The House by the Creek

Gr 4–6—This slim historical novel fictionalizes the story of Valentine and Elizabeth Leonhardt, who were the author's ancestors. Farming is their livelihood, and when the American Revolution comes near their North Carolina home, Valentine and his grown sons leave with neighboring men to join General Greene's militia in a battle against Lord Cornwallis and the British. Before Valentine departs, he entrusts his son Jacob with the secret location of the family's gold. Details of the battle are portrayed in broad terms; Michael Leonhardt is wounded by a British bayonet and his friend Thomas manages to survive a broken leg full of grapeshot. Meanwhile, Elizabeth and her daughters and young sons tend the homestead, and she is courageous when villainous Colonel Fanning comes to commandeer supplies for the British Army. Some of the conversations have a formal tone, characterization is scant, and the plot often relies on circumstantial appearances, but this tale has action and short chapters and may draw avid fans of American history.—Susan W. Hunter, Riverside Middle School, Springfield, VT