The Reb and the Redcoats (Living History Library) [Paperback]

Constance Savery (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 10 and up | Grade Level: 5 and up | Series: Living History Library

In an interesting turnabout, the Revolutionary War is seen through the eyes of a British family to whom an American prisoner of war has been entrusted. Technically the young prisoner is in Uncle Lawrence's custody, but the children soon forge a forbidden friendship with him after he nearly dies in an attempted escape. He becomes the Reb and they, his Redcoats. But when they learn of some events leading to his coming to Europe, even Uncle Lawrence, embittered by the unjust death of a friend in America, thaws toward him-but this doesn't stop the Reb from scheming to escape.
Constance Savery deftly weaves themes of trust and forgiveness into an interesting plot with likeable characters.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Paperback: 203 pages
• Publisher: Bethlehem Books (May 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1883937426
• ISBN-13: 978-1883937423
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #314,297 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Has held up well over the years., February 4, 2000

By 

Naomi Johnson "beauvallet" (Columbus, Ohio USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Reb and the Redcoats (Living History Library) (Paperback)

I first read this book when I was 10 years old, and I loved it, checking it out of the school library at every opportunity. After leaving that school at age 12 I never saw the book again, and over the past 32 years I have periodically searched for it. I realized if I did find the book it may very well turn out to be not the enchanting read I remembered so fondly. Little did I know! "The Reb and the Redcoats" is very well-written, with an engrossing perspective on the American Revolution. A young American rebel is a POW in a household (in England) whose head is a Redcoat recovering from wounds suffered in the war. Through their interactions we come to appreciate the humanity of the people who make up both sides of an issue. If there is a fault with this book, it is only that the heroic nature and adventures of the Reb seem a bit beyond the grasp of a 15-year-old boy. Still, if Hollywood would only age him a few years, they could make a very compelling film of this tale.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Immensely Readable Historical Fiction, March 19, 2004

By 

A. VanHecke "Love2learn Mom" (Milwaukee, WI) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Reb and the Redcoats (Living History Library) (Paperback)

I picked this book up for my children a few years ago and read it aloud to them. I found I could hardly put it down and we finished it in a day or two. My children insisted that my husband next read it to them. He couldn't put it down either - in fact he stayed up late the first night to finish it for himself!

This unusual story of the American Revolution from the perspective of a British family playing "host" to a young American prisoner of war is filled with timeless themes of patriotism and forgiveness. It is very accessible to younger readers, but "meaty" enough to be enjoyed by older children and adults as well.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Different Veiw, February 14, 2000

By 

S. Griffith - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Reb and the Redcoats (Living History Library) (Paperback)

I think that this is a great book for children and maybe adults as well. It is about an American prisoner in England. This book shows how people saw the American Revolution in England. It is also a book that shows how much work it was to keep a prisoner like this one. This is a super book.