(3) K-3 Illustrated by Wendell Minor. Young Boston resident Benjamin Russell witnesses many events leading up to the American Revolution, helping in Isaiah Thomas's print shop and living through the occupation of the city by British forces. There's more history than story here, although it is well told. Generous gouache and watercolor illustrations in a soft palette provide setting and additional background. Appended with author's and illustrator's notes.

Reviewer: Betty Carter

(2) YA In this adaptation of his adult best-seller, Philbrick demythologizes the Pilgrims and Indians story, offering remarkable insight and shaking up assumptions. The compelling narrative is divided into three sections, covering two generations of English-Indian relations and King Philip's War, which decimated New England's Native population. The text is supported by maps, diagrams, archival reproductions, and photographs of artifacts. Reading list, timeline. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2008

(1) YA Adapting his National Book Award-winner for a younger audience, Philbrick brings readers onboard for the tragic voyage of the Essex from Nantucket. In 1820, a sixty-ton sperm whale rammed and sank the ship, leaving the twenty-man crew stranded in the Pacific Ocean. After three months, eight men remained alive--barely. Maps and black-and-white photos and reproductions illustrate the gripping narrative. This is a real-life survival story of epic proportions. Ind.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2003