by Gary Paulsen History is boring, right? It's just a bunch of old guys in wigs signing documents. Not so in this short but action packed novel of the Revolutionary War. The year is 1776 and thirteen-year-old Samuel is content with his life in the Pennsylvania wilderness with his mother and father. Things aren't always easy for them but Samuel knows and loves the wild forest that surrounds them and is skilled at hunting and providing meat for his family. But everything changes the day he returns from the woods to find his settlement in ruins; the buildings on fire and all of the settlers gone. He finds many of his friends and neighbors dead but other, including his mother and father, seem to have been taken prisoner. Using the skills he has honed in the woods, Samuel begins the desperate search to find them and save them from the British soldiers responsible for the attack. His journey takes him miles and miles from home, through dense woods and across enemy territory, and forces him to rely on the kindness of strangers. Through it all Samuel remains focused on one thing; saving his parents. Although this is a work of fiction, the author provides short descriptions throughout the book about the reality of the war for American independence. If you like action and adventure with your history you will enjoy this book.
Recommended for grades 4-7
Reviewed by Tara Olson



