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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
October 22, 2025
This title is part of the ten-book series,
A HISTORY OF US
, which explains the beginnings of the United States (the “US”) from pre-history through the 20th century. Although any age can read these books, they are primarily meant for Middle Grade and Young Adults, as a way to make American history easier to understand. This book is the third title, focused on explaining why the young colony decided to break away from the mother country.
It starts with the French-Indian War, as the American colonists sided with Great Britain against France and many of the Native Americans. But it quickly moves to the discontent of the (by British standards) unruly Yanks, who did not appreciate being held financially responsible for the costs of the French-Indian War. The book lays out reasoning for how both sides felt, as the Brits felt their “children” should basically pay rent. That does make sense, but if you’re going to make them do the chores and pay the rent and grow the food, then shouldn’t you also give them the same rights as yourself? It also didn’t help that the youngsters had little respect for the British Army. Because of the French-Indian War, many colonists saw the redcoats in action and weren’t necessarily impressed.
We have an old mother that peevish is grown;
She snubs us like children that scarce walk alone;
She forgets we’re grown up and have sense of our own.
When King George III and his Parliament decided to levy more taxes against the colonists, that broke whatever feelings the kids had for the parents. It also didn’t help the British that at that time and place, the Americans were harboring a George Washington, a John Adams, a Benjamin Franklin, an Alexander Hamilton, and a James Madison. It wasn’t a fair fight at all, even though it would be considered an upset in today’s sports parlance, as the kiddies defeated the greatest land army in the world.
The book’s last section is reserved for the Constitution of the United States, which I very much appreciated. I had to study all of that when I prepared for citizenship, but author Joy Hakim makes it all seem so much more comprehensible. She also has a sense of awe at what was accomplished and that comes through to the reader. By using the analogy of the young fighting for rights against the older generations, it provides a way for younger readers to comprehend why the American Revolution took place in the first place. I have another book from the series that I am looking forward to reading, but I do believe this is a very good introduction to use for 10–15-year-olds to understand a history of the United States.
Book Season = Year Round (the ladder of rights)
It starts with the French-Indian War, as the American colonists sided with Great Britain against France and many of the Native Americans. But it quickly moves to the discontent of the (by British standards) unruly Yanks, who did not appreciate being held financially responsible for the costs of the French-Indian War. The book lays out reasoning for how both sides felt, as the Brits felt their “children” should basically pay rent. That does make sense, but if you’re going to make them do the chores and pay the rent and grow the food, then shouldn’t you also give them the same rights as yourself? It also didn’t help that the youngsters had little respect for the British Army. Because of the French-Indian War, many colonists saw the redcoats in action and weren’t necessarily impressed.
We have an old mother that peevish is grown;
She snubs us like children that scarce walk alone;
She forgets we’re grown up and have sense of our own.
When King George III and his Parliament decided to levy more taxes against the colonists, that broke whatever feelings the kids had for the parents. It also didn’t help the British that at that time and place, the Americans were harboring a George Washington, a John Adams, a Benjamin Franklin, an Alexander Hamilton, and a James Madison. It wasn’t a fair fight at all, even though it would be considered an upset in today’s sports parlance, as the kiddies defeated the greatest land army in the world.
The book’s last section is reserved for the Constitution of the United States, which I very much appreciated. I had to study all of that when I prepared for citizenship, but author Joy Hakim makes it all seem so much more comprehensible. She also has a sense of awe at what was accomplished and that comes through to the reader. By using the analogy of the young fighting for rights against the older generations, it provides a way for younger readers to comprehend why the American Revolution took place in the first place. I have another book from the series that I am looking forward to reading, but I do believe this is a very good introduction to use for 10–15-year-olds to understand a history of the United States.
Book Season = Year Round (the ladder of rights)
October 23, 2013
The best book to read if you don't know something about the colonial times. Very informational and has great nonfiction attributes. Has everything from the shot heard around the world to the declaration.
Read
November 15, 2008971 Hak
January 2, 2013
Read this with my son as part of his history class. Does a decent job of covering the time period. Nice focus on historical documents.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews