One April in Boston
About the Book
The story of one family’s gift passed down from the time of the American Revolution. Fully illustrated, 256 pages.
One April in Boston is a children’s book unlike any other you have ever read. Written for ages 10-13, it teaches American history, the power of imagination, and the value of goal setting. In this unique book you will learn the real story of Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride; witness the first shots of the American Revolution; attend the reading of the Declaration of Independence in Boston on July 18, 1776; visit the Paul Revere House in 1909; and much more. Originally published in 2000, One April in Boston appeared in 2015 with expanded content as an eBook. The second edition was released in print form in 2017 and features 47 original pen and ink illustrations created by Cortney Skinner. This 20th Anniversary Edition (2020) was revised in 2024.
A wonderfully illustrated children’s book
written by an author whose ancestors
lived in colonial Boston in 1775.
After researching his Boston ancestors for six years, author Ben Edwards has crafted a tale that not only tells their story by tying in real connections to Paul Revere and Abraham Lincoln, but honors his relative Private Philip Edwards by revealing the gift he gave to the neighborhood children before leaving for France to fight in World War I and passing into legend.
When the story begins in April 1775, 10-year-old Ben Edwards carries a spyglass that once belonged to his grandfather, an early Boston sea captain. Ben believes he can glimpse the future through its lens. His goal is to work on a sailing ship and see the world. Can the spyglass and a member of the Sons of Liberty help Ben on his journey? Will his predictions about the future come true? By reading the book you’ll discover that Ben’s gift is something we all possess, a power that can help you on your own life’s journey—if you believe in it.
Read the Spyglass Blog, written by Ben Edwards and illustrator Cortney Skinner, created for the book’s 20th anniversary in 2020.
Get Your Copy—Along the Freedom Trail or Online
Tour participants receive the 20th Anniversary Edition of One April in Boston (revised in 2024) directly from the author in print and audiobook formats – one per family. Students in school groups receive the eBook and audiobook for free.
Purchase at the Paul Revere House, King’s Chapel, and Old North Church
The Paul Revere House Online Gift Shop available now – $15.00 plus shipping (signed copies – revised in 2024 – in stock)
The Paul Revere House Gift Shop at the Education and Visitor Center available now – $15.00 (signed copies – revised in 2024 – in stock)
The King’s Chapel Gift Shop available now – $15.00 (signed copies – revised in 2024 – in stock)
The Old North Church Gift Shop available now – $15.00 (signed copies – revised in 2024 – in stock)
Ben Edwards donates up to 500 copies of One April in Boston to the Paul Revere House annually and one hundred percent of the $15.00 retail price is used to support educational programs for children at the Revere House.
Ben donates up to 250 copies to King’s Chapel annually and one hundred percent of the proceeds benefit their History Program.
Ben donates up to 250 copies to Old North Church annually and one hundred percent of the proceeds benefit their educational programs.