They Made a Revolution

The founding fathers and mothers of the United States were not, as history often makes them out to be, stuffy cardboard figures of virtue and nobility. They Made a Revolution introduces them as the real people they were—complete with their inevitable flaws and weaknesses. Through their letters, diaries, and reminiscences, discover what was going on in the minds of this country’s revolutionary leaders as they committed treason against the most powerful nation on earth, risking their lives for the sake of freedom. Meet “The Sly Fox,” Sam Adams; “The Rich Rebel,” John Hancock; “The Silver-Tongued Bumpkin,” Patrick Henry; and the very brave Abigail Adams and full-of-secrets Martha Washington. Each of these characters comes alive in this fabulous collection of historical biographies.

These are the stories of the courageous men and women who stood up to the British king and made a revolution happen. To England, they were traitors. To the United States, they became patriots.

Jules Archer was one of the most respected names in nonfiction for young people. During his lifetime he published more than seventy books, which have been translated into twelve languages throughout the world. He lived in Scotts Valley, California, until his death in 2008.

Kathleen Krull left her career as an editor in 1984 to turn to writing, most recently the Women Who Broke the Rules series. Her more than sixty books have garnered starred reviews and awards, and the Children's Book Guild of Washington, DC, honored her with its Nonfiction Award for her body of work that "has contributed significantly to the quality of nonfiction for children." She lives in San Diego, California.

"Sure to be one of many comparable retrospectives...and one of the more appealing."
—Kirkus Reviews