The Patriots and the Pox: George Washington's Battle to Save the Continental Army, by Beth Anderson, Ashley Yazdani (Illustrator)

 

Publication Sept. 29, 2026

I'm impressed.

As a history major/teacher, I was drawn to this book immediately. The American Revolution remains one of my serious interest topics, perhaps because I know I had ancestors involved. I was fully drawn into the story as soon as I opened the book. The illustrations fit perfectly and add greatly to the story. I did have some vague awareness of Washington's pox vaccination issue but no real idea of the logistics or even difficulty involved. This gave me a far better understanding of the depth of difficulty involved and the surrounding issues. I've always admired Washington's ability to stand firm not just in battle but on things that mattered to the fledgling Americans as a core about which to unite. This book helps us see the stress he was surely under as he tackled first the gigantic idea of inoculating his entire army despite conditions being less that ideal and the pressures of time and place. BTW, for anyone fearing this book might veer into politics and discuss the pros and cons of vaccinations, rest assured that doesn't happen. The author does an excellent job of sticking to the core event, the danger of losing an entire army to smallpox as an actual historical event. In other words, no politics.

The author's ability to focus on the actual event and its potential wide reaching impact helps remind us that these now legendary historical figures were human beings first. All too often the human side of history is lost in citing dates and events without the surrounding content and Anderson does an excellent job of bringing that context to the forefront. We get to see the true humanity of the man most now rarely pause to think about while counting their dollar bills. The caring, human side of a man who'd actually survived smallpox himself and knew what that diagnosis meant. Given his seeming awareness of precedent, it's surely a sign he knew his decision could impact history itself, making it all the weightier. As you read through the episodes of history inside, it becomes all the more fascinating as we ponder the humanity and stress that surely clung to Washington. We see the whole picture, not just an isolated snippet of facts. The illustrations contribute greatly to this, as noted, fitting the time period nicely, and are well worth taking the time to examine closely, too. Also, make sure you read the author's notes at the end and for more info, the list of resources provided.

Bottom line, this book would be an excellent addition to any teacher or library. It's well researched and presented in an easy to grasp manner. As noted, it approaches the deadly threat of smallpox as a human event, not just a side fact of the war. Kudos to the author for reminding us that one decision can make a huge difference, its impact leading to one thing after another. Thanks #AstraPublishingHouse for allowing me this early peek at a glimmer of time that has long intrigued me. Adults, as well as children, will find much to ponder here.  

A Founding Mother: A Novel of Abigail Adams, by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie

 

i

Publication May 5, 2026

Wow. What a champion of women Abigail Adams was. I'm delighted to say she's an ancestor. In fact, it was that tie that lead me to pick up this book originally. I'm so glad I did. I came away wishing I could have known her.

I won't go into detail as I'm seeing many other fine reviews elsewhere that relate more content, but will say it was a fascinating, well written read. The authors obviously did their research for this fictional historic novel and it shows. They also go into detail at the end about what is true, what was shifted in time, and what was their interpretation of events. Much of the dialogue is taken from Abigail's letters to husband John Adams, then serving in France for the wannabe America, and others. It was fun to get to see another side of the usually taciturn presentation of John, giving us a view of his human side. Same with John Quincy, who certainly had his share of adventures, too, with and without his father and family. The rest of the family, especially first daughter Nabby (nickname used throughout) and even some of her romantic ups and downs. She's something of a stoic but finds love but, whoa, wait to you see just how strong and stoic she could be. Of course, like many early American families, the Quincy/Adams family was pulled apart by the war. I'm sure you'll see the same common elements of that time that seem to be reappearing today so I won't say any more about that. The strong emphasis is on Abigail, of course, and it brings home the many sacrifices and hardships the women left behind by those struggling for freedom and then to make a new country from that freedom will keep history buffs reading as familiar name after name pops up. I did get a chuckle out of the confusion many seem to have had between John and Samuel, not to mention mail meant for one going to the other. 

The history buff in me admittedly was interested in it all although it was a war of independence years that really pulled me in. After opening with a quick look at Abigail and John's first meeting and eventual marriage, it seemed like we were suddenly thrust into war. What a shock it had to be to most to find their still new land caught up in conflict and rebellion. This book gives you the human side of it, too, including not just the shock of armed soldiers in the street and neighbor pitted against neighbor, but the sudden shock of British tea becoming scarce to Abigail's distaste for the newfound drink of coffee. Ah, how times change tho' I'm a tea drinker myself. Maybe I'll claim I inherited my taste buds from Abigail? Grin. 

In any case, if you have any interest in history, particularly the era leading up to and following the revolution, including John's term as president and beyond, you'll thoroughly enjoy this book. If your interest is more human directed, you'll also find much to ponder here, from family squabbles, hardship, slavery, tenant farmers, travel difficulties, loneliness, and more. Among the names that pop up are Benjamin Franklin, Lafayette, and Thomas Jefferson, I'll note, particularly as it segues into the post revolutionary years. My sincere thanks to #WilliamMorrow and #NetGalley for allowing me this early peek at a book I expect to buy for my own shelves upon release. I have to smile picturing what Abigail Adams would have to say about modern women's rights. 

When Paul Revere Rode: Voices from the First Night of the American Revolution, by Sarah L. Thomson, Nik Henderson (Illustrator)

 

This combines history, art, prose, and poetry into a strong tale of the first night of the American Revolution. Most of us are familiar with Paul Revere's famous ride but fuzzy on details, not to mention anyone else involved. This book goes a long way toward filling in some gaps. It's also nicely illustrated and helps you feel like you're there as Revere and others set about their assigned tasks. I liked the mostly dark, frequently rather ominous blues suggesting the night, reminding us that this task was accomplished in the scant span of one night. It also reminds us that there were others involved, from the man loaning a fast horse to Revere to the brave woman facing down Redcoats as her husband and she begin to melt down pewter utensils for bullets. 

Needless to say, as a former history major and teacher, I thoroughly enjoyed this creative combo of styles to tell a story we all sorta know but, well, not necessarily all that well. Each spread basically deals with on facet or brief moment of the evening, using text, and both prose and poetry to capture the moment and feelings. I liked that while the book obviously focuses on Revere, it doesn't ignore the male slave who helped get the word out or the largely nameless to us average citizens who rose to the moment in various ways. Each poem is focused on that source, sharing the person's observations and feelings as they were caught up in history. As the author notes early on, history isn't just a recitation of barely connected facts or events but it's the ordinary people, just like us, who rise to the challenge even when the odds seem against them. In other words, this is the human side of the story, not just that Revere jumped on a horse galloping about the countryside shouting that "The British are coming!" He didn't, btw. How foolish that would have been given speed and stealth were the objective, not to give himself away. 

Bottom line, as noted, I enjoyed this creative read and highly recommend it to not just history buffs but teachers and libraries everywhere. No matter your age, you're likely to enjoy the read. The maps at the beginning help visualize the setting as well as making it clear Revere wasn't in this alone. They also put the location of the Old North Church into perspective, something I don't recall having seen before but that's probably on me, not my teachers. There are brief bios of the individuals or groups highlighted, such as the fife players with information on the importance of their role in battle or maneuvers. It was interesting to learn that Revere lived to be 83 years old and left behind some 50 grandchildren! Finally, you'll find lists/links at the end guiding you to books, places, documents, and even films where you can learn more, as well as a select bibliography. Thanks #AstraPublishingHouse for allowing this history buff an early peek at the fascinating look at a pivotal moment in our nation's history. How inspiring to see common, everyday citizens rise to the occasion.