Colonial Voices, Hear Them Speak by Kay Winters

Illustrated by Larry Day. This hitorical nonfiction title is set in Boston on the day of the Boston Tea Party. Ethan, the errand boy's day begins at 5:30 a.m. and ends aboard the British tea ships where he helps "ax the lids, spill the tea, and heave the heavy chests." Each two page illustrated spread offers further insight into the day's events as told by the printer, the shoemaker, the tavern keeper, the wigmaker, the blacksmith's slave, the silversmith's apprentice, and more. The illustrations offer rich details that enhance the historical accounts told from varying viewpoints (loyalist, patriot, slave, Native American). An excellent social studies title for grades 4-8.