From School Library Journal
Grade 2-5-Secord's heroism during the War of 1812 is detailed in this compelling picture book. American and British forces are fighting for control of Upper Canada (now Ontario), causing many hardships for the Secords, but through them all Laura displays strength and resourcefulness. While "[c]annons and muskets roared deafeningly all around" and the "smell of sulphur from the guns hung thick in the damp air," the woman hides her children in the root cellar and rescues her wounded husband from enemy fire. When American soldiers arrive at her house and order her to prepare them a meal, she is determined to find out their military strategies. Overhearing their plans for a surprise attack on the British at Beaver Dams, Laura immediately resolves to inform Lieutenant FitzGibbon. Her 19-mile journey is full of obstacles-rattlesnakes, mosquitoes, swamps, quicksand-but she doesn't stop until she relays her message. Crook's text is well researched and an author's note indicates that many quotations used in the book were found in historical archives. Lawrason's full-page illustrations realistically depict the chaos of the battlefields and the emotions of the characters. A good introduction to the War of 1812 and Canadian history.Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Laura Secord's Brave Walk FROM THE CRITICS
School Library Journal
Gr 2-5-Secord's heroism during the War of 1812 is detailed in this compelling picture book. American and British forces are fighting for control of Upper Canada (now Ontario), causing many hardships for the Secords, but through them all Laura displays strength and resourcefulness. While "[c]annons and muskets roared deafeningly all around" and the "smell of sulphur from the guns hung thick in the damp air," the woman hides her children in the root cellar and rescues her wounded husband from enemy fire. When American soldiers arrive at her house and order her to prepare them a meal, she is determined to find out their military strategies. Overhearing their plans for a surprise attack on the British at Beaver Dams, Laura immediately resolves to inform Lieutenant FitzGibbon. Her 19-mile journey is full of obstacles-rattlesnakes, mosquitoes, swamps, quicksand-but she doesn't stop until she relays her message. Crook's text is well researched and an author's note indicates that many quotations used in the book were found in historical archives. Lawrason's full-page illustrations realistically depict the chaos of the battlefields and the emotions of the characters. A good introduction to the War of 1812 and Canadian history.-Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.
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