Module 13 The Sons of Liberty Death and Taxes

Citation:

Lagos, A. & Lagos, J. (2011). The Sons of Liberty Death and Taxes. New York: Random House.

Summary:

“With its vile villains, electrifying action, and riveting suspense, The Sons of Liberty casts new light on the faces and events of pre-Revolution America, including Ben Franklin and the French and Indian War. American history has rarely been this compelling-and it's never looked this good” (Lagos, 2010).
In the Sons of Liberty, we meet two escaped slaves with superpowers and how they use those powers to help those in need and in the fight for independence.

Review:

Booklist (September 15, 2011 (Vol. 108, No. 2))“Grades 8-12. Graham and Brody, escaped slaves gifted with superpowers, remain at the center of this continuing pre–Revolutionary War saga of political intrigue and reimagined history. As Benjamin Franklin seeks to stop the stamp tax from falling on the colonies and enemies attack his good name, Graham attempts to arrange an escape back to Africa along with his love, the slave girl Isabel. With the English aristocracy colonizing new territories of foulness, this lacks any complex shades of gray. However, the embellishments, literate dialogue, and several historical truths—effectively counterpointed with glossy contemporary art—keep things fun and suspenseful” (Titlewave, 2011).

Impression:

I was quite impressed with the artwork and action in this book. The Lagos Brothers have presented their own take on an important historical event in American History. I have read other graphic novels based on historical events and have always enjoyed the drawings and dialogue. These types of books are entertaining yet informative. I can see the appeal of them on adolescents and young adults.

Library setting:

I would have students create a timeline of events leading up to the American Revolution, including such events as the Sugar and Stamp Act, Boston Massacre, Boston Tea Party, and Lexington and Concord.

Titlewave. (2011). [A Review of The Sons of Liberty Death and Taxes by Alexander and Joseph Lagos]. Retrieved from http://www.titlewave.com/search?SID=246338d1510787a9d8771e16eb473c1c

Lagos, A. & Lagos, J. (2010). The Sons of Liberty. Retrieved from
http://www.thesonsoflibertybook.com/Story