Book excerpt: In this exciting classic early reader, Nathaniel Benchly re-creates what it must have been like for a young boy to fight in the Battle of Lexington. Arnold Lobel's vivid pictures give a poignant reality to the famous battle that marked the beginning of the American Revolution. This is historical fiction that pulls in young readers in first and second grade, even reluctant readers. Great for home or classroom units on and discussions about colonial America and the start of the American Revolution. "Benchley's expressive words and Lobel's vivid drawings portray a realistic story," Publishers Weekly wrote. Father and son rushed to the village green. Other Minutemen were already there. Through the long night they waited and waited. Then, at dawn, the soldiers came!