Disclosure: I received a free book through the tour; opinions shared are mine. Post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn commission.

History was never a favorite subject for me until I taught 6th grade social studies. That’s when I learned that the juiciest, most scandalous stories aren’t always in novel form!  Lately, the Revolutionary War theme gained popularity thanks to the acclaim of shows like the TURN series and Hamilton Broadway show.  It’s exciting to see Thomas Paine featured in his own starring role in the book Thomas Paine and the Dangerous Word.

This catchy title is sure to catch kids’ attention!  Initially, they might not consider “words” as dangerous. Elementary students will likely understand the idea that words can inspire, ignite, and enlighten.  Upper elementary and middle school students can relate to abstract concepts including revolution and unity, and should be able to trace those ideas back to the battle cry that started a movement.  Consider reading Thomas Paine and the Dangerous Word in these classroom situations!

• As a supplement to novel study of Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson
• Real-life connection to Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
• Preparation for a visit to historic Williamsburg, VA or Washington, DC
• Kid-friendly literature complement to the Hamilton soundtrack
• Example of the power of the written word for a writing class
• Meaningful example of “identity” when used with an IFL unit or similar thematic program

The book itself is excellent quality, as you’d expect from a Disney-Hyperion title.  The illustrations fully support the text while portraying details such as writing with a quill.  Additionally, the illustrations provide context for unfamiliar words like “corset.”  The story introduces Paine as a writer from childhood; kids will relate to Paine’s initial writing topics.  This is a book worth adding to your classroom library!

Title: THOMAS PAINE AND THE DANGEROUS WORD

Author: Sarah Jane Marsh

Pub. Date: May 29, 2018

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Formats: Hardcover, eBook

Pages: 80

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N, TBD

“The mind once enlightened cannot again become dark.”

As an English corset-maker’s son, Thomas Paine was expected to spend his life sewing women’s underwear. But as a teenager, Thomas dared to change his destiny, enduring years of struggle until a meeting with Benjamin Franklin brought Thomas to America in 1774-and into the American Revolution.

Within fourteen months, Thomas would unleash the persuasive power of the written word in Common Sense-a brash wake-up call that rallied the American people to declare independence against the mightiest empire in the world.

This fascinating and extensively researched biography, based on numerous primary sources, will immerse readers in Thomas Paine’s inspiring journey of courage, failure, and resilience that led a penniless immigrant to change the world with his words.

About Sarah:

Sarah Jane Marsh is a writer of children’s narrative nonfiction and author of THOMAS PAINE AND THE DANGEROUS WORD (Disney-Hyperion, May 2018) and MOST WANTED: JOHN HANCOCK AND SAMUEL ADAMS (Disney-Hyperion, 2020).

Sarah has taught American Revolution history in elementary and middle school. Like Thomas Paine, Sarah attempted several adventurous careers (zookeeping, dolphin training, firefighting), before earning an MBA from the University of Vermont where she studied organizational change.

Also like Paine, Sarah believes in lifelong learning and speaking out for social action.  She works with her community on youth suicide prevention, Adverse Childhood Experiences education, and meeting basic student needs.

Sarah lives with her family outside of Seattle. THOMAS PAINE AND THE DANGEROUS WORD is her first book.

Representation: Caryn Wiseman at Andrea Brown Literary Agency.

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