Road to Revolution!

Launching the planned Cartoon Chronicles of America, this spirited graphic novel opens with a prologue recapping the events leading up to the American Revolution and spotlighting key individuals involved (it refers to Samuel Adams, John Hancock and Dr. Joseph Warren as "talented troublemakers"). The story of the months preceding the war and its preliminary battles unfolds at a fast clip in comic book%E2%80%94style panels featuring veteran cartoonist Mack's plenty of slapstick action. The book stars Nick, a rambunctious orphan who makes his living stabling horses and picking pockets; and Penny, whose father is a tavern owner and best friend is Paul Revere's daughter. The banter between the young heroes is lively, and the crucial roles they end up playing will help readers get into the story%E2%80%94there's a lot of fictionalization at work. The broader characterizations of the Tories and British military are far from nuanced; a (much needed) epilogue sorts out fact from fiction. Still, reluctant readers will find this account entertaining. Ages 10%E2%80%9414. (Aug.)