When Paul Revere Rode

“The ghostly image of Paul Revere gallops across the cover of this intriguing title. Using voices from those who participated in Revere’s historic ride and the beginning of the American Revolution in one way or another, Thomson dramatically brings readers into the moment-by-moment drama of that fateful night. Henderson’s graphite and digitally colored illustrations capture the clandestine nighttime action as well as the fear and anticipation of people and animals on both sides of the impending conflict through gripping close-ups. The narrative style features a short introduction to the featured moment of the spread followed by a poem that effectively captures the sentiments; historical quotes further bring the event to life… Gripping art and effective text place readers in the middle of this dramatic night in ­American history. Recommended.”–School Library Journal

“Thomson and Henderson’s unique collaboration fractures a historical moment usually attributed to one person into a broader variety of sixteen characters. Henderson’s textured illustrations beautifully evoke the low light of the evening ride, while Thomson’s fast-moving verse captures the night’s excitement. Time-stamped and written in first person, each poem begins with a note of historical context, then ends with a quote from a real person. The mixture of imagined dialogue and real facts necessitates further context, but a helpful guide to each voice rounds out the experience. An innovative peek into the many small moments that led up to the American Revolution.”—Kirkus Reviews

“When Paul Revere Rode is a fresh, unique addition to the many books on the American Revolution that already populate public and school libraries. The cover is haunting, illustrated in shades of blue to depict the night. Paul Revere’s facial expression appears determined and brave. I immediately wanted to dive right in… The poetic prose makes this book an excellent read-aloud. Children will be enthralled by the illustrations and the language… This book is a truly beautiful combination of striking artwork and compelling text.”—Youth Services Book Review

“With a deep dive into historical records, Thomson offers a moment-by-moment account of events during the afternoon and night of April 18, 1775, with biographical notes on all the significant participants, direct quotes from some, and free-verse poems in several voices adding personal takes and commentary… The author closes with a lively summary of the ensuing battle, and the anxious figures in Henderson’s windswept, moonlit illustrations all have a ghostly look that further heightens the drama of the historic turning point.”—Booklist