Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, August 1, 2006 (Vol. 74, No. 15))
When 13-year-old Nathaniel Dunn apprentices to a carriage maker in Williamsburg and is befriended by Basil, an elderly schoolmaster, he finds himself in the midst of the early excitement over conflicts with England. Calm and cautious Peyton Randolph is becoming known as the "Father of American Liberty," Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson are perhaps too radical and George Washington isn't as influential as he is destined to be. Readers who stick with this hefty volume will learn much history, though too much of the dialogue reads like history lessons, and the bibliography contains too few sources to guide young readers further. Still, it's a lively account of the times with a likable narrator and solid action. As Nathaniel gets involved in the war itself and wonders about fighting for freedom and independence in a land where so many are not free, readers will be prompted to ponder the contradictions of their nation's past. Elliott takes her readers seriously, and her author's note tells more about characters and ideas. (chronology, acknowledgments) 2006, Katherine Tegen/HarperCollins, 384p, $16.99. Category: Fiction. Ages 9 to 13. © 2006 Kirkus Reviews/VNU eMedia, Inc. All rights reserved.

Paula Rohrlick (KLIATT Review, September 2006 (Vol. 40, No. 5))
Nathaniel, age 13, has had a difficult life as an indentured servant in colonial Virginia, but his luck changes when he is taken under the wing of a kindly old schoolmaster named Basil and apprenticed to a carriage maker in Williamsburg. The year is 1775 and new concepts of liberty and equality are inciting the colonists to rebel against the British. Nathaniel learns all about the exciting new political ideas of the day from Basil and the swirl of events around him, though his experiences as an indentured servant and those of his friend Moses, a runaway slave, lead him to question whether liberty really applies to all. Nevertheless, Nathaniel and Basil end up joining the Virginia Second Regiment and proudly take part in the Battle of Great Bridge. With the presence of historical characters such as Thomas Jefferson and lyrics from patriotic songs of the day, Elliot (author of Annie, Between the States and Under a War-Torn Sky, among other YA novels) successfully evokes the spirit of the times. The tone is rather didactic, but fearful Nathaniel and kind-hearted Basil come alive as characters and help to flesh out this exciting time in US history, making this a solid piece of historical fiction as well as a useful supplement to coursework. A timeline is appended, and an author's note explains the historical backdrop to her story. Category: Hardcover Fiction. KLIATT Codes: J--Recommended for junior high school students. 2006, HarperCollins, 384p., $16.99 and $17.89. Ages 12 to 15.

Marilyn Egner (Kutztown Book Review, Fall 2007)
Nathaniel Dunn, a thirteen-year-old indentured servant in colonial Virginia, finds himself in the midst of the turmoil between the colonies and England. A mentoring schoolmaster opens Nathaniel’s eyes and mind to the changes the surround him; including protests, embargos, an impending war and the ideas of freedom versus slavery. A real turning point occurs when Nathaniel is confronted with having to fight against his closest friend in battle. A very engaging read that will hold your attention until the very end. An excellent book to add to any historical fiction section. The story seems to be accurate in detail and readers will feel like they are actually walking in the protagonist’s shoes, reliving the Revolutionary War scene. While reading this book, you will also acquire insight to some little known facts, surrounding the Revolutionary War era. Category: Historical Fiction. 2006, Harper Collins Publishers, $16.99. Ages 10 to 15.

Horn Book (The Horn Book Guide, Spring 2007)
Thirteen-year-old Nathaniel, an indentured servant, lives in Williamsburg with his master, Basil, who rescued him from an abusive relationship with another master. After Basil enlists in the Patriot army, Nathaniel (who is too young to fight) joins as a fifer. Nathaniel struggles with questions related to indentured servitude and slavery. History buffs will enjoy this fast-paced, well-researched historical novel. Timeline. Bib. Category: Older Fiction. 2006, HarperCollins/Tegen, 376pp, 16.99, 17.89. Ages 12 to 14. Rating: 3: Recommended, satisfactory in style, content, and/or illustration.

Delia Culberson (VOYA, December 2006 (Vol. 29, No. 5))
In May of 1774, thirteen-year-old indentured servant Nathaniel Dunn is in Williamsburg, Virginia, up for sale at auction along with other properties to help pay for his bankrupt master's debts. Nathaniel is chosen by a rough and cruel blacksmith who, even before the sale is finalized, mistreats the boy so abominably that a bystander is moved to rescue him by outbidding the blacksmith. Nathaniel's new master, Basil Wilkinson, is a kind and learned man of high principles. He becomes the boy's friend and mentor and later frees him from bondage. Nathaniel apprentices at the carriage-making shop of Basil's landlord and soon becomes aware of the political turmoil brewing in Williamsburg and Boston. When the Colonists take up arms, he and Basil join the Second Virginia Regiment, Nathaniel as a fifer and Basil as a private. One of the most rewarding aspects of this novel is to witness how Nathaniel, under Basil's caring tutelage, develops from a timid and insecure youngster into a self-assured young man of strong moral character and high ideals, willing to fight for the freedom of his adopted land. Elliott's vivid descriptions and in-depth research make it easy to envision revolutionary-era Williamsburg and the impassioned leaders who led the American colonies to choose "liberty or death." The many patriotic ballads and protest songs included add to the flavor of the times. This engaging but fairly long book has many twists and turns that will appeal to history buffs. Elliott is also the author of the absorbing book on the Civil War, Annie, Between the States (HarperCollins, 2004/VOYA February 2005). VOYA CODES: 4Q 2P J S (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses; For the YA with a special interest in the subject; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12). 2006, Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins, 384p., $16.99 and PLB $17.89. Ages 12 to 18.

Patti Sylvester Spencer (VOYA, October 2006 (Vol. 29, No. 4))
This reviewer's daughter struggled with social studies: She memorized pieces but failed to make sense of the whole. Parts floated independently, disconnected, dispassionately. Veteran historical fiction writer Elliott helps such students by weaving together an interesting story line and detailed research. Meet Nathaniel, a thirteen-year-old indentured servant in 1775 Virginia, who has a way with horses, underdeveloped musical abilities, and a battery of bruises to prove that he has had ill-tempered masters. He finds himself learning carriage making, becoming literate, and aiding a runaway slave in a colonial community engulfed in political turmoil. Surrounded by a teacher, fellow workers, and rebels, Nathaniel tries to make sense of the rhetoric, the meaning beyond the words of Patrick Henry, the Virginia governor, and newspaper reports. Along with Nathaniel, readers listen to mentor Basil explain demonstrations in Boston, mirror events in Virginia, political addresses, militia movements, and more. Frequently the story slows for lengthy but clear explanations. Sandwiched between sorting out pre-revolutionary players and their agendas is action, character development, and suspense. A historical time line is included. Whether struggling with illiteracy or "nightmares about the voyage over the Atlantic or the treatment at the plantation" Nathaniel shows readers personal, domestic, and communal challenges of life before freedom was won. Middle school students of history might understand more easily if they accompany Nathaniel on a transformational, albeit didactic, narrative journey. VOYA CODES: 3Q 2P M J (Readable without serious defects; For the YA with a special interest in the subject; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9). 2006, HarperCollins, 384p.; Biblio. Source Notes. Chronology., $16.99 and PLB $17.89. Ages 11 to 15.