Five 4ths of July

I don't often read historical fiction because I really have to be in the mood for it, if you know what I mean.  This book popped out at me because it was red.  Okay, I admit it, I judged a book by it's cover and it turned out that it totally worked!!!  This book was different than other books because it covered only one day in the life of young Jake over the course of 1777, 1778, 1779, 1780, and 1781.  The writing style was creative and realistic.  I like what they wrote on the front inside cover: "Smart and spirited, with remarkably real characters, Five 4ths of July is a historical novel with a contemporary edge--one that shines a very human light on the dawning days of our nation."  I totally agree. 

This novel included themes of loyalty, coming-of-age, and changing viewpoints.  There is very little language, but if you know your American history, you will recognize that this is a war book.  As a war book, the author approaches a subject that is little known to the current American population and I wouldn't blame you if you thought it was somewhat horrific.  Despite that, it was an excellent read and actually based on real people and events even though it was a work a fiction.