Early Thunder (by Jean Fritz)

As in other Jean Fritz books, the historical details in EARLY THUNDER are authentic, and overall the book is absorbing and dramatic. Unlike most of Fritz's books, however, it does not rely on humor to convey its message, and its tone is generally serious. The title refers to the specter of war looming over the colonies in 1775: Daniel must decide whether he's a Tory, like his father, or a Whig, like his peers.

Embedded in this solid history lesson is a poignant and timeless coming-of-age story. Like many children today, Daniel is a small boy with big burdens. Daniel takes a significant step toward adulthood in the book's climax, in which he fights heroically to save the town's boat, engaging in hand-to-hand combat with a British soldier.