If you think there is more to Paul Revere than Henry Wadsworth
Longfellow’s classic poem, then this eye-opening biography will
reinforce your opinion. We are introduced to young Paul, the child of a French immigrant, learn how he
spent his childhood, and follow him as he grows up through his
relatively brief education, apprenticeship to his father, short stint in
the military, and work as a silversmith. James Cross Giblin’s
captivating portrait presents Revere as a multi-faceted personality, a
family man as well as a major Revolutionary War player.
Portraits, paintings, maps, drawings, engravings, and photos of
objects and historic sites complement the very readable text. A
timeline, lists of books, Internet sites, and places to visit, and “The
Midnight Ride of Paul Revere” round out the biography. Giblin (a writer with a long list of awards to his credit) comments
that the poet’s purpose was not historical accuracy but the creation of
an American hero, and that he “more than achieved his goal.” The
author, in painting a realistic portrait of the real Paul Revere, has
done the same. 96 pages Ages 9-12
Recommended by Basya Karp, Librarian New York
