Sam the Minuteman (I Can Read Level 3) Paperback – March 12, 1987

The perfect introduction for a young reader to the American War for Independence. I read this long ago when I was a boy, and years later I bought a copy it for our three kids, who all liked it.

This was a perfect book for my seven-year old son.He is a struggling reader; this book captured his imagination and sustained his interest while challenging him. Sam's tale is an engaging introductory American history lesson. It tells the story of the British march on Lexington and Concord, and the Minute Men's response, through the perspective of an American boy. My son could identify with Sam, who is not depicted as a great hero, yet joins his father in the Colonial resistance that was the first battle of the American Revolution. The subject matter kept my son's focus and story line was realistic (Sam's friend is wounded by the British) and appropriate for his age. It also sparked his curiosity, leading him to ask questions about the Colonial life and the Revolution.I like the "I Can Read" system, which makes it easier to find books based on his reading competence rather than age or grade. His first time through the book was a struggle; he stumbled on just about every page. But he liked the story so much that he wants to read it again and again.That's a perfect book by my reckoning.

My seven year old son just started to read independently and quickly sped through our beginning reader books. I bought this thinking he’d have to practice a bit more (he was reading at about level 1/2) but he was so engaged by the story he read it through over two days and then every night since, as a bedtime story to his brother. Great, thought provoking historical fiction and identifiable characters for a young boy. Level 3 seemed accurate but accessible for a level 2 reader sufficiently self motivated.

My grandson read this and wanted to know more which led to a search at the library and many questions. A really good buy.

My grandchildren find this interesting. The 13 yr old said he’d not heard this story in school. Very easy to read but informative .

I bought this text to replace my Sam the Minuteman texts I have used for many years in my guided reading groups in 2nd grade. Perfect for colonial studies and the beginning of the American Revolution. I also use George the Drummer Boy with another group at the same time so they can compare the texts and the issues going on during this time period.

This book claims to be a level 3. The book is a good book, my 7 year old read it in 15 minutes! So from that, i gather that 1) the book is way too easy for kids in 1st grade, which bummed me out that i wasted money on it! and 2) that the book had to have been very intriguing to my 7 year old boy (which made me OK that i spent money buying it even though it's too easy of a read for him!) I wasn't going to rate the book 3 stars because of it being too easy, so i gave it five, but wanted to put that warning out there. I am going to look for harder books for my little guy.

My 8 year old boy loves this book.