Filigree’s Midnight Ride
Published by: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Release Date: August 27, 2019
Join Filigree, a five-pound Pomeranian, as he stows away on Paul Revere’s midnight ride in this first book of the At the Heels of History series, inspired by important events and told through the eyes, ears, and noses of dogs.
Filigree may be a small puff of a Pomeranian but he has a big, brave heart. As the Revere family dog, he’s ready to do his part to help the American colonists stand up to the British soldiers. But the other dogs, like Jove, Sam Adams’s Newfoundland, and even the Revere cat, Anvil, think Filigree is a joke. The Reveres’ daughter Frances is the only one who believes in him.
When Frances’s father, Paul Revere, leaves home on a secret mission, Filigree and Frances know they have to help, no matter how dangerous it might be. Will a pint-sized pup just be in the way, or can Filigree prove that even a very small dog can fight for freedom?
Praise
"With spot-on pacing and levity...this first in a new series is fun and accessible for readers who aren’t quite ready for Alison Hart’s 'Dog Chronicles.'"
– School Library Journal
"This romp of a book looks at history through the eyes (and noses!) of the fictional dogs who may also have lived it. I smiled and cheered for our brave four-legged friends."
– Caroline Paul, author of Lost Cat and Gutsy Girl
“Very well-done start to a new series sure to be a hit with the historical fiction and/or animal tales young readers able to read easy early chapter books.”
– Reading Rumpus
"I can’t wait to share this novel with my fifth grade teachers, for our school is always looking for accessible literature for our American Revolution unit. And I have many young readers with an interest in history but are not yet ready for middle grade historical fiction so this series will be in high demand."
– Beagles and Books
“Kids will get a kick out of reading the “real story” behind historical moments like Paul Revere’s famed midnight ride…A cute add to your intermediate/middle grade fiction sections, and a nice additional way to generate interest in history units.”
– Mom Read It!
"This fun version of historical events provides an engaging spin on history for kids who are animal lovers."
– Babies to Bookworms
Filigree’s Midnight Ride is excellent early chapter adventure…a delight to read...historical elements instantly become more accessible for younger readers. The writing is punchy and the story exciting. And the illustrations really bring the pooches to life. It’s exactly the sort of book that will help early readers ease into chapter books.
– Cracking the Cover
“The large text, simple vocabulary, and plenty of black and white illustrations make it perfect for independent readers interested in American history. Kids will especially enjoy seeing these legendary events happen through the eyes of a dog. This is a fun, easy-to-read story that will appeal to animal lovers, history lovers, and teachers.”
– Batch of Books
"Well-researched and carefully written to balance fact and fiction, this is a great start to a new series that is sure to get kids interested in history – and in reading."
– Jean Little Library
"The story is exciting and it sticks to the real history, not the version that’s so often told based on Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem...I really think this is a book you and your child will enjoy."
– Christy’s Cozy Corners
"This book brings the facts to life in a way that is memorable and fun for young readers. . . .a perfect book to use as a quick class read aloud or for students to read independently as a way to reinforce information they are learning."
– Mrs. Knott’s Book Nook
"I love this time period and would definitely add this one to any 3-5 classroom or school library! There are more to come in this At the Heels of History series."
– The Late Bloomer's Book Blog