The American Revolution: The Road to War

Gr 6–8—Events are presented in a straightforward style that still manages to convey the author's enthusiasm for the subject. Readers are immersed in the time period; facts and figures abound. Details include battle-by-battle statistics (the number of soldiers deployed, casualties, etc.) for both the Patriots and the British. Military strategy is also discussed. Leaders and Weapons are the strongest titles. Leaders is a showcase of movers and shakers from both sides of the war, highlighting figures such as "Mad Anthony" Wayne, who while influential, receives little coverage in books for youth. Weapons covers a topic that is of great appeal to many readers. Period painting reproductions, maps, and clear photographs (many of modern-day re-enactors) make this series appealing. Given the abundance of facts, it's disappointing that sources are not cited.