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Road to Revolution!
You can't make history without making a little trouble! Nick is an orphan who gets by on his wits and whatever he can steal. Penny is the daughter of a tavern owner and knows the meaning of honest work. Though from completely different backgrounds―and despite their instant dislike for each other―they do have one thing in They both want the British out of Boston! When a chance encounter brings them together, Nick and Penny see a way to help the patriots. But first they'll have to earn the trust of some of America's great revolutionaries―including Paul Revere and Dr. Joseph Warren―and muster the courage to confront innumerable dangers. Action packed, laced with humor, and visually dynamic for today's readers, Road to Revolution! cleverly intertwines fact and fiction for an unprecedented view of American history.
128 pages, Paperback
First published July 21, 2009
1 person is currently reading
21 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 13 reviews
December 18, 2017
This book was a fun way for my third-grade son to understand more about the Revolutionary War. The book seemed to help him understand that the Patriots were actual people and not just names or numbers on paper.
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April 15, 2019They found out the Jewish people were going to start something I really hope you liked this book more than me
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July 7, 2019Graphic novel about American Revolution. Some fact, some fiction.
July 19, 2009
Quality graphic novels based on historical events are hard to find. And there have been many attempts. You've probably seen 'em while flipping through a catalog full of nonfiction:
"Your reluctant readers are going to love "I Am Not a Crook", the Watergate graphic novel!"
The problem? Many of these titles employ the following formula:
1. Take important elements of historical event
2. Draw some stiff panels depicting these events
3. Pack the caption boxes to the point of bursting
4. Add brief, awkward dialog
5. Run the presses
The result? A dull series of tableau-esqe panels that don't do much to actually increase kid appeal. "Road to Revolution!" is not one of these. By adding "fictional characters who get caught up with real-life people and events", cartoonist Stan Mack and writer/editor Susan Champlin skillfully inject life into the American Revolution. The first in a planned four book series focusing on American history, "Road to Revolution!" is a success.
Main characters Nick and Penny did not actually exist, but they could have. Penny is the spirited daughter of a Boston tavern owner. Nick is a quick-witted orphan, living on the streets. When Penny saves Nick from capture, the two strike up a friendship based on the building tension between the 13 Colonies and England. As the build-up to war continues, the pair help the revolutionary forces, eventually spying and fighting for the freedom of America.
After the prologue, which explains the sources of resentment between the two sides, the action is brisk. Humor plays a part as well, lightening the mood at various points in the story. Given the fiction/nonfiction format of "Road to Revolution!", I was glad to see that the authors included an epilogue that describes where artistic liberties were taken.
The style of artwork may be a drawback in terms of attracting readers. While the cartoonish illustrations are colorful and lively, they lack the level of hipness that many comics-loving graphic novel fans are used to. This will likely be more of a factor for readers on the older end of this book's target audience (6th-7th graders). I'm not sure if this is going to be a sure thing for fans of, say, "Amulet" or "Into the Volcano", but it may also serve to attract a different audience.
Overall, an entertaining and informative affair. If you're going to be stocking graphic novels based on historical events, you'll be doing the right thing by adding "Road to Revolution!"
"Your reluctant readers are going to love "I Am Not a Crook", the Watergate graphic novel!"
The problem? Many of these titles employ the following formula:
1. Take important elements of historical event
2. Draw some stiff panels depicting these events
3. Pack the caption boxes to the point of bursting
4. Add brief, awkward dialog
5. Run the presses
The result? A dull series of tableau-esqe panels that don't do much to actually increase kid appeal. "Road to Revolution!" is not one of these. By adding "fictional characters who get caught up with real-life people and events", cartoonist Stan Mack and writer/editor Susan Champlin skillfully inject life into the American Revolution. The first in a planned four book series focusing on American history, "Road to Revolution!" is a success.
Main characters Nick and Penny did not actually exist, but they could have. Penny is the spirited daughter of a Boston tavern owner. Nick is a quick-witted orphan, living on the streets. When Penny saves Nick from capture, the two strike up a friendship based on the building tension between the 13 Colonies and England. As the build-up to war continues, the pair help the revolutionary forces, eventually spying and fighting for the freedom of America.
After the prologue, which explains the sources of resentment between the two sides, the action is brisk. Humor plays a part as well, lightening the mood at various points in the story. Given the fiction/nonfiction format of "Road to Revolution!", I was glad to see that the authors included an epilogue that describes where artistic liberties were taken.
The style of artwork may be a drawback in terms of attracting readers. While the cartoonish illustrations are colorful and lively, they lack the level of hipness that many comics-loving graphic novel fans are used to. This will likely be more of a factor for readers on the older end of this book's target audience (6th-7th graders). I'm not sure if this is going to be a sure thing for fans of, say, "Amulet" or "Into the Volcano", but it may also serve to attract a different audience.
Overall, an entertaining and informative affair. If you're going to be stocking graphic novels based on historical events, you'll be doing the right thing by adding "Road to Revolution!"
Read
February 7, 2015Road to Revolution is an informative, historical novel the narrates the journey of a boy named Nick, and a girl named Penelope. The book is written in comic form, and is full of maps and pictures to help tell the story visually, to kids. Nick and Penelope (who are fictional characters) spy and fight for real historical people like Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, and Joseph Warren. Together they tell the story of how the revolutionary war started and ended.
The book’s historical retelling is accurate even though it is told from the fictional side of two characters. Those two characters are defined and developed into great patriotic child heroes that are great role models for readers. The Humor and suspense is sustained throughout the book efficiently. The drawing and art in this book tells half of the story, however sometimes its texture and lines are not clear enough to depict certain scenes.
My personal opinion on this book is probably 85% positive and 15% negative. At the third chapter, I started to get a slight head ache from not knowing what dialog to read when, and from what character that dialogue was coming from. Make sure when you go to read this book that you don’t go into it expecting to follow and read the book like a regular novel. However, there was suspense and action that even got me on the edge of my seat. I’m sure this novel is easier and more exciting for kids to read since it is written for kids.
The book’s historical retelling is accurate even though it is told from the fictional side of two characters. Those two characters are defined and developed into great patriotic child heroes that are great role models for readers. The Humor and suspense is sustained throughout the book efficiently. The drawing and art in this book tells half of the story, however sometimes its texture and lines are not clear enough to depict certain scenes.
My personal opinion on this book is probably 85% positive and 15% negative. At the third chapter, I started to get a slight head ache from not knowing what dialog to read when, and from what character that dialogue was coming from. Make sure when you go to read this book that you don’t go into it expecting to follow and read the book like a regular novel. However, there was suspense and action that even got me on the edge of my seat. I’m sure this novel is easier and more exciting for kids to read since it is written for kids.
June 11, 2009
American History via Graphic Novel...whatever it takes to get kids to learn!
I am a firm believer that if we don't know where we came from - we are doomed to repeat the mistakes of our forefathers. This book looks at a time in history that formed, shaped and defined who we are as Americans.
This book is recommended for 10-15 year olds - I can remember how hard it was at that age to sit through some history classes. In history class it can be hard to follow - but this romp through history with young Nick & Penny will appeal to their peers today!
Being kids sometimes adults don't think about you as a threat so Penny & Nick are privy to conversations by the British soldiers in the stables where Nick works and in the Tavern that Penny's father owns.
There are several lessons in this book above and beyond the historical - the rebels actually listen to these two kids and their information is deemed trustworthy (even though Nick's past is anything but...)
The illustrations are excellent and give you an insight to daily life and the plight of the colonists.
The Graphic Novel is a popular medium among kids and teens today -
I am a firm believer that if we don't know where we came from - we are doomed to repeat the mistakes of our forefathers. This book looks at a time in history that formed, shaped and defined who we are as Americans.
This book is recommended for 10-15 year olds - I can remember how hard it was at that age to sit through some history classes. In history class it can be hard to follow - but this romp through history with young Nick & Penny will appeal to their peers today!
Being kids sometimes adults don't think about you as a threat so Penny & Nick are privy to conversations by the British soldiers in the stables where Nick works and in the Tavern that Penny's father owns.
There are several lessons in this book above and beyond the historical - the rebels actually listen to these two kids and their information is deemed trustworthy (even though Nick's past is anything but...)
The illustrations are excellent and give you an insight to daily life and the plight of the colonists.
The Graphic Novel is a popular medium among kids and teens today -
May 31, 2012
Living by wit and skill, Nick had robbed money from the riches or bad people to live through the day. He has well know by the nearby villagers. His jobs eventually lead him to have conflict with the British army and met the nice and pretty girl live in the same town, Penelope. Later on, they participate in the rebel to get rid of the annoying British and take back their freedom, which prefer as the American Revolutionary War.
I recommended this book to young adult or younger since it seem to fit more with this age. The graphing is great and the book have a clear and easy to understand.
I recommended this book to young adult or younger since it seem to fit more with this age. The graphing is great and the book have a clear and easy to understand.
May 9, 2010
This book is a graphic novel recounting the early days of the American Revolutionary War.
I found the historical details accurate and presenting interestingly through the eyes of two fictional characters-- Nick and Penny. What I disliked about the book was the poor quality of the illustrations and the use of pratfalls and balloons. It's as if the illustrator has not looked at the high quality of the artwork and storytelling in today's modern graphic novels.
I found the historical details accurate and presenting interestingly through the eyes of two fictional characters-- Nick and Penny. What I disliked about the book was the poor quality of the illustrations and the use of pratfalls and balloons. It's as if the illustrator has not looked at the high quality of the artwork and storytelling in today's modern graphic novels.
November 5, 2015
Great, fun way to learn history! I hope they publish more in this series!
November 26, 2012
Graphic novel about two children during the Revolutionary War.
March 22, 2016
Well done 'you are there' tale of Boston rebels and rebellion. I love S. Mack real life funnies.
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June 9, 2018Read my thoughts over on Reading Rumpus: https://www.readingrumpus.com/2009/07...
Displaying 1 - 12 of 13 reviews