The American Revolution: Courage episode artwork

EPISODE · Jun 15, 2026 · 32 MIN

The American Revolution: Courage

from Cross Word Books · host Michele McAloon

Send us Fan Mailbookclues.com. Find Michele American Revolution | Historical Fiction | Thomas Paine | George Washington | Revolutionary WarWhat does courage look like when you don't feel brave?George Washington “vaccinated” soldiers by giving them smallpox on purpose, and it may have saved the Revolution. That jaw-dropping history is just one of the realities we dig into with author Katherine Goodwin Tone as we explore her debut novel, The King’s Broad Arrow, an American Revolution adventure that doubles as a coming-of-age story about courage.In this episode of Cross Word Books, we speak  about Sam Nevins, a 14-year-old boy living in Revolutionary-era Maine who believes he's the only person with no desire to fight and no courage to offer. Through Sam's journey, we explore how courage is often less about personality and more about the choices we make when fear would rather send us home.Drawing on years of working with children and teaching, Katherine discusses themes of responsibility, friendship, happiness, and moral growth. We also dive into the world of Revolutionary America, exploring the impact of the printing press, censorship, banned books, Enlightenment thought, and the influence of Thomas Paine and his famous pamphlet Common Sense.If you enjoy historical fiction, young adult novels, American Revolution history, or thoughtful conversations with authors, this episode is for you.Cross Word Books — Where Cultural Clues Lead to the Truth of the Word.

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Jun 15, 2026

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Send us Fan Mail bookclues.com. Find Michele American Revolution | Historical Fiction | Thomas Paine | George Washington | Revolutionary War What does courage look like when you don't feel brave? George Washington “vaccinated” soldiers by giving them smallpox on purpose, and it may have saved the Revolution. That jaw-dropping history is just one of the realities we dig into with author Katherine Goodwin Tone as we explore her debut novel, The King’s Broad Arrow, an American Revolution a...

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The American Revolution: Courage

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