Paul Revere: Midnight Ride

Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA -- School Library Journal, 4/8/2008

Paul Revere: Midnight Ride (History’s Heroes Series). DVD. approx. 35 min. American Animation Studios (americananimationstudios.com). 2007. ISBN 978-0-9796681-3-5: $39.95 (pub. perf.); ISBN 978-0-9796681-2-8: $19.95 (home use).

Gr 3-6–America’s history is filled with stirring speeches, wonderful literature, and inspiring individuals. This series brings these people and events to life. This episode focuses on Paul Revere and his midnight ride just prior to the American Revolution, leading to the battles of Lexington and Concord. Ellie, a young bald eagle, teams up with poet Ralph Waldo Emerson to introduce Paul Revere and examine this historical event. They follow Revere on his ride, watch the Minutemen gather, and are there for both battles. Computer-generated 3-D animation is used throughout, as is imagined dialogue. The ploy of using two observers is clever. Ellie asks the questions, and Emerson responds. The animation carries the story. Maps provide geographic information, and locations are clearly defined. There are some fictional add-ons—two British soldiers provide gentle comic relief, and Ellie saves the day a few times—but the basic story is solid. The writing is crisp and clear, and background music adds to the tone and tension. Emerson was chosen to help present the facts because the story begins and ends at the Concord Monument to Paul Revere where Emerson’s “The Concord Hymn,” was sung at its commemoration; it is spoken here. Far too few young people today have a feel for the history and literature that helped create our nation. This series is blatantly patriotic, stirringly inspiring, and provides a valuable opportunity for cultural literacy. A good addition to American history units, and a highly recommended choice for viewing on patriotic holidays.