Jim Murphy

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Published by: Clarion Books
Release Date: January 1, 1996
Pages: 112
ISBN13: ‎ 978-0395605233

 
Overview

The story of the American Revolution as experienced by Joseph Plumb Martin, a Connecticut farm boy who enlisted in the army in 1776. Only fifteen when he enlisted, Martin spent the rest of his teen and young adult years marching, working, fighting, foraging and starving while sleeping under the likes of Washington and Lafayette.

A Young Patriot skillfully weaves together excerpts from Martin’s wartime account with the author’s explanatory text to create a fascinating and factual history of the American Revolution. Through the mix of Martin’s observations and experiences, the historical context that Murphy provides, and maps and archival prints, the book vividly reveals the grit and drama of war — and a teenager who was eyewitness to a Revolution.

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Praise and Awards

A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year

“This work offers a view of the Revolutionary War missing from most books — the best of both the drama and the grind, appeasing readers’ fascination with war without romanticizing it.”
—Kirkus Reviews (starred)

“The author’s compelling writing intertwines major events of the American Revolution with Martin’s own story, rendering historical events and military strategy readily comprehensible. An outstanding example of history brought to life through the experience of one individual.
—School Library Journal (starred)

“Gives a feeling of immediacy, heightened by the many details of life in the army. Excellent.”
—Booklist (starred)