The Secret of Sarah Revere Reading Guide and American Revolution Study Unit

This story is about The Secret of Sarah Revere, the thirteen-year-old daughter of the famous Paul Revere. She has to cope with the family tension when her father is riding to other towns to warn them or spread the news. She knew more than most about the revolution, and she was very scared of the power of the secrets she had. It starts out in Watertown then Sarah, the narrator, flashes back to Boston then returns back to Watertown at the end. She tells about all the drama and rumors in Boston and in her family. With thoughts of her stepmother too involved with a family friend, she didn’t know what to believe.

Grade Level 3, Lexile Rating 550L, AR Level 3, DRA Level 28, Fountas Pinnell M Guided Reading N

• Write a secret message: During the Revolution spies would pass messages back and forth. Have the students write a secret message using disappearing ink. Pass the messages between the students.
• Have students draw their own versions of the Boston Tea Party
• Compare and contrast the characters and write about if you would make the same choices as the characters in the book.
• Write like a rebel: Make a quill pen
• Discover colonial food: Learn about what food colonists ate and how they prepared it. Then make some Hasty Pudding.
• Explore the book: Download our teacher’s resource – The Secret of Sarah Revere by Anne Rinaldi: Lessons and Activities – for themes, fast facts, and a final project.

Resources About The American Revolution

• Extend the learning and explore more resources about the American Revolution.
• American Revolution Printables and Worksheets
• Read the poem: Paul Revere’s Ride by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
• Explore online games about the American Revolution.

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster – Children can relate to the doldrums of boredom and the idea of being magically transported to a land with wacky characters and delectable words was enchanting.
• The Pharaoh’s Secret by Marissa Moss Filled with intrigue and surprises, the novel skillfully weaves history with a personal story full of heartache and family tensions that will entice and enthrall readers.
• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett tells an inspirational tale of transformation and empowerment. Mary of The Secret Garden is a character that has sparked the imagination of children for decades and served as an example of resilience and spunk.
• The Indian and the Cupboard Lesson and Activities by Lynn Reid Banks – The book is rich with concepts and topics to discuss from magic to history to friendship and this book will enthrall even the most reluctant reader.
• A Long Way from Chicago by Richard Peck is written as a series of vignettes that are funny snapshots of life in rural America during the depression. The humor, simple language and short story format make this book accessible to struggling readers.
• Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman takes place in medieval England in 1290. Birdy is the 14-year-old daughter of an English country knight who is very inventive and humorous