(4) 4-6 Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales series. Nathan Hale, Revolutionary War hero, continues to distract his executioners in this fourth volume, which tackles WWI's complex events. As always, the graphic novel series' irreverent humor makes the complicated story more accessible. Here, "cute little animals" represent different countries, helping readers appreciate the entertaining history lesson (provided they're not put off by the small panel illustrations and tiny type). Reading list.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(2) 4-6 Revolutionary War hero Nathan Hale (no relation, though the author effectively milks the joke) stalls his execution (Spy) and narrates a Civil War naval battle (Ironclad). The accessible writing is entertaining; comic panels of varying sizes enhance the real-life events and support the over-the-top humor. Spy has an appended "mini-comic." Back matter includes brief biographies and (sort of) bibliographies. Timeline (Ironclad). Review covers these two Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales: Big Bad Ironclad! and One Dead Spy

Reviewer: Dorcas Hand | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2012

(2) 4-6 Revolutionary War hero Nathan Hale (no relation, though the author effectively milks the joke) stalls his execution (Spy) and narrates a Civil War naval battle (Ironclad). The accessible writing is entertaining; comic panels of varying sizes enhance the real-life events and support the over-the-top humor. Spy has an appended "mini-comic." Back matter includes brief biographies and (sort of) bibliographies. Timeline (Ironclad). Review covers these two Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales: Big Bad Ironclad! and One Dead Spy

Reviewer: Dorcas Hand | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2012

(4) 4-6 Revolutionary War hero Nathan Hale's story is told here from two perspectives: Hale's own and twelve-year-old Jonah's, Hale's (fictional) student. Hearing Hale's reported last words firsthand clinches Jonah's difficult decision to support the Patriot cause rather than his guardian's Loyalist views. Though at times characters feel distant, this is an interesting take on Hale's fate. An author's note is included.

Reviewer: Juliet S. King