Author Sarah Jane Marsh and illustrator Edwin Fotheringham, who subsequently collaborated on Most Wanted: The Revolutionary Partnership of John Hancock & Samuel Adams, joined forces for the first time here, in this excellent picture-book biography of English-American author and philosopher, Thomas Paine. Born the son of a poor English corset-maker, Paine's world was transformed by his early schooling, and throughout the ups and downs of his career - some years as a corset-maker himself, a brief stint in the British navy, working as an excise man (tax collector) for the government, running a store - and his personal life - marriage, widowhood, marriage again, and then divorce - his love of letters, and of debate, would remain a constant. Invited to America by Benjamin Franklin in 1774, Paine settled in Philadelphia, where he became a newspaper editor, eventually going on to write the highly influential (and bestselling) pamphlet, Common Sense, which did so much to promote the idea of full independence amongst the rebelling American colonies...

Much like their book about Hancock and Adams, Marsh and Fotheringham's Thomas Paine and the Dangerous Word is an outstanding work of history for younger primary school children. It chronicles the life of an influential and inspiring man, one whose writings were central to promoting American independence - the eponymous "dangerous word" - and who was the first best-selling, celebrity author in the Americas. The story is engaging and well-told, and the back matter - notes about Paine's pamphlet, The American Crisis, Thomas Paine's life after the Revolution and his legacy; a detailed historical and personal timeline; a bibliography and list of recommended websites; and source notes for the many quotations used in the text - adds additional information. I particularly like that Marsh incorporates so many quotations from primary sources into her narrative (something she also did in her subsequent book), as this subtly emphasizes to the young reader that history is a curated collection of information, rather than a complete story. The accompanying illustrations from Fortheringham are likewise appealing, ably capturing the excitement of the story. Highly recommended to young history enthusiasts, particularly those with an interest in the American Revolution. ( )

THOMAS PAINE AND THE DANGEROUS WORD by Sarah Jane Marsh is an engaging picture book biography.

This fast-paced story traces Thomas Paine’s experiences growing up and exploring various careers. After meeting Benjamin Franklin and traveling to America, Paine takes a job editing a new magazine and finds success writing and debating important issues. The story describes his work publishing Common Sense and its impact on everyday people. The picture book concludes with information about his life and legacy after 1776, a timeline, bibliography, and quotations used in the book.

Librarians will find this book to be an easy and effective way to introduce the American Revolution and Thomas Paine to elementary students. Use this title to talk about primary sources. Pair it with other books about American founders.

Published by Disney-Hyperion on May 29, 2018. ARC courtesy of the publisher. ( )