Most Popular Books by Jean Fritz

Ann Hamilton''s family has moved to the western frontier of Pennsylvania, and she misses her old home in Gettysburg. There are no girls her age on Hamilton Hill, and life is hard. But when the Hamiltons survive a terrible storm and receive a surprise visit from George Washington, Ann realizes that pioneer life is exciting and special.

Newbery Honor-winning author, Jean Fritz, takes us on a journey to the Underground Railroad. Brady has never been trusted with secrets, until now. When he discovers an Underground Railroad station near his family''s farm, he is forced to make his own decision about the slavery controversy. Whatever his decision may be, he knows that this is one secret that must be kept. "A perceptive, satisfying story." --Booklist" "Mrs. Fritz has written an exciting, yet tender, chronicle of the boy, his home, and his times." --Kirkus Reviews

A fun historic tale by Newbery Honor-winning author, Jean Fritz! No matter how busy he was, Ben Franklin always found time to try out new ideas: a remote-control lock (so he could lock his door without getting out of bed), a rocking chair with a fan over it (to keep flies away), and a windmill (to turn his roast meat on its spit). Aside from being a mad of ideas, he was an ambassador to England, a printer, an almanac maker, a politician, and even a vegetarian (for a time, anyway). "This biography is distinguished by its humanizing detail [and] amusing tone." - School Library Journal

The perfect chapter book biography for young fans of the Hamilton musical! Most people know that Alexander Hamilton was killed in a duel with Aaron Burr, and that his face is on the ten dollar bill. But he was much more than that! Born in the West Indies, Hamilton arrived in New York as an immigrant, an outsider. He fought in the American Revolution and became George Washington''s most valuable aide-de-camp. As one of America''s Founding Fathers, he was there for the writing of the Constitution and became the first Secretary of the Treasury. Jean Fritz''s award-winning talent for bringing history to life shines as she shares the true story of Alexander Hamilton, a man of action who was honorable, ambitious, and fiercely loyal to his adopted country.

Newbery Honor-winning Jean Fritz highlights one of America''s most important founding father. In the days before microphones and TV interviews, getting people to listen to you was not an easy task. But James Madison used his quiet eloquence, intelligence, and passion for unified colonies to help shape the Constitution, steer America through the turmoil of two wars, and ensure that our government, and nation, remained intact. "An excellent, fascinating, indispensable resource." —Kirkus Reviews, pointer review "The book is rich in the sort of detail that illuminates the man, but is not limited to personal information; a great deal of government history is woven into the biography." —Horn Book, starred review "Fritz has given a vivid picture of the man and an equally vivid picture of the problems that faced the leaders of the new nation in the formative years." —The Bulletin of the Center for Children?s Books, starred review "Young readers will feel like they know the ''Great Little Madison'' very well." —School Library Journal

A true American story for young readers by the Newbery-Honor winning author! Everyone knows about Paul Revere''s midnight ride. But not everyone knows the harrowing details and narrow escapes that occurred along the way. This timeless and witty book highlights little-known facts about patriot Paul Revere.

This lively biography, by Newbery Honor-winning author Jean Fritz, is a nice, personal look at a leader and his times. In early America, when all the men wore ruffled shirts and rode grandly on horseback, one man refused to follow suit. He was the rebel leader Sam Adams, a plainspoken gent who scorned ruffles, refused to ride a horse, and had little regard for the King.

"Great fun and fascinating history." —School Library Journal, (starred review) This entertaining volume, by Newbery Honor-winning author Jean Fritz, sheds light on the life of England''s King George III. It begins when he was a bashful boy who blushed easily, goes on to his early days as king, and finally examines his role in the American Revolution - when Americans ceased to think of him as good King George. Fascinating history made accessible for young readers. "The lively text includes plenty of amusing, personality-revealing anecdotes . . ." —Children''s Literature

Events rapidly transpiring in Salem, Massachusetts in 1774-1775 force 14-year-old Daniel West to re-examine his loyalties, and finally, to change from Tory to Whig.--School Library Journal 15 black-and-white halftone illustrations.

Go behind the scenes at the Constitutional Convention, thanks to award-winning author Jean Fritz''s words! This factual gem that''s written with Newbery Honor author Jean Fritz''s humorous touch chronicles the hot summer of 1787 where fifty-five delegates from thirteen states huddled together in the strictest secrecy in Philadelphia to draw up the constitution of the United States! Includes a copy of the Constitution and those who signed it! "An informative, interesting, and immensely readable account of the Constitutional Convention of 1787 . . . An excellent choice for introducing young readers to the complexities of the constitution."—School Library Journal

A Newbery Honor book! Jean Fritz’s award-winning account of her life in China, and to honor this story, it is only fitting that it be added to our prestigious line of Puffin Modern Classics. This fictionalized autobiography tells the heartwarming story of a little girl growing up in an unfamiliar place. While other girls her age were enjoying their childhood in America, Jean Fritz was in China in the midst of political unrest. Jean Fritz tells her captivating story of the difficulties of living in a unfamiliar country at such a difficult time. * "A remarkable blend of truth and storytelling." —Booklist, starred review * "An insightful memory''s-eye-view of her childhood . . . Young Jean is a strong character, and many of her reactions to people and events are timeless and universal." —School Library Journal, starred review "Told with an abundance of humor—sometimes wry, sometimes mischievous and irreverent—the story is vibrant with atmosphere, personalities, and a palpable sense of place." —The Horn Book "Every now and then a book comes along that makes me want to send a valentine to its author. Homesick is such a book . . . Pungent and delicious." —Katherine Paterson, The Washington Post

Examines the great wave of European exploration during the fifteenth century which resulted in more accurate maps.

A complex and fascinating historical figure illuminated by Newbery Honor-winning Jean Fritz. In a story that is as gripping as it is historical, Newbery Honor-winning author Jean Fritz reveals the true life of Pocahontas. Though at first permitted to move freely between the Indian and the white worlds, Pocahontas was eventually torn between her new life and the culture that shaped her. "This book dispels myths and describes with immediacy the life of a girl whose active conscience made her a pawn, exploited by her own people and the white world." —Publishers Weekly "Jean Fritz removes the romantic varnish from the legend and turns history into engrossing reality." —The New Yorker

Benedict Arnold always carried things too far. As a boy he did crazy things like climbing atop a burning roof and picking a fight with the town constable. As a soldier, he was even more reckless. He was obsessed with being the leader and the hero in every battle, and he never wanted to surrender. He even killed his own horse once rather than give it to the enemy. Where did the extremism lead Arnold? To treason. America''s most notorious traitor is brought to life as Jean Fritz relays the engrossing story of Benedict Arnold -- a man whose pride, ambition, and self-righteousness drove him to commit the heinous crime of treason against the United States during the American Revolution. “A highly entertaining biography illuminating the personality of a complex man.” —Horn Book “A gripping story. . . As compelling as a thriller, the book also shines as history.” —Publishers Weekly An ALA Notable Book A New York Times Book Review Notable Book of the Year A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year An ABA Pick of the Lists A Horn Book Fanfare Title

Traces the life of the French nobleman who fought for democracy in revolutions in both the United States and France.

Little-known facts are highlighted in this fun book about this historical figure, by Newbery Honor-winning author Jean Fritz. “The book is a most enjoyable view of history . . . The delightful illustrations exactly suit the times and the extraordinary character of John Hancock.”—The Horn Book Everyone knows that John Hancock was one of the first signers of the Declaration of Independence. But not many know that he signed his name so large to show how mad he was about how the colonists had been treated.

Biography of the southern general nicknamed after his stand at Bull Run.

Everyone has a mother. Even George Washington. But Mary Washington is nothing like you''d think! She hates to dress up. And she always thinks she knows what''s best for George. After all, she''s his mother! You can read more about her in this true story by Jean Fritz.

Bunny Hopwell doesn’t understand why everyone is so excited about Spring--he was born during the winter, and all he’s known is snow and cold. After smelling fresh grass and hearing robins sing, he finally understands what Spring is—the perfect time to spring over the garden fence and explore the world!