(2) K-3 Illustrated by Edwin Fotheringham. As a political editorialist, the outspoken and opinionated immigrant Paine (1737–1809) wrote compellingly of the political situation in the American colonies, culminating with his magnum opus, Common Sense. Marsh's clear prose style and short, declarative sentences allow readers to follow events easily. Making the point that words matter, Fotheringham flings hand-lettered words, phrases, and written documents across the pages marking turning points in Paine's life. Timeline. Bib.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2018

(2) YA Marrin shows the evolution of Paine's opinions and the impact of his writing on both his contemporaries and on future generations. From Common Sense that united the American revolutionaries to The Age of Reason that opened up discussion of organized religion and Deism, careful contextualizing gives readers the opportunity to consider the philosophical beliefs that drove historical events. Reading list, websites. Ind.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2014

(3) YA Historical American Biographies series. These competently written biographies cover a wide range of subjects who lived between the American Revolution and World War II. The texts are supplemented by black-and-white photographs and reproductions, as well as information boxes that provide colorful background information or place events within historical context. The final pages of each volume discuss the legacy of each subject. Time lines are included. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) YA Though the design is bland and the writing is somewhat dry, this is a thorough biography, examining Paine's early life in England, his roles in the American and French Revolutions, and his rather pitiful final days in the United States. The last chapter looks at the influence of Paine's writings throughout history and into the age of cyber communication. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta