Patriots in Tennis Shoes
A stubborn hat. A toy redcoat. An 8th-grade report that marches half the class into 1776 — history has never been this embarrassing!
When Daniel’s family moves to Millford, a town that isn’t on any map, he’s ready for weird. But not “British soldiers marching out of thin air” weird.
A hilarious, fast-paced adventure with big laughs, bigger surprises, and a hero who proves you don’t need a musket to stand up for truth. Just courage. And okay—tennis shoes help.
Packed with action, mystery, and surprising heart—this wholesome book also contains bonus material including Fun Facts About George and Martha Washington, a timeline of Washington’s life, and the full text of the original Declaration of Independence. A kid-friendly choice for America’s 250th Anniversary Celebration.
“Well written… a book that kids will enjoy returning to again and again.” – Mary L.
REVIEWS
Fourteen year old Daniel J. Boone is not looking forward to his family’s upcoming move to the small town of Millford. Not only is the town far from his friends, but it cannot even be located on a map. After months of attempting to fit into his new surroundings, a mysterious package arrives for Daniel that is filled with toys representing the American Revolutionary War. When Daniel dons a hat from the box and it will not come off, he and his new friends find themselves in an adventure through time to help find a place for Millford in the post-revolutionary United States.
Fans of the I Survived series will love this exciting approach to the American Revolutionary War. While the protagonists come from the present day, they interact with real historical figures in a true historical context. Facts and events from the American Revolution are woven smoothly into the text, and readers of all ages will come away with a better understanding of this period in history than they had before reading the book.
Recognizable middle grade experiences like first loves, family dynamics, and bullying are also included in the text, which give the story a very approachable quality despite its more fantastic elements. At the end of the book, readers will find extensive supplementary material, including a brief timeline of George Washington’s life, a list of clever facts, and the Declaration of Independence.
Though relatively short, this book includes all the necessary elements of a complete novel, and it is well-written, as well. Middle grade readers with an interest in history and excitement will appreciate the fast-paced nature of this story. This is an entertaining addition to library collections for young readers.
I received a copy of this book from the author and I chose to leave this review.