Five Smooth Stones: Hope's Revolutionary War Diary (My America)(Book One) (Paperback)

by Kristiana Gregory (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist
Gr. 3-5. Part of the My America series, this story is set in 1776 Philadelphia, where nine-year-old Hope records events both large and small in her diary. The greatest worry is for her father, a patriot who has gone on a sea journey and is overdue. Other trials include school, where a nasty schoolmaster makes things difficult, and her brother's running away to become a Tory. The intense political developments of those days are sketched in via brief references to delegates and their work. The war's presence grows too, and by the story's end, Hope and her family must flee Philadelphia to stay at her uncle's farm. Gregory does an effective job of evoking the times; the hard work routinely done by young children may be an eye opener for today's readers. Story-wise, however, kids may be unhappy that the fates of Hope's father and brother are left hanging. Denise Wilms
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description
As tension rise between the Tories and Patriots, Hope¹s life in Philadelphia becomes more confusing. Will Papa ever return from his voyage? Has he been killed, or worse, become a Tory? When Hope¹s thirteen-year-old brother Ethan proclaims that he, too, is a Tory, it seems the family is falling apart. Hope ends her diary sure that Papa and Ethan will return.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Scholastic Inc. (May 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0439369053
• ISBN-13: 978-0439369053
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 5.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #134,762 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great read that takes place un such an interesting place, January 14, 2001

By	"scarlettjulie" (Philly, PA Philly, PA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Five Smooth Stones : Hope's Diary, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1776, (My America) (Hardcover)

I loved Hope's diary, and I think you will too. Of the four now published My America's, Five Smooth Stones was by far the best. If you have read Winter of Red Snow which takes place in Valley Forge, PA. not too far from Philadelpha, it will be neat for you to read about a girls journey in Philadelphia this time, instead of Abigail in Valley Forge. Some parts of it are sad, but a lot of history is, and a happy part marked by great joy when a birth occurs in such an uncertain time. To anyone out there who needs to read a book for school, or just cooped up on a snow day, read it right away.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Do judge this book by it's cover, October 22, 2002

A Kid's Review

Five Smooth Stones is about a regular girl in the Revolutionary War period.Hope has her father is at war, her brother is away and her mother is expecting a baby. This novel revolves around the lifestyle and history of the late 1700's and gives you a great lesson about that time period and has you conncet with a girl in that world. Although this book is only 93 pages not counting photos and drawings and has a little bit large typing the book give you a lot of feelings to take in and the use of the words, shall, ye, and thou are many.I reccomend this book to girls or boys with an avid interest in history within a diary formed book.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great historical novel, May 2, 2002

By	hiphopgirl_1000 - See all my reviews

This review is from: Five Smooth Stones : Hope's Diary, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1776, (My America) (Hardcover)

Nine-year-old Hope Penny Potter is finding the Revolutionary War tearing apart her family. Since Christmas her father has been gone for purposes still unknown to her family and now her brother Ethan is accusing her father of being a Tory and abandoning the family. Hope finds little comfort but she does have her best friend Polly who she confides in about her family problems. There is also hope in the family of better times for Hope's mother is expecting a new baby. However their happiness is shattered when one day Ethan runs away from home, most likely looking for his father. As the British press closer and closer the Philadelphia Hope finds that she might have to leave her beloved home too. Will Hope's family ever be reunited again? Or will the Revolutionary War keep her apart.