ALA Booklist (Wed Nov 01 00:00:00 CST 1995)

When a man comes to interview her father, Paul Revere, Sarah recalls the eventful past two years. Historically significant goings-on, such as the Boston Tea Party and her father's famous rides, intertwine with the personal, including Sarah's wondering whether her father's new wife is betraying him with another patriot. Sarah's growth into womanhood complicates matters even further. Rinaldi's depiction of daily life in Boston rings true (readers may think twice before drinking tea), and, for the most part, her dialogue remains free of anachronistic expressions. Her technique of framing the story within Sarah's recollections creates some initial confusion, but the swift pace and credible characters combined with impeccable research make the novel an involving and informative venture into history. (Reviewed November 15, 1995)

Horn Book (Sat Apr 01 00:00:00 CST 1995)

Paul Revere's thirteen-year-old daughter narrates this novel that focuses on events closely preceding the famous ride. Sarah knows but conceals many secrets--who fired the first shot at Lexington, the nature of the relationship between her stepmother and the handsome Dr. Warren, whether or not General Gage's wife was a secret informant of the patriots. Sarah must decide what is more important to her--the truth or what people think. Bib.

Kirkus Reviews

On the eve of the American Revolution, as war approaches, Sarah Revere's father, Paul, is often away from home as he rides from town to town warning the militias about British troop movements and deployment in the region. Close family friend Dr. Joseph Warren watches over the large Revere household, but Sarah suspects that his interest in her attractive stepmother, Rachel, is more than friendly. She confronts him, but Dr. Warren is so hurt and angered by Sarah's suspicions that a rift is created. When the doctor goes into battle Sarah realizes that she may have misjudged him and cries out for forgiveness, never certain that he granted it. After determining that her actions were just a cover for her own unseemly feelings for him, Sarah is devastated by what she has done, and even more devastated by news of the doctor's death in battle. As usual, Rinaldi (Finishing Becca, 1994, etc.) has done her homework; the book is solidly researched and extremely well written. Readers will not soon forget these characters, whose actions and passions illuminate and enliven a historical era about which they may have heard much, but understood little. Vivid in the best sense of the word. (Fiction. 12+)"

School Library Journal

Gr 7-10--Once again Rinaldi has given readers a young woman's perceptions of what has too often been the all-male story of American history and politics. Paul Revere comes to life through the eyes and voice of Sarah, his 13-year-old daughter. Through the girl's observations, her father emerges as a family man, a caring friend, and a loyal patriot. Dr. Joseph Warren, an often forgotten hero of the Revolution, is warmly portrayed, as is Rachel, Revere's second wife. As Sarah comes of age against the strife of the times, she weaves critical events of American history into the everyday details of her family's life, making the characters convincing as real people. She is interested in clothing, food, and her older sister's romantic liaison, and has her own reverential crush on the handsome Dr. Warren. Because her father's activities take their toll on the family, she is also keenly aware of political and military events and secrets. Her analyses of them are painful but beautifully crafted, giving readers a sense of and a sensitivity to this period of history. The brief bibliography offers evidence of Rinaldi's scholarship, and her note discusses the process whereby she validates available historical facts but goes beyond them to interpret and draw her own conclusions in composing historical fiction.--Kay E. Vandergrift, School of Communication, Information and Library Studies, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ