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Young American Adventures #1
The Innocent Rebel: A Young American Revolutionary War Adventure
My name is Mercy Young, I’m 12 years old, and up until a couple days ago, my life has been pretty uneventful. But it’s 1775 and I live in Lexington, which apparently God Almighty has deemed fit to be the birthplace of a revolution! My papa was one of the men from town who went to confront the Red Coats (British Soldiers), who marched onto our town green and demanded that we submit ourselves to their rule. There was a terrible battle and papa was taken captive. My mama passed away a few years ago, and with no one else to look after us, my brothers and I have decided that the only sensible thing to do is set off to Boston and fetch papa back. We don’t know what lies ahead, and this awful war has only just begun, but if I was captured and alone, I’d want to know someone was coming for me. Even as the cannons drum in the distance, I feel a mixture of fear and excitement at the adventure that awaits us. Slipping out into the cool April night, I can feel it – there’s no turning back now. Historically accurate fiction is one of the best ways to teach students about our amazing history and we’re proud to join authors such as Joe Giorello (Great Battles for Boys), Lauren Tarshis (I Survived), and Esther Forbes (Johnny Tremain) in this important endeavor. From gritty battles to the daily struggle for survival, to comical adventures in the woods, your family will live it all along with the Young siblings! Click on Buy Now to start the adventure!
235 pages, Paperback
Published January 8, 2023
28 people are currently reading
360 people want to read
About the author
J.E. Ribbey
22 books25 followersJ.E. Ribbey (Joel and Esther) deploys a compelling writing style, combining a fast-paced action thriller with deep character immersion, giving readers an edge-of-your-seat adventure they will feel in the morning. A combat veteran, outdoorsman, and survival enthusiast, Joel enjoys mingling his unique experiences and expertise with their passion for homesteading and the self-sufficient lifestyle. Together with their four kids they manage a small farmstead in Minnesota, where, besides taking care of the animals and gardens, they also run a small event venue and offer farm camping. If you’d like to know more, you can find the Ribbeys on Instagram @jeribbey or at their website, JERibbey.com
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
January 29, 2025
I reallly liked this book!!! 🥳🤩🥳
December 13, 2025
This series follows an ordinary family in uncertain times. Their struggles, loss, pain and heartache help shape their beliefs and actions, revealing their true character.
In the mist of a land divided by loyalties, pitting neighbor against neighbor, brother against brother, father against sons, they are still able to experience hope, thankfulness and love.
The Author has brought out beautifully the great sacrifices made on both sides by everyday men and women. Enduring excessive heat, bitter cold, fatigue, hunger, hazardous terrain, discouragement, and defeat. How a common cause brought together those of different religious beliefs and customs, and how prejudges can be broken down into understanding and acceptance. How, one man through Jealousy & disappointment with a desire to achieve greatness and notoriety, betrayed those very men that he had long since fight beside. Several of our future leaders and Presidents rallied and stood strong in the mist of overwhelming odds, molding & attributing to their future leadership in this great Nation.
As you read this series, try and place yourself in these situations and consider what you would be willing to give up to help & offer of yourself to accomplish what you believe in.
How strongly you believe in this cause and what you would be willing to give up to help accomplish
In the mist of a land divided by loyalties, pitting neighbor against neighbor, brother against brother, father against sons, they are still able to experience hope, thankfulness and love.
The Author has brought out beautifully the great sacrifices made on both sides by everyday men and women. Enduring excessive heat, bitter cold, fatigue, hunger, hazardous terrain, discouragement, and defeat. How a common cause brought together those of different religious beliefs and customs, and how prejudges can be broken down into understanding and acceptance. How, one man through Jealousy & disappointment with a desire to achieve greatness and notoriety, betrayed those very men that he had long since fight beside. Several of our future leaders and Presidents rallied and stood strong in the mist of overwhelming odds, molding & attributing to their future leadership in this great Nation.
As you read this series, try and place yourself in these situations and consider what you would be willing to give up to help & offer of yourself to accomplish what you believe in.
How strongly you believe in this cause and what you would be willing to give up to help accomplish
August 18, 2024
The American Revolution told from the eyes of Mercy Young, age 12. This is the first book in a series of four.
Mercy and her father and 3 brothers are living quite happily in Lexington Massachusetts, despite the signs and symptoms of rebellion. April 18, 1775 is the night before “The Shot Heard Round the World”. And Mercy’s father, as a member of the militia in Lexington, takes part in the battle; he is then captured as a prisoner of war. The children try to rescue him and in their travels find a home in Cambridge with a childless couple who run a tavern. Excellent descriptions of the townspeople and the slowly developing Continental Army and General Washington. Colonel Henry Knox’s heroic delivery of the cannons from Ft Ticonderoga and the surprise of Dorchester Heights were explained so clearly.
This YA novel is historically accurate and also takes into account children’s activities like fishing, teasing their siblings, and celebrating Christmas.
My one complaint is the lack of editing. Reins was spelled reigns throughout the book. Flower was used instead of flour. Ginger naps instead of ginger snaps. It was not a deal breaker, but was irritating.
Mercy and her father and 3 brothers are living quite happily in Lexington Massachusetts, despite the signs and symptoms of rebellion. April 18, 1775 is the night before “The Shot Heard Round the World”. And Mercy’s father, as a member of the militia in Lexington, takes part in the battle; he is then captured as a prisoner of war. The children try to rescue him and in their travels find a home in Cambridge with a childless couple who run a tavern. Excellent descriptions of the townspeople and the slowly developing Continental Army and General Washington. Colonel Henry Knox’s heroic delivery of the cannons from Ft Ticonderoga and the surprise of Dorchester Heights were explained so clearly.
This YA novel is historically accurate and also takes into account children’s activities like fishing, teasing their siblings, and celebrating Christmas.
My one complaint is the lack of editing. Reins was spelled reigns throughout the book. Flower was used instead of flour. Ginger naps instead of ginger snaps. It was not a deal breaker, but was irritating.
March 18, 2025
I was drawn to this book not only with thoughts to read it to my grandkids but I wanted to read it myself. It sounded like an adventure that I wanted to hear about. It was!
I marveled at how brave the children were as they heard the battles raging but stayed determined to find out where there father was, not knowing how they themselves would survive.
I so respect people who stepped in along the way to help the children. They were such caring strangers.
I also loved the lessons they learned in survival. Children as they read this will be amazed and want to learn more I'm sure.
Just a warning the first book is good but the story doesn't end..there are more books and I'm sure you will want to see what happens to Mercy and her family!
I marveled at how brave the children were as they heard the battles raging but stayed determined to find out where there father was, not knowing how they themselves would survive.
I so respect people who stepped in along the way to help the children. They were such caring strangers.
I also loved the lessons they learned in survival. Children as they read this will be amazed and want to learn more I'm sure.
Just a warning the first book is good but the story doesn't end..there are more books and I'm sure you will want to see what happens to Mercy and her family!
August 20, 2024
Wonderful details of courage
The Young family led by older sister Mercy endures many trials after their father is captured at Lexington. Traveling to find him they encounter and are somewhat adopted by tavern keeper Henry and his wife Abigail. Food, fishing and battle assistance are chronicled in excellent and exciting detail!
The Young family led by older sister Mercy endures many trials after their father is captured at Lexington. Traveling to find him they encounter and are somewhat adopted by tavern keeper Henry and his wife Abigail. Food, fishing and battle assistance are chronicled in excellent and exciting detail!
October 18, 2025
:)
I read this book with four of my children, aged 9, 7, 7, and 6. They all loved it. We homeschool and are learning about the American Revolutionary War in history class. This was a great book to read alongside our lessons.
I read this book with four of my children, aged 9, 7, 7, and 6. They all loved it. We homeschool and are learning about the American Revolutionary War in history class. This was a great book to read alongside our lessons.
February 7, 2025
Love, love LOVED this book! Our whole family read it together and we didn't want to put it down!
February 8, 2025
Very good book! I recommend it to anyone looking for a good book to read! Can’t wait to read the next books in the series!
March 6, 2025
I love it😍😍😍so much that I am actually reading it 😍
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews