00011567

This surprisingly good graphic novel tells the autobiography of founding father Patrick Henry, and his ascent from rebellious youngster to public lawyer and on through his work in the Virginia state government. It includes parts of his famous speech ending in, “Give me liberty or give me death!” and his role in the creation of the Bill of Rights. He was portrayed as a loyal American orator who truly cared about his home state and his country.

Bright colors are used to convey the spirit and the passion of Patrick Henry. While there is little text, what is said, combined with the pictures, really is all that is needed to tell the story.

I didn’t expect to learn so much for a graphic novel. This is a great book for anyone studying or interested in American history, especially 14 year-olds who are studying the American Revolution. While it is a graphic novel, the story is told in an engaging way, even for adults. Personally, I got sucked into the story, and even got choked up a little at the passion for and pride in America that it showed Patrick Henry as having. ( )

A funny book of Patrick Henry? Yes. So we know it will have all the depth of funny book, which is very little. But funny books, or graphic novels as they are known as now, are not expected to be in depth. They are a diversion. And that is what this particular volume is, a diversion. So why not let history be the diversion? The reader will get a grasp of that period of time as well as Patrick Henry's part in it. If the reader wants to know more, the back of the book has list of books to look up. ( )