Independence Now: The American Revolution 1763-1783 (Crossroads America) [Hardcover]

Daniel Rosen (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 10 and up | Grade Level: 5 and up | Series: Crossroads America

By 1763, the people of England's American colonies were shaping their own lives apart from their royal rulers. Ties between the British and the colonists were becoming weak, and a new sense of being "American" was developing. Independence Now takes the reader from the colonial period when young men like George Washington were becoming leaders and the British oppression was growing, to the days of the fiery Revolutionary War. Topics covered in this book include the Boston Tea Party, the Boston Massacre, the Battle of Lexington and Concord, the Battle of Bunker Hill, the Declaration of Independence, and the issues surrounding these events. The book discusses the reasons for the war from the American and British perspectives, the involvement of African-Americans and women in the revolution, and our long, hard path to victory. The book also features a "Points of View" section that shows the debate over whether or not America should be independent through the words of Benjamin Franklin and his son, the royal governor of New Jersey, William Franklin. Comparisons are also made between the strengths and weaknesses of England and America at the time to help readers understand both sides of the fight. Independence Now ends with a "Legacy," telling a short bit of follow-up history to the events covered in the text. Like the other titles in the Crossroads America series, this book is illustrated with period paintings, drawings, and photographs. Also included are a glossary and an index.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Reviewed with Monica Halpern's Railroad Fever.

Gr. 3-5. Designed to shed light on themes in U.S. history, these volumes in the new Crossroads America series pair colorful, dramatic illustrations--most, but not all, period--with easily digested narratives divided into one- or two-page topical segments. Halpern traces the construction and influence of the transcontinental railroad, providing glimpses of everything from train robbers and travel aboard first-class Pullman and last-class "Zulu" cars to the railroads' effects on emigration. Focusing on just a few major battles, Rosen views the American Revolution as a kind of civil war, lucidly showing how a combination of military mismanagement and persistent misjudgment of their opponents caused the British to lose the war. Both authors consider the contributions of women and minority groups, tuck numerous pithy quotes into side boxes, and close with short glossaries. Aside from a pair of URLs on the back flaps, there are no further resources, and Rosen misleadingly labels two famous paintings of Washington "primary sources," but these titles effectively give young readers overviews of pivotal events, as well as food for thought. John Peters
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: National Geographic Children's Books (July 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0792267664
• ISBN-13: 978-0792267669
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 0.4 x 9.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,589,698 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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