In this, her twenty-third contribution to the Childhood of Famous Americans Series, Augusta Stevenson has written one of her most exciting books. Moreover, she has written about a very exciting character, Israel Putnam, frontier farmer, ranger in the French and Indian War, and general in the Revolutionary War. This book is filled with exciting stories about a fearless boy who became a very courageous man.

Israel Putnam was born near Salem Village, Massachusetts, in 1718. He faced all the hardships and dangers of frontier life, and demonstrated great courage, almost forgetting himself entirely. Through harsh experiences on the frontier he learned to think and to plan ahead. His many adventures as a boy helped to prepare him for his notable career.

When Israel was only seven years old, his father died, leaving a family of five children. Later Israel's mother married again, and four of the children, including Israel, went to live with their stepfather. Here Israel worked and made his home until he grew up.

Israel's boyhood on the colonial frontier was filled with action. One adventure in his life seemed to follow close on the heels of another.

Just reading about these adventures is a fascinating experience.

As a lad of seven-and-a-half, Israel was ambushed by two bullies who took him to the Witches' House. Here he discovered a secret room, locked himself in, and was finally rescued by his older brothers. This is only one of many thrilling adventures that he had as a boy on the colonial frontier.

Every boy on the frontier, while he was still very young, learned to hunt. Hunting was part of a boy's education that couldn't be neglected. Israel had many narrow escapes as a hunter of wild animals.

Miss Stevenson knows the colonial frontier, and has described it in very simple and colorful language. She paints word pictures of clearing the land, raising the timbers for a house, riding oxcarts over muddy trails, and watching constantly for attacks by Indians. She even paints a clear picture of a colonial school and its pupils.

In this colonial setting of the Massachusetts frontier, Miss Stevenson has told a marvelous story about a truly fearless boy. And, throughout, she has woven threads of suspense and humor, which make this one of her finest books. It is a book that every child will want to read again and again. 

From the dust jacket