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
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 MoreStoryGraph
Do you need a suggestion for your next read? Personally, I’ll often suggest something by Terry Prachett, Hilary McKay, or Megan Whalen Turner (or if I’m feeling old school and in the mood for a classic mystery, Dorothy Sayers or Josephine Tey.) But if you need another idea….try this.
Read MoreVacation
Just back from a lovely (although very, very warm) vacation on St. John in the Virgin Islands. (I thought they must be named after Queen Elizabeth I, but no, they are actually named after St. Ursula and her eleven thousand virgins, in case you were wondering, as I was.) Trying to get my head back into the writing game…more next week!
Sarah 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