School Library Journal Review
Gr 2-4 Waters sets her fictional story on May 15, 1776, when the Virginia colonists in Williamsburg will cast their vote either for or against independence from Great Britain. During the day, 10-year-old Mary Geddy concentrates on her chores, knowing that if the outcome of the vote is for independence her father will go to war as a patriot while her friend Anne's family, loyal to the king, will be moving back to England. Clear, crisp, colorful photographs of characters in traditional clothing taken in Williamsburg lend authenticity to the story. The author provides readers with information on Colonial life complete with colloquialisms ("William is not worth a button") as well as a story they can relate to the possibility of a best friend moving away. Readers who enjoyed Waters's Sarah Morton's Day (1989) and Samuel Eaton's Day (1993, both Scholastic) will want to read this one as well. Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
Color photos and first-person narration tell about a ten-year-old girl living in Williamsburg, Virginia, on the day the colony votes for independence from England. While story and characters are not well developed, readers will glean much information about everyday life for one child in 1776. Photos of food preparation and of Mary getting ready for the day are particularly informative. From HORN BOOK Spring 2000, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Booklist Review
Gr. 3^-5. From the author and photographer of Sarah Morton's Day (1989), Samuel Eaton's Day (1993), and Tapenum's Day (1996), this book spotlights a day in the life of a girl in Williamsburg. Although the day in question is May 15, 1776, when the Fifth Virginia Convention voted for independence from Great Britain, political events are peripheral to the story. The focus stays firmly on Mary, her family, and her friends. Colorful photographs show Mary waking, dressing, eating with her family, working on her sampler, learning to bake, visiting with a friend, comforting her sister, and joining a celebration after the vote. Some of the photos have a posed look, but the clarity of the pictures and the beauty of the scenes greatly enhance the book's appeal. Written in first person from Mary's point of view, the text tells a story while teaching a good deal about colonial living. The appended pages of notes include comments on aspects of social and political life in the colony, information about the Geddy family, and a period recipe for apple pie. An attractive introduction to life in colonial Williamsburg. Glossary appended. --Carolyn Phelan
