Paul Revere Rides!
I’m happy to start 2026 off with two strong reviews for When Paul Revere Rode: Voices from the First Night of the American Revolution. Looking forward to seeing this book out in the world in April!
Kirkus Reviews says: “Thomson and Henderson’s unique collaboration fractures a historical moment usually attributed to one person into a broader variety of sixteen characters. Henderson’s textured illustrations beautifully evoke the low light of the evening ride, while Thomson’s fast-moving verse captures the night’s excitement….An innovative peek into the many small moments that led up to the American Revolution.”
And here’s School Library Journal: “The ghostly image of Paul Revere gallops across the cover of this intriguing title. Using voices from those who participated in Revere’s historic ride and the beginning of the American Revolution in one way or another, Thomson dramatically brings readers into the moment-by-moment drama of that fateful night…. As the evening progresses, readers are taken on a perilous journey from Boston to the impending ‘shot heard ‘round the world’ at Lexington and Concord. Along the way, readers will meet regular citizens, enslaved men, and notable names from American history….Gripping art and effective text place readers in the middle of this dramatic night in American history. Recommended.”
Read MoreDead Writers Podcast
Maine is something of a beacon for creative types–well known for our visual artists, of course, but also for writers. To learn more, tune into the Dead Writers Podcast and discover a wealth of information on Harriet Beecher Stowe, Edna St. Vincent Millay, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and others!
Read MoreClimb the Steeple of Old North Church
While I’m waiting to hear back from my editor on a collection of poems about Paul Revere’s ride, I thought I’d share this delightful resource I came across on during my research–a virtual tour of the steeple and bell tower of Old North Church. Follow the stairs and ladders up to the top and imagine yourself as Revere’s two friends (or maybe just one, the historical record is a bit on the skimpy side) toiling up the tallest point in Boston to light a pair of lanterns and let watchers in Charlestown know that the redcoats were leaving Boston over the Charles River…
Read MoreYou’re Right, Books Are Dangerous
Blue paper covers shelves of books that students are being denied access to.
This just breaks my heart.
In a classroom–a classroom–books are being kept away from students. Students want to read, to learn, to feed their curiosity, to enlarge their sense of the world, to simply have fun, and they’re being told NO. Are being told that’s not what school is for. Are being told that curiosity and openness of mind and heart must be controlled. Are being told that THEY must be controlled, that they and their teachers cannot be trusted to make choices about their own reading. About their own minds.
The people who made these laws are right about one thing–books are dangerous. They tell facts. They explain ideas. They make change. They are change.
And if that scares you–you might do something like this to children.
But it’s about your weakness and your fears, not about the books. And not about the students. The only thing on display here is the cowardice of lawmakers who don’t deserve the title, don’t deserve their jobs, and who are cowering in fear of chapter books.
Shame, shame, shame.
Read MoreSarah L. Thomson
A children’s book author publishing award-winning nonfiction, poetry, picture books and novels including…
“Thomson focuses on newfound connection, magic, and suspense to conjure a fast-paced, heartwarming mystery. Thomson’s world is populated by resourceful protagonists, fanciful creatures, and quirky supporting characters.”
—Publishers Weekly