At a time when Democracy is under attack, the riveting new novel, Sparks of the Revolution, is a vibrant reminder of where our Democracy was born and the people and principles that brought it to life. A small group of patriots, first sparked by a lawsuit James Otis brought and then argued, led Boston and, ultimately, the 13 colonies to move from resistance to revolution. Otis argued against allowing arrogant customs officials to enter, without warning, into Boston's homes and businesses, supposedly in search of smuggled goods. He popularized the phrase "a man's house is his castle."Sparks of the Revolution brings to life the people and events that ultimately led to a painful and bloody separation from Great Britain. England's thirst for revenue led to attempts to tax Americans without allowing any voice or representation of those being taxed. The brave citizens of Boston said "NO" to the most powerful country on earth. "Sparks of the Revolution made me feel like I was right there in pre-Revolutionary Boston, both emotionally and intellectually. This book brings that town to life in the period from 1760 to 1775. The author animates leaders like Samuel Adams, John Hancock, James Otis, Mercy Otis Warren, and Crispus Attucks. They and their allies brought forth a new epoch in history. Todd Otis describes the key events like the Boston Tea Party, and the personalities that shaped them, in an engrossing way. The book is readable, informative, and insightful. As our nation approaches the sestercentennial in 2026, Sparks of the Revolution gives us a chance to reflect on the foundation of our Democracy. What an opportunity to see our common roots and move us toward a more unified America! This is a must-read book for patriots of today, whether liberal or conservative." - Tom Ridge, former Governor of Pennsylvania and Secretary of Homeland Security "Sparks of the Revolution does a terrific job bringing to life the key leaders in Boston who led America into the Revolutionary War. The historic scenes and larger-than-life figures that Todd Otis describes are vivid and engaging. Most importantly, the book reminds us that the ideals such as truth, justice, and freedom that were the bedrock of our fight for independence are still relevant today as we work to preserve and protect our democracy." - Amy Klobuchar, US Senator, Minnesota "Sparks of the Revolution is a riveting historical novel that offers engaging portraits of key leaders like Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and James Otis, as well as other American and British leaders in pre-Revolutionary Boston. Reading the scenes Todd Otis wrote made me feel like I was there. His description of the planning and execution of the Boston Tea Party was superb. As a history buff, I enthusiastically recommend this book!"- Dr. Arthur Rolnick, Retired Director of Research, 9th Federal Reserve District "As the descendant of seven soldiers who fought in the Revolutionary War, I thoroughly enjoyed every page of Sparks of the Revolution. I had heard of James Otis and Mercy Otis Warren before, but somehow I did not know very much about them. Todd Otis has brought these historical people to life as fully-developed characters in this novel. We see their motivations, passions, fears, and shortcomings here, making them real people to us. Most importantly, we come to understand the integral role they played in the events leading up to the American Revolution, and we see how closely connected they were to other patriots like James Hancock and Samuel Adams. The inclusion of Crispus Attucks, the first martyr of the Revolution and an African American at that, into the story highlights the book's relevance to today, showing how we must continue to protect the freedom our ancestors achieved." - Tyler R. Tichelaar, award-winning author of When Teddy Came to Town and Kawbawgam: The Chief, The Legend, The Man "As a former history teacher and Superintendent of Boston Public Schools, I know the importance of place and history, and how the intersection can instill in students their sense of identity and the formation of their democratic values. These are fundamental to the function of public education and the creation of an informed citizenry. Sparks of the Revolution does that and excites the imagination. It shines light on the leaders who helped lay the foundation of our democratic values. This is the kind of book that should fill our school libraries and elicit classroom discussion and debate, and even inspire students to shape the future for the better." - Dr. Brenda Casselius, former Superintendent of Boston Public Schools and former Minnesota Commissioner of Education From Modern History Press

Offers readers a captivating look into the Thirteen Colonies' struggle against Great Britain. Learn about how the Boston Tea Party was carried out and why it was a pivotal moment in establishing the United States of America. Additional features include a Fast Facts spread, a timeline, critical-thinking questions, primary source quotes and accompanying source notes, a phonetic glossary, resources for further study, information about the author, and an index.

"An historical novel based on the life of James Otis Jr. (1725 - 1783) an American lawyer, political activist, colonial legislator, and early supporter of patriotic causes in Massachusetts Bay Colony at the beginning of the Revolutionary Era. The narrative weaves in other historical figures including Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, Crispus Attucks and others primarily in the period from 1760 - 1775"--

On a cold evening in December 1773, a group of men climbed aboard three ships docked in Boston Harbor. Armed with hatchets, the men began breaking into the ships’ valuable cargo—342 crates of tea. They dumped the tea into the black water of the harbor and then marched back home through the city streets. This “Boston Tea Party” was a bold act of protest by American colonists against British rule. It pushed the colonies and Great Britain a step closer to war. But who were these protestors? Why would they risk angering the powerful British government? And how did the British respond? Discover the facts about the Boston Tea Party and the colonists’ struggle for independent rule.

Heroes, traitors, and great thinkers come to life in this activity book, and the concepts of freedom and democracy are celebrated in true accounts of the distinguished officers, wise delegates, rugged riflemen, and hardworking farm wives and children who created the new nation. This collection tells the story of the Revolution, from the hated Stamp Act and the Boston Tea Party to the British surrender at Yorktown and the creation of the United States Constitution. All American students are required to study the Revolution and the Constitution, and these 21 activities make it fun and memorable. Kids create a fringed hunting shirt and a tricorn hat and reenact the Battle of Cowpens. They will learn how to make their voices heard in &“I Protest&” and how Congress works in &“There Ought to Be a Law.&” A final selection including the Declaration of Independence, a glossary, biographies, and pertinent Web sites makes this book a valuable resource for both students and teachers.

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