 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Secret of Sarah Revere
- By Ann Rinaldi
- Genre: Historical Fiction
Common Sense Media says
Decent historical fiction for fans.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this portrait of revolutionary Boston, as seen by Paul Revere's sometimes recalcitrant 13-year-old daughter, has romance and intrigue.
What's the story?
Paul Revere gallops around the countryside on secret missions as his thirteen-year-old daughter, Sarah, tries to make sense of life and the American Revolution. Sarah adores family friend Dr. Joseph Warren but fears that he and her stepmother may be in love. Meanwhile, danger looms for all as the Revolution begins. Good historical fiction that Rinaldi fans will enjoy.
Is it any good?
The author's research and attention to details serve readers well, while the common struggles of adolescence strike familiar chords. Despite sometimes awkward writing, this is one of Ann Rinaldi's better efforts, and it keeps readers interested in the emotions of the character while stimulating interest in the historical period.
She gives abundant details of revolutionary Boston, describing Revere's difficulties getting out of Boston for other journeys to distant cities and discussing spying among patriots and loyalists. Readers see Revere as a kind and loving father and learn that he also practiced dentistry and printed money for the patriots. But Rinaldi portrays his mother and oldest daughter as rather nasty characters. In her afterword she notes that she really has no information about their personalities, but the strong impression of the two maligned women may linger in the minds of young readers.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about coming of age amid such dramatic events. How do the events of the Revolution influence the kind of woman Sarah is becoming?
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AGE
Not for Younger Children
I'm fourteen and read this book when I was 11. I love history, especially the Revolutionary War and thought it would be fun to read about PauL Revere's daughter. The WHOLE book is about an alleged affair between Dr. Warren and Paul Revere's wife Rachel. It is well written and Ann Rinaldi does include tons of real facts, but is not for children younger then thirteen.
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AGE
Read it!!!
This book was wonderful! Inside the class and out. It is perfect if your child enjoys diaries or Revolutionary War books. Ann Rinaldi is a great author!
READ IT!!!
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AGE
matters on your parenting...
I'm thirteen and just read this book. It was an OK book, but it did mention "women time" in that exact context, and also called someone a whore once. If you shelter your children from life, you might not want them to read about a whore. I was recommended this book by a friend in my same grade, 8, who is still twelve. I think it is appropriate for Jr High students and up. (12 and up)
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AGE
for
My daughter's school library suggested this book for a class reading project. As a parent, I'm disappointed with the choice. The dialogue between characters is difficult for a ten year old reader. The writing stye and subject is also boring.
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| Author: | Ann Rinaldi |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Historical Fiction |
| Publisher: | Harcourt Brace |
| Publication date: | November 1, 1995 |
| Number of pages: | 320 |
| Paperback price: | $6.95 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 12 - 14 |
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