Lew Wallace: Boy Writer (Young Patriots series) [Hardcover]

Martha E. Schaaf (Author), Cathy Morrison (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2001 | Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up | Series: Young Patriots series (Book 3)

The world-famous novel of ancient times, Ben Hur: A Tale of the Christ, was written by Lew Wallace, who grew up in the early 1800s roaming the fields and streams of Indiana. Young readers will meet the renowned author as a child whose daring exploits, coupled with a deep religious faith, foreshadowed the Civil War general, governor of the New Mexico Territory, United States ambassador, and author he would become. Children will delight in young Lew’s rescue of his brother from a runaway carriage, feel a kinship with the boy and his passion for art as he draws portraits of his schoolmates with his “magic pencil,” and share his fascination for the exotic places he reads about in the books he loves. Action-packed illustrations enhance a fascinating story that will draw kids into the life of the young country boy who grew up to write one of the best-loved Christian novels ever penned.

Editorial Reviews

Review

...black and white illustrations by artist Cathy Morrison spotlight the challenges of a child in early nineteenth-century America. -- Bonnie Bruno, Books for Kids on About: The Human Internet

...provides another advantage for parents eager to encourage reading instead of television or computer games. -- Russ Pulliam, associate editor, Indianapolis Star

Check out this series of books if you want history to come alive for the young reader. -- Beth Lewis, Elementary Educators on About: The Human Internet

gives young readers the sense that no matter what they want, if they work hard, they can achieve it. -- Ann M. Beardsley, ScribesWorld

About the Author

Martha E. Schaaf is a career librarian and teacher who set up more than 25 libraries throughout the United States. She received a BA degree from Indiana University, where she was responsible for helping open the previously all-male Student Union building to girls, and a master's degree from Columbia University. Born in Madison, Indiana, Martha resides in Florida where she continues her writing career. She is also the author of Duke Ellington, Music Master.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Hardcover: 112 pages
• Publisher: Patria Press, Inc (April 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1882859057
• ISBN-13: 978-1882859054
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.7 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,239,896 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Story AND history, March 16, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Lew Wallace: Boy Writer (Young Patriots series) (Paperback)

Before he grew up to become the author of the best-selling novel, "Ben-Hur," inventor and Civil War general, Lew Wallace was a young boy playing in the midwestern fields and streams who would rather draw than spell, and would rather read than do math. Kids will cheer for Lew's dramatic rescue of his baby brother from beneath the wheels of the family carriage, share his joy at discovering the world of books, and feel his pain at the punishment he suffered in the schoolroom.

The book features the adventures of Lew Wallace as a child, and is an introduction to biography written for ages 8-12. Kids will love the story, parents and teachers will appreciate the historic context in which the book is written. Detailed illustrations enhance the text and give a real flavor of the times. "Lew Wallace" is Volume 3 in the Young Patriots Series--don't miss Volume 1, "Amelia Earhart, Young Air Pioneer," and Volume 2, "William Henry Harrison, Young Tippecanoe." You can get all titles in the series in paperback and hardback.

5.0 out of 5 stars Definitively researched and superbly presented, July 5, 2001

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lew Wallace: Boy Writer (Young Patriots series) (Hardcover)

Lew Wallace grew up to be a governor, foreign minister, Civil War general, inventor, and artist. But he is best known today as the author of the novel Ben-Hur. Lew Wallace: Boy Writer is the latest entry in the Patria Press "Young Patriots" series and the fascinating story of Wallace as a Midwest American youth who grew up like other boys of his era -- including the occasional playing of hooky from school! Martha Schaaf has definitively researched and superbly presented the life of Wallace from the age of 5 through 19. Also very highly recommended in this outstanding series are: Amelia Earhart: Young Air Pioneer (1882859022, [price]) and William Henry Harrison: Young Tippecanoe (1882859030, [price]. All three titles would make a popular and much appreciated addition to any personal, school or community library biography collection for young readers.