From School Library Journal
Grades 3-6--Lunn's well-written story of Secord's 19-mile journey to inform British Lieutenant FitzGibbon of the American plan for a surprise attack during the War of 1812 has atmosphere and a dramatic sense of foreboding. Newhouse's folk-art illustrations are a perfect match for this tale of an ordinary woman in extraordinary circumstances. The oil paintings of the Secord farm in Queenston, Upper Canada, clearly reveal how the family was "in the thick of the war right from the start"-with enemy lines right in their backyard. The battle scenes are visually arresting as the wounded soldiers and falling maple leaves are bathed in a bright-red hue. A sepia-toned, illustrated map outlines her trip. An epilogue describes what happened to Secord and her family after the battle at Beaver Dams. More insight and character development is given to this "gentle, a little shy, and soft spoken" woman than in Connie Brummel Crook's Laura Secord's Brave Walk (Second Story, 2001) and Maxine Trottier's Laura: A Childhood Tale of Laura Secord (North Winds, 2000; o.p.). Lunn deftly combines historical details with an appreciation of her subject's personal life, making this an accessible and interesting portrayal of a Canadian hero.Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, CanadaCopyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Review
“Lunn is an accomplished and award-winning historical writer, telling the story in conversational, easy-to-read style. She adds many realistic details about Laura’s journey across country that emphasize the perils and hardships of Laura’s task. The folk art of Maxwell Newhouse…is the perfect artistic accompaniment to the text.”
–Lorgnette

“A round of applause for the latest Laura…which gives readers an excellent story and the broadest appreciation for the time period…A fitting tribute to a determined woman, this book inspires readers to hope that each of us, if called upon, could be so noble.”
–Quill & Quire

“Eager and confident young readers wanting a new glimpse at a familiar hero should give this sweet read a taste.”
–Hamilton Spectator

Review
?Lunn is an accomplished and award-winning historical writer, telling the story in conversational, easy-to-read style. She adds many realistic details about Laura?s journey across country that emphasize the perils and hardships of Laura?s task. The folk art of Maxwell Newhouse?is the perfect artistic accompaniment to the text.?
?Lorgnette

?A round of applause for the latest Laura?which gives readers an excellent story and the broadest appreciation for the time period?A fitting tribute to a determined woman, this book inspires readers to hope that each of us, if called upon, could be so noble.?
?Quill & Quire

?Eager and confident young readers wanting a new glimpse at a familiar hero should give this sweet read a taste.?
?Hamilton Spectator

Book Description
Laura Secord never thought of herself as brave. She was gentle, shy, and soft spoken. But Laura was brave, and Janet Lunn tells her compelling story. A war between Great Britain and the United States was raging. The American political leaders were sure they would win the war. “It will be a mere matter of marching,” they said. For two years, from the summer of 1812 to the winter of 1814, fierce and bloody battles were fought.

One day in the spring of 1813, American officers took over the Secord home, demanding food. Laura heard them boasting about a plan that would give them an easy victory over the British Lieutenant FitzGibbon. It fell to the gentle Laura to make the grueling trip that would alert FitzGibbon of the impending danger.

Laura Secord’s dreadful journey has been long celebrated in story. Janet Lunn, one of the country’s finest writers of historical fiction, recounts the tale with fresh detail and masterly prose. Her writing is perfectly complemented by Maxwell Newhouse’s delightful naive paintings.

From the Inside Flap
Laura Secord never thought of herself as brave. She was gentle, shy, and soft spoken. But Laura was brave, and Janet Lunn tells her compelling story. A war between Great Britain and the United States was raging. The American political leaders were sure they would win the war. “It will be a mere matter of marching,” they said. For two years, from the summer of 1812 to the winter of 1814, fierce and bloody battles were fought.

One day in the spring of 1813, American officers took over the Secord home, demanding food. Laura heard them boasting about a plan that would give them an easy victory over the British Lieutenant FitzGibbon. It fell to the gentle Laura to make the grueling trip that would alert FitzGibbon of the impending danger.

Laura Secord’s dreadful journey has been long celebrated in story. Janet Lunn, one of the country’s finest writers of historical fiction, recounts the tale with fresh detail and masterly prose. Her writing is perfectly complemented by Maxwell Newhouse’s delightful naive paintings.

From the Back Cover
“Lunn is an accomplished and award-winning historical writer, telling the story in conversational, easy-to-read style. She adds many realistic details about Laura’s journey across country that emphasize the perils and hardships of Laura’s task. The folk art of Maxwell Newhouse…is the perfect artistic accompaniment to the text.”
–Lorgnette

“A round of applause for the latest Laura…which gives readers an excellent story and the broadest appreciation for the time period…A fitting tribute to a determined woman, this book inspires readers to hope that each of us, if called upon, could be so noble.”
–Quill & Quire

“Eager and confident young readers wanting a new glimpse at a familiar hero should give this sweet read a taste.”
–Hamilton Spectator

About the Author
Janet Lunn is one of the most admired writers for children. She is respected for her historical fiction, focussing on American and Canadian history in The Root Cellar, Shadow in Hawthorn Bay, The Hollow Tree, and Charlotte. Her many honors, national and international, include the Vicky Metcalf Award for Body of Work, the Governor General’s Literary Award, and The Canadian Library Association Book of the Year Award. Raised in Vermont, Janet Lunn resides in Ottawa.

Maxwell Newhouse is one of the country’s most accomplished folk artists. His work is exhibited in galleries in several parts of Canada. He is well-known for his paintings of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Laura Secord: A Story of Courage is his first picture book.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Laura Secord never thought of herself as brave. She was gentle, shy, and soft spoken. But Laura was brave, and Janet Lunn tells her compelling story. A war between Great Britain and the United States was raging. The American political leaders were sure they would win the war. “It will be a mere matter of marching,” they said. For two years, from the summer of 1812 to the winter of 1814, fierce and bloody battles were fought.

One day in the spring of 1813, American officers took over the Secord home, demanding food. Laura heard them boasting about a plan that would give them an easy victory over the British Lieutenant FitzGibbon. It fell to the gentle Laura to make the grueling trip that would alert FitzGibbon of the impending danger.

Laura Secord’s dreadful journey has been long celebrated in story. Janet Lunn, one of the country’s finest writers of historical fiction, recounts the tale with fresh detail and masterly prose. Her writing is perfectly complemented by Maxwell Newhouse’s delightful naive paintings.

FROM THE CRITICS

Children's Literature

Living in Upper Canada in a pioneer village, Laura Secord did not look the part of a heroine. Laura was gentle and soft spoken, yet she proved to be strong and courageous. October of 1812, Laura and her children returned to find their home looted and her husband missing. James had not returned from the battle in Queenston Heights. When Laura found her husband, James' kneecap was shattered and he could no longer fight in the war. Long after the battles had ended, American Soldiers marched through all the villages. Sometimes they barged into homes and demanded food and drink. It was on an occasion in late June of 1813, when enemy officers forced their way into her home. Overhearing their boastful plans to attack the British headquarters nearly twenty miles away, Laura realized she was the only one who could make the treacherous journey. Janet Lunn brings to life this ordinary woman who overcame her meekness to bring vital information to Her Majesty's army. Laura Secord would a worthy character to highlight during Women's History Month. This nonfiction picture book would also be a wonderful way to introduce the War of 1812. Illustrations are in the unique primitive style of painting by Maxwell Newhouse. 2001, Tundra Books, $13.56. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Ann Sanger

School Library Journal