brief moment of the evening, using text, and both prose and poetry to capture the moment and feelings. I liked that while the book obviously focuses on Revere, it doesn't ignore the male slave who helped get the word out or the largely nameless to us average citizens who rose to the moment in various ways. Each poem is focused on that source, sharing the person's observations and feelings as they were caught up in history. As the author notes early on, history isn't just a recitation of barely connected facts or events but it's the ordinary people, just like us, who rise to the challenge even when the odds seem against them. In other words, this is the human side of the story, not just that Revere jumped on a horse galloping about the countryside shouting that "The British are coming!" He didn't, btw. How foolish that would have been given speed and stealth were the objective, not to give himself away.

Bottom line, as noted, I enjoyed this creative read and highly recommend it to not just history buffs but teachers and libraries everywhere. No matter your age, you're likely to enjoy the read. The maps at the beginning help visualize the setting as well as making it clear Revere wasn't in this alone. They also put the location of the Old North Church into perspective, something I don't recall having seen before but that's probably on me, not my teachers. There are brief bios of the individuals or groups highlighted, such as the fife players with information on the importance of their role in battle or maneuvers. It was interesting to learn that Revere lived to be 83 years old and left behind some 50 grandchildren! Finally, you'll find lists/links at the end guiding you to books, places, documents, and even films where you can learn more, as well as a select bibliography. Thanks #AstraPublishingHouse for allowing this history buff an early peek at the fascinating look at a pivotal moment in our nation's history. How inspiring to see common, everyday citizens rise to the occasion.

[YSBR]

When Paul Revere Rode is a fresh, unique addition to the many books on the American Revolution that already populate public and school libraries. The cover is haunting, illustrated in shades of blue to depict the night. Paul Revere’s facial expression appears determined and brave. I immediately wanted to dive right in.

The book begins with a brief explanation of the events leading up to April 1775. This introduction features quotes from Benjamin Franklin and Samuel Adams. It then continues in a timed, detailed journal format recounting the events of April 18-19, 1775, written in first person.

The book is written in verse, with the “voices” belonging to people who had real-life connections to Paul Revere and his famous ride. Near the end of the book, these individuals are presented in a yearbook-style format and include figures such as Robert Newman, a sexton; Joshua Bentley, a boat builder; as well as doctors, soldiers, and enslaved servants. The poetic prose makes this book an excellent read-aloud. Children will be enthralled by the illustrations and the language.

The illustrations are rendered with delicate pencil strokes, and the colors reflect the mood of each moment described. Because many of the pages depict nighttime hours, deep blues feature prominently, with lanterns glowing in shades of red, orange, and pink. The pages covering the hours between 2:00 and 3:00 a.m. describe British soldiers spotting a house with a kitchen fire still burning. These pages are illustrated in gold, mauve, and purple, evoking a feeling of warmth.

This book is a truly beautiful combination of striking artwork and compelling text. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...

[Kelly {SpaceOnTheBookcase]]

If you're an American you likely learned about Paul Revere in school. Many of us know about his famous ride, but not so much on the details. When Paul Revere Rode is a children's picture book that provides clarity on what did and did not happen that night. With a combination of quotes from prominent figures, lyrical prose from different points of view, bold illustrations capturing the bravery and hardships by those involved and a ticking clock on what lead up to the first shot to start the American Revolutionary War; this book goes beyond entertainment, and encompassed education.

Nik Henderson's dramatic approach to the illustrations really provide a stark and dynamic differences between the different groups from Paul Revere and the Sons of Liberty to the unnamed Regulars and Enslaved Men; each person had a role to play in giving America the fighting chance it needed to become independent from England.

There is a mixture of prose throughout the story to include biography style text blocks, poetry and quotes. I felt this was a strong approach because each reinforces the others.

A strong book about an important topic.

Thank you Astra Books for the gifted copy.

[Professor Cindy Judd]

This book gives you a dramatic, moment-by-moment look at Paul Revere's famous midnight ride of April 18, 1775, but with an interesting twist. Instead of just focusing on Paul Revere, it shares the story through 16 different perspectives, including a stable boy, an unnamed enslaved man, and the man who actually finished the ride. The author uses fast-paced, first person poems mixed with real historical quotes to capture the fear and excitement as the revolution begins. The illustrations are moody and ghostly reflecting the secrecy and intensity of a midnight ride. Back matter includes biographical information on the 16 "speakers" of the book, a brief history of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, a timeline of Paul Revere's life, and a bibliography. This is a unique peek into many ordinary people who helped shape American history that night.

[Cindy]

This book gives you a dramatic, moment-by-moment look at Paul Revere's famous midnight ride of April 18, 1775, but with an interesting twist. Instead of just focusing on Paul Revere, it shares the story through 16 different perspectives, including a stable boy, an unnamed enslaved man, and the man who actually finished the ride. The author uses fast-paced, first person poems mixed with real historical quotes to capture the fear and excitement as the revolution begins. The illustrations are moody and ghostly reflecting the secrecy and intensity of a midnight ride. Back matter includes biographical information on the 16 "speakers" of the book, a brief history of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, a timeline of Paul Revere's life, and a bibliography. This is a unique peek into many ordinary people who helped shape American history that night.

[Megan Beech]

This was a truly fascinating read especially for young readers interested in history! The tale of the Midnight Ride of Paul Revere has gone down in history about one of the pivotal turning points of the American Revolutionary War. This retelling of the ride is pretty on point when it comes to historical information and is great for young readers to learn about. I would actually like to add this book to my daughter's homeschool curriculum when she gets old enough to retain information of her studies.

I would like to thank the author, publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC book in exchange for an honest review.

[Panda Incognito]

This nonfiction picture book shares a series of poems written from the perspectives of different people involved in Paul Revere's ride, or in the context surrounding it. This gives a great glimpse into the early days of the American Revolution, introducing kids to important figures and long-forgotten bit players, and the poems relay historical facts and imagined feelings in an engaging, fast-paced way. This book also corrects common cultural myths about Paul Revere. At the end, a detailed author's note includes additional historical information and a timeline.

I received a temporary digital copy from NetGalley, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Ron Baumer]

An informative children's book on the American Revolution and the event leading to the start of the war. It lays out how the individuals warned of the impending attacks on Concord and Lexington. It also dispelled some myths about Paul revere's ride. Overall, the book is a good story for children to learn of history. The artwork was well-done and supported the storyline.

Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Liz]

This would be great for a classroom read aloud during an American Revolution unit. Each spread talks about the midnight ride of Paul Revere with timestamps and a quote from someone at the scene/primary source. Would be a great one to compare propaganda/fiction ("Paul Revere's Ride" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow) versus fact (this book and other fact-based accounts). Being very interested in that time period of history and having to gone to college in the area, I thought it was amazing!

[Allison Haehnel]

A well-plotted timeline of Paul Revere’s famous ride to warn colonists of British Regular troop arrival. A prose introduction quickly gives way to poetic verses supported by illustrations and historical quotes from relevant parties to the ride and start of the American Revolution. Excellent picture book for early elementary and a wonderful text set addition for middle grade and junior high readers.

[Amy]

An interesting look at Paul Revere's famous midnight ride told through graphite illustrations, poetry, and prose. Lots of details about the specifics of that night, and well-written poetry that brings a whole new dimension. I would definitely recommend it for grades 4 and above.

[Alice]

4 stars
What was it like the night Paul Revere made his famous ride from Boston to Lexington to warn the Colonial militia that the Regulars were on the move? Thomson breaks it down into time segments as seen from the perspective of other witnesses to the event, as best as historically researched.

[Victoria B.]

3.5 stars

[Diana]

Wordy

[Mary]

Beautiful pictures.
A delightful biography that includes facts, poetry, and eye witnesses quotes.