Where Was Patrick Henry on the 29th of May?
By Tanya Smith,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Fast-paced account of major American statesmen.
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What you will—and won't—find in this book.
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What's the Story?
Give me liberty, or give me death! Patrick Henry was a consummate communicator who knew how to stir a crowd by "sending" his voice. This fast-paced account of one of America's most influential statesmen retraces Henry's happy Virginia childhood and his career in American politics. A quick read, with lots of illustrations, both color and black and white.
Is It Any Good?
Youngsters will enjoy this quirky book's early passages, with ample description of kid's stuff: swimming holes, walks in the woods, fishing. The second half outlines Henry's adult life, which parallels one of the most significant eras in American history. The background information in the author's note could have been easily absorbed into the text; doing so would have made some passages more interesting. While the drawings are simple, the most interesting illustrations show off Henry's many personalities: the lazy youth reclining on a sack of salt; the inspired, wildly gesturing orator.
May 29, Patrick Henry's birthday, was occasionally an eventful date in his life of Patrick Henry -- he was elected Virginia's governor.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Henry's life. Do you see any signs in his youth that he would become such an important figure? What in his young life prepared him for his future accomplishments?
Book Details
- Author: Jean Fritz
- Illustrator: Margot Tomes
- Genre: Biography
- Book type: Non-Fiction
- Publisher: Penguin Group
- Publication date: January 1, 1975
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 9 - 12
- Number of pages: 48
- Last updated: August 16, 2020
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