Saving the Liberty Bell

by Marty Rhodes Figley, Kevin Lepp (Illustrator)

Overview

Eleven-year-old Johnny Mickley longed to be a hero and have some part in helping America gain its independence. The British Army was just miles away from colonial Philadelphia, planning to invade the city and melt down all of its famous bells for cannons. The colonists were worried, they had to save the bells, especially Old Independence, now called the Liberty Bell. They finally came up with a plan – and Johnny got to help! But would it be enough to keep the bells safe?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781575056968
Publisher:	Lerner Publishing Group
Publication date:	08/01/2004
Series:	On My Own History
Pages:	48
Product dimensions:	5.70(w) x 8.30(h) x 0.20(d)
Age Range:	8 - 9 Years

About the Author

Marty Rhodes Figley is the author of sixteen books, mostly about her favorite subject—remarkable people from our country's past. She earned her B.A. in American Studies from Mount Holyoke College. Marty, whose two children are grown, lives in Northern Virginia with her husband, Paul, and their Airedale terrier, Scarlett.

Editorial Reviews

Gr 2-4-Although classified as nonfiction, this is a work of fiction, featuring dialogue and speculative events. The dramatic narrative describes 11-year-old Johnny Mickley's wish to fight the British as he accompanies his father from their farm in Northhampton Town, PA, to sell goods in Philadelphia. On the return journey, he is thrilled to learn that Father has hidden "Old Independence," now called the Liberty Bell, in their wagon to thwart the British from seizing it and melting it down to make weapons. When they encounter British troops, Johnny takes the reins while his father feigns sleep and successfully convinces them that he is lost. Later, their wagon wheel breaks, and the bell is carried to its destination by a different farmer; in the end, Johnny's father shows him its hiding place. The afterword sorts fact from fiction and provides historical background. The easy-reader format will bring history alive for young readers, and the dramatic paintings, some full page, reflect the action and the characters' emotions.-Laura Scott, Farmington Community Library, MI Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

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