The British are coming! The American Revolution is being fought in the hills around Letty Wright’s family’s farm, and the Wrights must flee to safety. There is no time for Letty to bring Solomon the gander. Letty hopes the British don’t hurt Solomon, but hungry soldiers aren’t known for their kindness. Eight-year-old Letty tries the only thing she can think of to save him—and is as surprised as the other colonists when it works. Based on a remarkable, true story, this unusual tale will linger in the minds of all who read it.

Grade 1-2?Letty Wright's colonial family must flee their home before the British soldiers arrive. Worried about her pet goose, she leaves a note for the soldiers asking them not to harm him. After three days, the family returns to find their home in shambles. Letty finds a note from the soldiers explaining that they needed to eat the geese, but spared her pet and paid a penny each for the ones they consumed. Although this tale is based on a true account, Letty does not come across as a real person. The illustrations are dark and heavy with stiff human figures. A feeling of distress is well sown when the British are coming but is never altered; even when Letty is reunited with her pet, her expression remains the same. This one is for large beginning-reader collections only.?Sharon R. Pearce, San Antonio Public Library, TX