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Drumbeats in Williamsburg by Isabelle Lawrence

Drumbeats in Williamsburg

By Isabelle Lawrence
Level 6
Review:

Children used to a diet of “junk food” books may not feel this book is as instantly entertaining as other books. However, those who are used to good and beautiful style books should really love this book—I did! This wholesome and exciting story is full of authentic historical details as it beautifully paints the story of fictional character young Andy Small. In the early Revolutionary War, Andy is sent to live in Williamsburg with relatives for his safety. But Williamsburg turns out to be anything but safe. Andy meets General Lafayette, carries an important message, cares for and hides a wounded British boy, and ends up taking a daring and unique role in the Siege of Yorktown. This is one of those books that really should not be out of print. The first half of the book is not as exciting as the second half, which really picks up. I adore the drawings at the beginning of each chapter.

(Reviewed by Jenny Phillips)

Region North America, United States
Period 18th Century, Late 1700s
Genre Historical Fiction
The Good and the Beautiful Library No
  • Hard to Find
  • Gentle Favorite
  • 3 Entertainment Value
  • 4 Moral Value
  • 5 Educational Value
  • 4 Literary Value
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Entertainment Value

All books on our list are chosen to be engaging, but books that rank high in entertainment value may be more appealing to reluctant readers and/or those who are new to good and beautiful books.

Moral Value

All books on The Good and the Beautiful Book List are deemed appropriate and wholesome, but some books have more emphasis on moral principles than others. A lower rating for moral value does not mean the book is inappropriate; it only means that moral values are not as highly emphasized.

Educational Value

Although all books on this list have educational value in the sense of increasing vocabulary and other important skills, the educational value scale is based on how well the book helps the reader gain knowledge about historical time periods, cultures, geography, science, etc.

Literary Value

Books that score high in literary value include exceptional writing, use of literary devices, and a rich vocabulary. All books on The Good and the Beautiful Book List are well-written, but some have a higher literary value than others.

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