Most Wanted: The Revolutionary Partnership of John Hancock & Samuel Adams

by Sarah Jane Marsh, Edwin Fotheringham (Illustrator)

John Hancock and Samuel Adams were an unlikely pair of troublemakers. Hancock was young and dashing. Adams was old and stodgy. But working together, they rallied the people of Boston against the unfair policies of Great Britain and inspired American resistance. And to King George, they became a royal pain.

When the British army began marching toward Lexington and Concord, sending Hancock and Adams fleeing into the woods, the two men couldn't help but worry--this time, had they gone too far?

Rich with historical detail and primary sources, this spirited tale takes readers through ten years of taxes and tea-tossing, tyranny and town hall meetings. The team behind Thomas Paine and the Dangerous Word reunites for a lively look at the origins of the American Revolution told through the powerful partnership of two legendary founders.

Genres: Picture Books, Nonfiction, American History, History, Historical, Biography, Childrens

80 pages, Hardcover

First published March 24, 2020

About the author

Sarah Jane Marsh is the author of Most Wanted: The Revolutionary Partnership of John Hancock and Samuel Adams and Thomas Paine and the Dangerous Word from Little, Brown Young Readers. You can find her online at: www.sarahjanemarsh.com, Facebook@SarahJaneMarshBooks, and Twitter@MsSarahJMarsh.

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author/illustrator team Sarah Jane Marsh and Edwin Fotheringham, who previously collaborated on Thomas Paine and the Dangerous Word , return to the world of picture-book biography with this excellent title devoted to Founding Fathers John Hancock and Samuel Adams. Although very different in some ways - Adams was older, less prosperous, and far less fashionable; Hancock was fabulously wealthy, and somewhat vain - the two Bostonians became the focal point of colonial rebellion in Massachusetts, both before and during the American Revolution. Leadings meetings and marches, giving speeches and writing editorials, they stirred public sentiment up and kept it focused upon the wrongs committed by Britain against the colonists. Both were members of the Continental Congress, and when the war broke out, both were exempted from General Gage's offer of reconciliation. Through their outspoken activism, they had become the most wanted men in America...

With one exception (more on this anon), I found Most Wanted: The Revolutionary Partnership of John Hancock & Samuel Adams to be an absolutely outstanding work of history for younger primary school children. It addresses a pivotal moment in American history in an engaging, informative, and amusing way, focusing on two extraordinary individuals, their very different personalities, and the common cause that united them. The main narrative is rather conversational, with more details given at the rear, in the detailed timeline, and in the list of source notes for the many quotations used throughout. The accompanying artwork - I'm not sure of the medium - is lovely, and quite expressive, both in its depiction of the two main characters, and of the other people around them. I got a good chuckle out of the scene in which Hancock declares he will not be a slave to Britain, as the artwork shows his African-American servant (possibly slave) quirking an eyebrow at the reader, as if to emphasize the irony of this statement. My only note of caution with this one (the aforementioned exception) would be the author's note, which is something of a mixed bag. On the one hand, I appreciated the fact that Marsh invited her readers to think critically about the historical narratives presented to them, including her own. I also appreciated that she mentioned some of the less admirable aspects of this period in American history, including the existence of slavery, the conflicts with Native American peoples, and the exclusion of women from political rights and involvement. On the other hand, I was rather wary of the "mea culpa" tone of Marsh's note, in which she criticizes herself for using a "faulty lens," and for having "blind spots," as it seems to partake of that inward-looking, purity-seeking fervor one sees so much of these days, in current progressive discourse. There's really no need to center oneself, in such a way. Rather, acknowledge that all historical narratives are partial, and that they have a particular viewpoint, and make sure to encourage young readers to seek out other narratives and other viewpoints. One needn't apologize for not telling the "whole story," because no one story is the whole story.

Despite this criticism - and it is largely one of tone, rather than content, as I wholeheartedly agree with the idea of reading critically - I have chosen not to subtract a half star from my rating, as I would normally do in such a circumstance. Recommended to young history and biography lovers, and to anyone seeking children's books on the American Revolution and the Founding Fathers. It could be paired with something like Selene Castrovilla's Revolutionary Friends: General George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette , which chronicles another Revolutionary era friendship between notable figures.

[Susan Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great perspective on Samuel Adams & John Hancock and origins of the Revolutionary War, and a solid read aloud for history classes. The author also includes a note giving context to discussions on white male perspective on American history. (Library)

[Antonia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worthy addition to the history bookshelf; maybe just note that Boston Tea Party hurt the regular merchants more than the Crown.

[isabelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

it's so good :)))) i am happy.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Junior Library Guild has helped me as a librarian in ways I cannot possibly explain, but this book, touted by them as wonderful, I was a bit skeptical about when I saw it. I am now so glad I bought it for both of my elementary libraries. The ability to recognize the history that we teach in our curriculum has multiple viewpoints is pivitol to our growth as a nation, as readers, and as learners. I had not realized the difference in status and age of John Hancock and Samuel Adams nor had I thought much about it as I learned our American History as a student nor as a teacher.

This a a great simply written story of two significant heros of the American Revolution, neither of them perfect and both of them complex. The notes at the end are fabulous, especially the quote notes, something I rarely see in children's books. Including quotes throughout the illustrations was a genius move by the author, illustrator, publisher, and editors. Quotes are something I have always loved for their usefulness in connecting us all to our history. Most noteworthy for me is the author note before the source notes. Thank you, Sarah Jane Marsh, for accepting and recognizing we all have history that is unsaid and that readers should be critical of stories untold as they learn through the stories that are told. I could not concur more with your last sentence: "Together, our learning continues." Kudos to all, but especially to author Sarah Jane Marsh and illustrator Edwin Fotheringham. This book shall likely spur some great conversations as we all learn and question our history together.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two celebrities with very different styles who become friends in the leadup to the American Revolution, their story is told in a heavily illustrated, breathless style. I couldn't help but think of current BLM protests that have occasionally devolved into riots, the response of the officials, and how they compare to the sometimes violent leadup to the (now revered) revolution. My favorite page was when Hancock boasts "I will not be a slave! I have a right to the liberties and privileges of the English Constitution", but pictured front and center is one of his slaves serving him with an expression of "Can you believe his obliviousness?!"

Read this along with Anderson's "An Inconvenient Alphabet: Ben Franklin & Noah Webster's Spelling Revolution" for mismatched revolutionary-era friends who accomplished a lot.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author's note at the end left me with all the warm fuzzies. Basically, she encouraged all readers to read her book critically, thinking about her perspective and whose stories were told versus whose were left out. It was a great reminder of how to approach history for all ages.

Bonus: the illustration spread that depicts John Hancock likening the British taxation of the colonies to slavery. One side depicts John Hancock (with sparkling, golden hair) while the other shows a Black servant, clearly enslaved, with a "are you kidding me" look on his face. It's a moment absolutely ripe for reading together, and the perfect time for an adult to point this out and encourage some deeper thinking.

Younger readers might require additional context to appreciate the richness of this book.

[Crosby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most wanted by Sarah Jane Marsh is about the revolutionary partnership of John Hancock and Samuel Adams and how their town didn't obey the rules of paying their taxes for glass, lead, paper, paint, and tea, so London's king George was mad at them. I liked the art because of all of the details and colors. I also liked the words because it helped it describe what was happening. It gives you a lot of details on what happened during that time.

[Faith Pray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah Jane Marsh’s book MOST WANTED : The Revolutionary Partnership of John Hancock and Samuel Adams is a great book to get kids -or anyone- excited about history.
Sarah Jane Marsh has a fantastic way with words, and Edwin Fotheringham’s illustrations are perfect and whimsical and skillfully show sarcastic nuances in the text. I found MOST WANTED an informative and thrilling read about two central characters in the American Revolution. What a treat!

[Marcy Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our whole family enjoyed this book. My children (middle-schoolers) got a much livelier look at the American Revolution, and my husband and I realized we didn’t know nearly as much as we thought we did about these two famous figures. Marsh has a truly entertaining writing style, which is so perfectly matched by Fotheringham’s whimsical illustrations.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars I loved the historical account about these 2 men and the part they played in the American Revolution. There were SO many aspects of their personalities and personal lives I knew nothing about.

[Nichole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was very interesting and even comical, at times. A lot of great discussion to be had about how the art work helps tell parts of the story that aren't told in the text. Don't skip the author's note.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great picture book about the American Revolution. I like that quotes are included throughout the story. My favorite from John Hancock is “I am obliged to be pretty expensive”. Illustrations are excellent.

[Jennifer Wadman · Rating 4 out of 5]

We giggled during this brief sketch of the friendship of these Revolutionary buddies. Helpful timeline, bibliography and source note for quotes. The characterization of Hancock was a bit … flamboyant

[Kirsti Call · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaging and informative!

[Heidi Doyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an exciting picture book about two historical figures and full of interesting details. I had to laugh at the illustrators use of irony on pages 16 & 17! Really well done.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very interesting, enjoyable story of two historic men. What a great history lesson.

[Renee Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

This engaging look at two of our Founding Fathers - John Hancock and Samuel Adams - has a fresh and appealing approach which will delight young readers and bring history alive.

[Benji Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would have been a 3 star, but that look on the face of the enslaved man on page 17, calling out the hypocrisy of the founding fathers was great.

[Heidi Kuipers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good, fun illustrations, makes early American history fun and easier to follow

[Jrobert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simplistic view of Hancock and Samuel Adams for children to begin to understand where, why and how the constitution came to be.

[Patricia Q · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has a lot of information in it. Going to give it to my grandma who enjoys reading about the Revolutionary War.

[Cheryl Neer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bought in a Boston bookshop after walking the Freedom Trail.

[Keri]

A

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lively and chatty, this appealing and enticing introduction to the powerful friendship and partnership of John Hancock and Samuel Adams both informs and entertains. The facts and Marsh's insights on the times and issues is solid an well presented. Edwin Fotheringill's comic-style illustrations are a real delight and will attract and hold young reader's attention.

Excellent back matter provides additional information, a timeline Author's note bibliography and more. Includes notes on the lofty sentiments of individual freedoms while owning slaves.

A perfect way to provide information on our Revolutionary beginning history, supplement curriculum units, spark interest in history and give kids a fun and fascinating peek at two of our important historical figures.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed for professional publication.

[Michelle Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This would be a great classroom read aloud! It is a fun and interesting story that really brings the history alive during the American Revolution.