Bushnell's Submarine: The Best Kept Secret of the American Revolution

What a great way to link 5th grade history to today! The American Revolution is very much a part of the 5th Grade Social Studies curriculum. What a wonderful way to open that subject using this as a class read aloud. The book itself is made to look antique and worn and stained and with the subtitle "the best-kept secret of the American Revolution" it will attract an audience. Famous names of the times are found throughout the book along with drawings, diagrams, maps, documents and portraits. Unfortunately there are no source notes or a bibliography included--but I think it is interesting and brings to life the study of history. While I would have liked to see those notes--I am willing to overlook it if this book will make history come alive for our students.
In addition, there is enough intrigue and suspense to get mystery lovers and boys reading!
Inventors and inventions also tie in to reading centers for the 5th grade.

SLJ gives it a grades 5-9 reading level which is where I feel it belongs. Other reviews put it in the Grades 7-10 range.

M. Bonomo

John, Paul, George & Ben, by Lane Smith

John Hancock, Paul Revere, George Washington, Ben Franklin, and Tom Jefferson are introduced as school lads: John writes his name too big, Paul is very loud, George is honest, Ben is very clever, and Tom is independent. Most behaviors are not appreciated by their teachers or class mates. "Say you want a revolution," well these are the lads to do it! The American Revolution, of course. From the endpapers, title page, and throughout till the CIP there are small humorous details referencing American history. The illustrations are done on textured paper and handmade parchment; the font is Early American, and photographs include classic portraits of the "lads". Throughout this very tongue-in-cheek and humorous portrayal is great attention to detail and facts with a page following the text, "Wherein we set the record straight with ye olde True or False section."

Grades 4-8