One April in Boston (Free Content)
Learn the Remarkable Story Behind the Unique Children’s Book
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. The 20th Anniversary Edition was released in the fall of 2020.
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.
We Donate up to 500 Copies to the Paul Revere House Annually
Spyglass Books, LLC/Walking Boston donates up to 500 copies of the 256-page children’s book One April in Boston to the Paul Revere House annually for sale in its on-site and online gift shops. One hundred percent of the $15.00 retail price is used to support educational programs for children at the Revere House.
One April in Boston is fully illustrated in pen and ink by Cortney Skinner. Your purchase through the Paul Revere House includes Free access to the audiobook version—over 4 hours of audio read by award-winning narrator Phil Rosenthal.
Signed copies are available at the Revere House Now and can be purchased online here.
Behind the Story and The Journey Continues Chapters
The Story Behind One April in Boston
Listen to the 13-Minute Audio Below
The story behind One April in Boston is a fascinating tale in itself. Most of the artifacts shown in this book were discovered only recently. As research for the project progressed, I felt like I was putting together the pieces of a giant puzzle; one that had been disassembled and the pieces scattered many years ago. As my work continued, I sensed that I was doing it for a special reason, but I wasn’t quite sure what that reason was. […] Read More (6-Page PDF)
Behind The Story
The Journey Continues—Author’s Update 2015
Listen to the 28-Minute Audio Below
In 2000, when I wrote “The Story Behind One April in Boston,” which appears in the back of the first edition of the book, there wasn’t enough room to include many fascinating details about the search for my ancestors. Over the past fifteen years, many remarkable things have occurred as well, so this serves as an update for readers. […] Read More (19-Page PDF Including Illustrations and Photos)