Five 4ths of July by Pat Raccio Hughes Review

"On July 4th, 1777, Jake Mallory and his friends are celebrating their new nation's independence in a small coastal town in Connecticut. Fourteen-yearold Jake wants nothing more than to get out from under the strict thumb of his father and see some adventure. But he learns too late that he must be careful what he wishes for. Over the course of four more 4ths, he finds himself in increasingly adventurous circumstances-from battling the British army to barely surviving on a prison ship to finally returning home, war-torn and weary, but hopeful for his and America's future."

Five 4ths of July is certainly a book from a patriot's POV. It's quite interesting to see his spirit rise, fall, and break when the limit has been broken. Five 4ths of July centers around five 4ths of July, along with a few other days. The years range from 1777 to 1781.

But these are only the facts. Five 4ths of July reminds me of a story of courage, the human spirit, and the strength that hides in the mind and appears in the time of greatest need. It's easy to cry, because of the last chapter (July 4, 1781), when Jake Mallery becomes a true grown up man, no longer the innocent, mean boy in his youth. *Rereading this paragraph* Yes, Five 4ths of July is worthy of being read. It's truly a good book and delightful in every way. (It's a good book to read on 4th of July).

Warning: Lots of war, smart mouths, stupid actions, fatal reactions, and cussing (not really, but occasionally appears) by both sides of the war. 

Jake "Mal" Mallery is a young boy in the beginning of the book. He was only fourteen, almost fifteen, when he was showing signs of a patriot. Of course, he said some words that made him sound like cool, but when the Revolutionary War stars in the background, he could only go two ways. British, better known as Loyalist, or American, better known as Patriots. It's nice to see him grow up. Of course, there's that stunning part when you read he's a father. Then you are like, OMG!!! He's all grown up now. How adorable!

The plot of Five 4ths of July jumps every year or so. Like I said before, a few other days are included, but mostly it's 4th of July for the entire book. Sometimes I wish the author wouldn't skip the years, but sometimes it has to do.

I like how the author made both sides of the war apparent. Instead of it being a one-sided book of Patriots, Five 4ths of July include the Loyalist's piece of mind. I guess war is easier than peace. Fighting makes things more interesting.

Rating: Four out of Five