Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
William Henry Harrison: Young Tippecanoe Audio
Nonfiction
For ages 8 to 10
Unabridged audiobook (CD)
Performed/read by: Patrick Lawlor
Blackstone Audiobooks, 2007 ISBN: 978-1433201462
Young William, or “Billy” as his family called him, could not remember a time when his country had not been at war. All the men in his family were serving the country in one way or another. His brothers were soldiers, and his father had a position in the local government. Billy fervently wished that he too could do something. He was too young to go to war though, and had to be content with staying home and acquiring an education as his parents wished him to.
However, Billy did find ways to help, and his family learned that he was a brave boy who thought quickly in a time of crisis. When an important message had to be delivered about the coming of redcoat soldiers, Billy rode for many hours warning the people in the countryside. Although he was exhausted, Billy kept on going, making sure that he told everyone that he could of the coming threat.
This courage and determination would serve William Harrison well when he grew up. William at first was not sure what he wanted to do with his life, and he worked as a doctor’s apprentice for a while. Though he did well in the medical profession, his heart just wasn’t in it, so he chose to enter the army instead. Eager to go west and see the new frontier, William became a career soldier. As not infrequently happened in those days, his military career led to a new life in politics. This in turn brought William to the White House. Unfortunately William did not have the chance to show the American people what kind of a president he would have made; he died only one month after becoming the Commander in Chief.
The author of this excellent audiobook clearly shows his listeners how William Harrison’s childhood experiences shaped him and influenced him. We see that William was not only brave, but he also was willing to take risks for the good of others, and he wanted very much to serve his country in some way.
