The Portsmouth Alarm

December 1774

Young Adult - General
161 Pages
Reviewed on 06/21/2014
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    Book Review

Reviewed by James Huber for Readers' Favorite

The Portsmouth Alarm: December 1774 by Terri A. DeMitchell is a fictional story based on the actual events leading up to the Revolutionary War. The story is told through the experiences of several young men like Andrew Beckett, who dreams of being a doctor, and Jack Cochran who wants to follow in his father’s footsteps as militia captain. But everything changes the day Paul Revere rides into town. As the region prepares for war, now-famous events are viewed through the eyes of different characters, presenting a unique and personal view of a critical time for America.

This was a very engaging story. I was immediately drawn in and needed to know what was going to happen next. The characters were well defined and their relationships were tried and tested. Although this could have been all action or all character, it was a great combination of both. The descriptions were very well done, making me feel as if I was watching a movie, or even transported to that incredible time in our history. The descriptions of the river in winter gave me chills, as if I was standing on the banks. It was so detailed that I was able to visualize the men getting in and out of the boats and I was able to feel the action of the attack on the fort. The author was able to convey war without graphic violence, sex or profanity. This is a marvelous book for educators, students, or just anyone who wants a great story and a better understanding of a pivotal time in American history.