Sarah Jane Marsh

Author Sarah Jane Marsh and illustrator Edwin Fotheringham, who subsequently collaborated on Most Wanted: The Revolutionary Partnership of John Hancock & Samuel Adams, joined forces for the first time here, in this excellent picture-book biography of English-American author and philosopher, Thomas Paine. Born the son of a poor English corset-maker, Paine's world was transformed by his early schooling, and throughout the ups and downs of his career - some years as a corset-maker himself, a show more brief stint in the British navy, working as an excise man (tax collector) for the government, running a store - and his personal life - marriage, widowhood, marriage again, and then divorce - his love of letters, and of debate, would remain a constant. Invited to America by Benjamin Franklin in 1774, Paine settled in Philadelphia, where he became a newspaper editor, eventually going on to write the highly influential (and bestselling) pamphlet, Common Sense, which did so much to promote the idea of full independence amongst the rebelling American colonies...

Much like their book about Hancock and Adams, Marsh and Fotheringham's Thomas Paine and the Dangerous Word is an outstanding work of history for younger primary school children. It chronicles the life of an influential and inspiring man, one whose writings were central to promoting American independence - the eponymous "dangerous word" - and who was the first best-selling, celebrity author in the Americas. The story is engaging and well-told, and the back matter - notes about Paine's pamphlet, The American Crisis, Thomas Paine's life after the Revolution and his legacy; a detailed historical and personal timeline; a bibliography and list of recommended websites; and source notes for the many quotations used in the text - adds additional information. I particularly like that Marsh incorporates so many quotations from primary sources into her narrative (something she also did in her subsequent book), as this subtly emphasizes to the young reader that history is a curated collection of information, rather than a complete story. The accompanying illustrations from Fortheringham are likewise appealing, ably capturing the excitement of the story. Highly recommended to young history enthusiasts, particularly those with an interest in the American Revolution. show less

Author/illustrator team Sarah Jane Marsh and Edwin Fotheringham, who previously collaborated on Thomas Paine and the Dangerous Word, return to the world of picture-book biography with this excellent title devoted to Founding Fathers John Hancock and Samuel Adams. Although very different in some ways - Adams was older, less prosperous, and far less fashionable; Hancock was fabulously wealthy, and somewhat vain - the two Bostonians became the focal point of colonial rebellion in Massachusetts, show more both before and during the American Revolution. Leadings meetings and marches, giving speeches and writing editorials, they stirred public sentiment up and kept it focused upon the wrongs committed by Britain against the colonists. Both were members of the Continental Congress, and when the war broke out, both were exempted from General Gage's offer of reconciliation. Through their outspoken activism, they had become the most wanted men in America...

With one exception (more on this anon), I found Most Wanted: The Revolutionary Partnership of John Hancock & Samuel Adams to be an absolutely outstanding work of history for younger primary school children. It addresses a pivotal moment in American history in an engaging, informative, and amusing way, focusing on two extraordinary individuals, their very different personalities, and the common cause that united them. The main narrative is rather conversational, with more details given at the rear, in the detailed timeline, and in the list of source notes for the many quotations used throughout. The accompanying artwork - I'm not sure of the medium - is lovely, and quite expressive, both in its depiction of the two main characters, and of the other people around them. I got a good chuckle out of the scene in which Hancock declares he will not be a slave to Britain, as the artwork shows his African-American servant (possibly slave) quirking an eyebrow at the reader, as if to emphasize the irony of this statement. My only note of caution with this one (the aforementioned exception) would be the author's note, which is something of a mixed bag. On the one hand, I appreciated the fact that Marsh invited her readers to think critically about the historical narratives presented to them, including her own. I also appreciated that she mentioned some of the less admirable aspects of this period in American history, including the existence of slavery, the conflicts with Native American peoples, and the exclusion of women from political rights and involvement. On the other hand, I was rather wary of the "mea culpa" tone of Marsh's note, in which she criticizes herself for using a "faulty lens," and for having "blind spots," as it seems to partake of that inward-looking, purity-seeking fervor one sees so much of these days, in current progressive discourse. There's really no need to center oneself, in such a way. Rather, acknowledge that all historical narratives are partial, and that they have a particular viewpoint, and make sure to encourage young readers to seek out other narratives and other viewpoints. One needn't apologize for not telling the "whole story," because no one story is the whole story.

Despite this criticism - and it is largely one of tone, rather than content, as I wholeheartedly agree with the idea of reading critically - I have chosen not to subtract a half star from my rating, as I would normally do in such a circumstance. Recommended to young history and biography lovers, and to anyone seeking children's books on the American Revolution and the Founding Fathers. It could be paired with something like Selene Castrovilla's Revolutionary Friends: General George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette, which chronicles another Revolutionary era friendship between notable figures. show less

THOMAS PAINE AND THE DANGEROUS WORD by Sarah Jane Marsh is an engaging picture book biography.

This fast-paced story traces Thomas Paine’s experiences growing up and exploring various careers. After meeting Benjamin Franklin and traveling to America, Paine takes a job editing a new magazine and finds success writing and debating important issues. The story describes his work publishing Common Sense and its impact on everyday people. The picture book concludes with information about his life show more and legacy after 1776, a timeline, bibliography, and quotations used in the book.

Librarians will find this book to be an easy and effective way to introduce the American Revolution and Thomas Paine to elementary students. Use this title to talk about primary sources. Pair it with other books about American founders.

Published by Disney-Hyperion on May 29, 2018. ARC courtesy of the publisher. show less

A thorough and engaging dual biography of two pivotal figures in the American Revolution.