For kids especially interested in reading graphic novels, this book is a great way to introduce some history into their brain - and hopefully get them interested in learning even more! ( )

Nathan Hale (the patriot) is standing at the gallows awaiting his execution, and recalls his part in the Revolutionary War as well as many others. A colorful graphic novel, which may be an effective way of teaching history to those that would otherwise not be interested.

P.S. The hangman seemed awfully simple to me. I hope this is not a trope used by author Nathan Hale in future books. ( )

Oh gosh wow. This was a lot more hilarious and educational that I gave it credit for initially going into it. There was a lot of humor and a clever use of Nathan Hale as a storyteller and guide through the Revolutionary War, and his unlikely companions to it are perfect foils and great ways to expound upon select historical elements that may fluster younger children reading. I loved it, absolutely, and I need the next volume of this series right away.

Plus, exploding cows! How can you resist? ( )

Great graphic novel to read if you love history or no very little of it. Could be a great resource in the classroom. It had some comic relief throughout all of the fighting and discussion of war. ( )

Recommended Ages: Gr. 4-8

Plot Summary: Nathan Hale studied at Yale to become a teacher. When the revolutionary movement started, he was eager to join and see battles. Somehow, he was unlucky and kept missing them. Right before a big battle in New York, he was asked to be a spy. He watched the battle take place below his hiding spot on the hill. The information he provided about the enemy was so helpful he was asked to be a superspy and sneak into enemy territory. Told through a series of flashbacks, Nathan Hale tells his story and the story of the Revolutionary War.

Setting: 1776

Characters:
there's a description of each main character starting on page 115
Nathan Hale - real spy from history, really received the death penalty
Hangman - the comic relief, the man who was supposed to kill Nathan Hale but got hooked into his storytelling instead
British Officer - brought the hanging orders, grouchy, stubborn

Recurring Themes: war, revolutionary war, battles, teacher, death penalty

Controversial Issues:
pg 39 hell damn

Personal Thoughts: I usually fall asleep when I'm learning about history, but this book kept me awake and interested almost every time I picked it up. I liked the humor in it and it gave me a decent amount of background information related to the revolutionary war, but it helped to already have some knowledge. It was completely different characters and stories from the Alexander Hamilton musical, which was good to broaden my knowledge. This book didn't inspire me to learn more about the time period or share "did you know" facts with others, however the humor was engaging and the flashbacks were short and succinct.

Genre: historical fiction, graphic novel

Pacing: medium - lots of action but doesn't follow one main character or story and instead jumps to various people and various battles
Characters: three main characters have clear roles in their storytelling that make the book more engaging
Frame:
Storyline:

Activity: ( )