And Then What Happened, Paul Revere? [Hardcover]

Jean Fritz (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 22, 1973 | Age Level: 7 and up | Grade Level: 2 and up

Everyone knows about Paul Revere's big ride to Lexington. But not everyone knows the harrowing details and narrow escapes along the way. Did you know that Paul Revere forgot his spurs on his famous ride. Or that he whittled false teeth to make extra money? A New York Times Outstanding Book of the Year. A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year. An ALA Notable Children's Book. Full color.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

"The question I am most often asked," Jean Fritz says, "is how do I find my ideas? The answer is: I don't. Ideas find me. A character in history will suddenly step right out of the past and demand a book. Generally people don't bother to speak to me unless there's a good chance that I'll take them on." Throughout almost four decades of writing about history, Jean Fritz has taken on plenty of people, starting with George Washington in The Cabin Faced West (1958). Since then, her refreshingly informal historical biographies for children have been widely acclaimed as "unconventional," "good-humored," "witty," "irrepressible," and "extraordinary."

In her role as biographer, Jean Fritz attempts to uncover the adventures and personalities behind each character she researches. "Once my character and I have reached an understanding," she explains, "then I begin the detective work--reading old books, old letters, old newspapers, and visiting the places where my subject lived. Often I turn up surprises and of course I pass these on." It is her penchant for making distant historical figures seem real that brings the characters to life and makes the biographies entertaining, informative, and filled with natural child appeal.

An original and lively thinker, as well as an inspiration to children and adults, Jean Fritz is undeniably a master of her craft. She was awarded the Regina Medal by the Catholic Library Association, presented with the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award by the American Library Association for her "substantial and lasting contribution to children's literature," and honored with the Knickerbocker Award for Juvenile Literature, which was presented by the New York State Library Association for her body of work.

copyright ? 2000 by Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers. All rights reserved.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: Putnam Juvenile (October 22, 1973)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0399233377
• ISBN-13: 978-0399233371
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,763,924 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

"The question I am most often asked," Jean Fritz says, "is how do I find my ideas? The answer is: I don't. Ideas find me. A character in history will suddenly step right out of the past and demand a book. Generally people don't bother to speak to me unless there's a good chance that I'll take them on." Throughout almost four decades of writing about history, Jean Fritz has taken on plenty of people, starting with George Washington in The Cabin Faced West (1958). Since then, her refreshingly informal historical biographies for children have been widely acclaimed as "unconventional," "good-humored," "witty," "irrepressible," and "extraordinary."In her role as biographer, Jean Fritz attempts to uncover the adventures and personalities behind each character she researches. "Once my character and I have reached an understanding," she explains, "then I begin the detective work--reading old books, old letters, old newspapers, and visiting the places where my subject lived. Often I turn up surprises and of course I pass these on." It is her penchant for making distant historical figures seem real that brings the characters to life and makes the biographies entertaining, informative, and filled with natural child appeal.An original and lively thinker, as well as an inspiration to children and adults, Jean Fritz is undeniably a master of her craft. She was awarded the Regina Medal by the Catholic Library Association, presented with the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award by the American Library Association for her "substantial and lasting contribution to children's literature," and honored with the Knickerbocker Award for Juvenile Literature, which was presented by the New York State Library Association for her body of work.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars And then what happened, Paul Revere?, July 6, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: And Then What Happened, Paul Revere? (Paperstar) (Paperback)

The story of Paul Revere is simply written by Fritz. Aftereach account she writes, "And then what happened? This patternthroughout the book makes the book easy to read, as you always know what the next section will be about. The information provided about Paul Revere is authentic. Young readers would find the information appealing. Not only does Fritz give authentic accounts of Revere's ride through Boston, Concord and Lexington, but she adds specific details to each. For example, she tells of how Revere and Adams had to return to a tavern in Lexington to get a trunk of important papers Adams had left, and how they walked right through the American lines in the process. While the actual text is informative yet light-hearted and easy to read, the illustrations provide essential support. This adds to the simplicity of the book. Included at the end of the story is an author's note on historical facts contained within the story that were not completely developed in the text. Fritz in her notes adds to the events so that the reader gets a true account of history. Overall, this book is an appealing, authentic, and easy to read account of Paul Revere's life, perfect for the middle school child!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars good-humored recounting of Paul Revere's life, November 21, 2010

By 

Julia Shpak (NY, Brooklyn) - See all my reviews

This review is from: And Then What Happened, Paul Revere? (Paperstar) (Paperback)

"And Then What Happened, Paul Revere?" is an unconventional and good-humored recounting of Paul Revere's life. The little known details about his life and "adventures" add fun and interest to otherwise dry account of historical events. Did you know that Paul Revere whittled false teeth out of hippopotamus tusk to make extra money, had sixteen children, or that he forgot spurs on his famous ride? As the book repeats throughout its pages : "Sometimes on his missions things went just right. ...Sometimes things went poorly."

The vocabulary and writing style is very age appropriate - light conversational style with complex and simple sentences plus a touch of subtle humor. The repetitive pattern makes reading easier and more memorizing for younger readers. After each account Jean Fritz writes: "And then what happened?"

Margot Tomes' illustrations are detailed, informative, and often funny. With this book reader will get not only an entertaining read but some historical knowledge about Revolutionary America as well.

Julia Shpak
Author of "Power of Plentiful Wisdom". Available on Amazon.
For more reviews on children's books visit my blog at: ForwardQuoteDOTcom

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Use by a Teacher, May 14, 2008

By 

Diane D. Veenstra "ddveenstra" (Kenneth City, FL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: And Then What Happened, Paul Revere? (Paperstar) (Paperback)

The students enjoyed the story, illustrations, and humor. They also enjoyed the "What happened next?" opportunity to make predictions and get instant feedback. I had activities to go along with the book and I enjoyed how nicely they tied in.