For a time period not lacking in resources, Bobrick manages to create one of the best for young readers, a volume that is attractive, informative, and accessible to history buffs and browsers alike. One- and two-page essays cover the major people, battles, documents, issues, and events of the time, doing for the American Revolution what James McPherson’s Fields of Fury (2002) did for the Civil War and Stephen Ambrose’s The Good Fight (2001) did for WWII, the two previous works in the series. Solid, clear writing, colorful maps, large reproductions of period oil paintings, political cartoons, and sidebars presenting “Quick Facts” yield a wealth of material. Especially handy is a list of ten of the best Web sites on the subject. One of the few resources to make the Revolution truly alive and interesting for young readers. A must for libraries and classrooms. (timeline, glossary, bibliography, index) (Nonfiction. 9+)
