Saving the Liberty Bell

On My Own History

by Marty Rhodes Figley, Kevin Lepp (Illustrator)

Eleven-year-old Johnny Mickley longed to be a hero and have some part in helping America gain its independence. The British Army was just miles away from colonial Philadelphia, planning to invade the city and melt down all of its famous bells for cannons. The colonists were worried, they had to save the bells, especially Old Independence, now called the Liberty Bell. They finally came up with a plan – and Johnny got to help! But would it be enough to keep the bells safe?

Genres: American History

48 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2004

About the author

I have fond memories of summer visits to my grandparents in Hannibal, Missouri. Grandma and Grandpa Priests' grocery store featured a candy case chock full of wax lips, licorice sticks and jawbreakers. Grandma and Grandpa Rhodes' farm delighted me with cute, baby calves and garden-fresh corn on the cob. I love to write about ordinary children experiencing exciting events in our country's history. I hope that when young readers finish one of my books they realize that history is much more than facts and dates. It's filled with children's hopes and dreams.

Reviews

[Marti]

The Liberty Bell is one of America's most treasured symbols of our freedom. This book tells a story of how it was hidden from the Brits by ordinary countrymen and a young boy. It is an interesting piece of history.

[Ms. Campbell]

I learn something new each time a read a book, especially historical fiction. I never knew this happened.