The End of the Ride and the Start of a War
Paul Revere’s ride ended at Lexington, where he was captured by British soldiers. (They let him go later.) Samual Prescott carried the word on to his hometown of Concord while the militia of Lexington gathered on the green at dawn of April 19, 1775, to face the British troops marching their way. The youngest member of that militia was the Johnathan Harrington, the piper.
Give us a song, Jon
they say
and I do
but how can I give them
a spray of notes
a wisp of melody
how can I give them somethings
none of us can hold?
When that dawn breaks
my tunes float out
into the chill gray air,
carrying the captains orders
to every soldier’s ear:
Gather here Stay together Stand fast
and I hope I’ve given them something
all of us can hold
The Night It All Began
Two hundred and fifty-one years ago today, a stable boy tore through the streets of Boston to bring a warning to Paul Revere. We don’t know the boy’s name or exactly what he said, but he was one of many who helped set a midnight ride into motion and set the stage for a brand-new country to arise.
When Paul Revere Rode tells the story of that night, and the very first poem in the book tells the story of that stable boy:
The patter of hooves
like the roll of a drum
like the thump of a heart
like a fist of the door
A good horse will run
like speed is his soul
and wind is an enemy
he can defeat
That’s how I run
through the alleys of Boston
cobble and brick
a track for my feet
to burst in the door
to be first with the news
for time is an enemy
speed can defeat:
The soldiers!
The Regulars!
They’re on the march!
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.”
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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