Liberty!: How the Revolutionary War Began

by Lucille Recht Penner, David Wenzel (Illustrations)

How the Revolutionary War Began

The American colonists were fed up with British law. They refused to buy English goods. They formed a militia of tradesmen and farmers ready to fight at a moment’s notice. Most importantly, they joined together. All 13 colonies sent representatives to decide whether they should form a new country. That group wrote the Declaration of Independence, the document that summed up a revolution.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, School, Historical, American History, American Revolutionary War, Childrens

48 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

Lucille Recht Penner is the author of many nonfiction books for kids, including Dinosaur Babies and Monster Bugs in Random House’s Step into Reading program. She lives in Tucson, AZ.

Reviews

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

18 topics, leading up to and through the war

mainly from the colonists POV, but does mention the Native Americans and gives a brief nod to slavery

the art supports and enhances the text

2024
This winter, I've read several books about the Revolutionary war, and I realized that my vision of the times, the vision I formed in childhood, is wrong. At the time, I assumed that all of the colonists agreed that they didn't want to be an English colony. That belief was probably based on the books I'd read. This book definitely would have reenforced that belief.

[Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an excellent addition to home and school libraries of history. Written at the level of the very late elementary school student, it gives a candid explanation of the causes and events of the American war for independence.
There is a bit of bias towards the colonists, while there is mention of the French and Indian War and the British victory in that conflict, there is no mention of the cost. The British leaders were justified in believing that the colonists should pay for the expenses of the war that benefited the colonists. There is a clear explanation of how heavy-handed the British actions were, the taxes were simply imposed with no negotiations or representation. Had the British leadership been more reasonable, it is likely there would have been no revolution.
An easy and informative read, this is a book that should be read by all American children.

[Jeremy Peyton · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book for what it is. A very quick narrative of the Revolutionary War. Could easily read in one sitting.

[Kelley Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not a history buff of any form. Had I had this book to read in school instead of a textbook, I might have enjoyed it a lot more. Thank you for the enlightment.

[Gabby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this

[Nathaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

cock and ball torture : -)))))

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

AR?

[Shelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative and students love it

[Aischa Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great overall look at the revolutionary war and the America becoming an independent nation.

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

a historical book written for young readers with supporting pictures

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think my students will enjoy the text features of this book, especially the mini pictures and captions throughout the book.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good example of the American revolution.. pretty cool!

[Lily Marquez]

good

[Daniella · Rating 1 out of 5]

how do I read the book!!!!!