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Description
In her diary, ten-year-old Hope writes about her life as a patriot in 1777 Philadelphia, as the Redcoats try to take over her city and defeat the Continental Army.
Quick Summary
Hope's diary immediately pulls you into her world she's a ten-year-old living in Philadelphia in 1777, watching her city transform as British forces close in, and her voice is funny, scared, and completely real all at once. What makes this book stand out is how it takes big historical events (battles, shortages, soldiers marching through the streets) and filters them through the eyes of a regular kid who just wants to help her family survive and maybe sneak a look at a handsome boy in the neighborhood. It's got that wonderful balance of being educational without feeling like a textbook you actually learn what daily life was like during the Revolution, but through moments like Hope worrying about her father's safety and the family having to hide their silver. Fans of the "I Survived" series or anyone studying the American Revolution will find this hits the same sweet spot of action and heart. The diary format makes it a quick read (under 14,000 words), which is perfect for reluctant readers or kids who want something substantive but not overwhelming, and there's enough tension during the British occupation scenes to keep things exciting without getting too intense for the age group. It's the kind of book that makes history feel alive rather than distant, and by the end you'll be rooting for Hope and her family just like you would for any friend.