For thirteen-year-old Nathaniel, an indentured servant in colonial Virginia, life is hard. Though things improve with the help of a kind master named Basil-who shares music, books, and philosophies on equality-around him the climate is heating up. It's 1775 and colonists are enraged by England's taxation. Patrick Henry's words "give me liberty, or give me death" become the sounding call and the American Revolution is about to errupt. Nathaniel and Basil must make a choice about joining the fight and face a larger conundrum about the true meaning of liberty. L. M. Elliott crafts a stirring narrative for middle grade readers-conveying the hopes and dilemmas of this crucial era in American history. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.

Gr 5-8 Thirteen-year-old indentured servant Nathaniel Dunn arrives in Williamsburg in 1774 to work for the local carriage maker. As the royal governor and the kingâÇÖs loyalists attempt to control the colonists more tightly, it becomes apparent that there will be no peaceful resolution to the tension. Through his friendship with an elderly schoolmaster, Nathaniel is exposed to music, philosophy, and the political ideas of the day. While his inclination is to keep to himself and avoid trouble, he cannot help but be caught up in the events around him. One of his fellow servants is full of patriotic fervor and draws Nathaniel into the protests. The carriage maker, a staunch loyalist, becomes increasingly volatile as his business dwindles in the face of rising tension. In the end, Nathaniel must determine what he believes in and act accordingly. ElliottâÇÖs engaging and highly readable novel is well researched and sprinkled liberally with renowned patriots of the period. Readers come away not only with an accurate glimpse into 18th-century life, but also with a better understanding of how the colonies cooperated. Particularly noteworthy is the way in which Elliott handles the paradox of colonial Americans fighting for their independence from England yet clinging to the practice of enslaving other human beings. She does not provide pat answers, and NathanielâÇÖs inability to reconcile what he sees around him promises to provoke thoughtful discussion. A rich and robust piece of historical literature. Kim Dare, Fairfax County Public Schools, VA Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. From: Reed Elsevier Inc. Copyright Reed Business Information

Thirteen-year-old Nathaniel is an indentured servant in Williamsburg, Virginia, in 1774. Deserted by his father after his mother's death, he is relieved when Basil, a music teacher, takes him under his wing, but when he steals from Basil to help an escaped slave and then lies about the theft, he loses his protector's trust. The moral ambiguity of Nathaniel's actions reflects the shifting loyalties around him, as many colonists speak up against the Crown's injustices, argue about divided allegiances and civil disobedience, and, finally, rise up in armed rebellion. The final scenes take place at the Battle of Great Bridge, where Nathaniel encounters people from his past as well as the British army. Elliott packs a great deal of historical detail into a novel already filled with action, well-drawn characters, and a sympathetic understanding of many points of view. A detailed time line and a lengthy bibliography conclude a solid historical novel that portrays the period and the characters with equal care. Carolyn Phelan. From: Syndetics Solutions, Inc. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.