View on Biblioguides
For the seven-to-twelve- year-old readers in my library, I was pleased to discover the Ranger in Time series. This new series features a modern day golden retriever trained in search and rescue. When Ranger uncovers an old metal first aid kit in the garden, he is transported back in time to the Oregon Trail where his skills can save lives. In each installment, we travel with Ranger to a different moment in history, learning about the people and events of that time right alongside the faithful pup.
When I understood that this series was about a time traveling dog, I worried that it would be silly, anthropomorphized, and maybe a bit like the Wishbone television series. I am delighted to report that while the dog is an excellent character, he behaves exactly like a dog would and the stories are serious and substantial. In fact, they remind me of the Tales of Young Americans series. Written with good but accessible language, these stories are told in a way that is exciting and historically accurate. I think that these would be a perfect place to start for readers who want to graduate to the We Were There books.
Excerpt from one of the books that I really enjoyed, Night of Soldiers and Spies:
Isaac delivered the lie he'd practiced. "I have seen Washington's men in their winter quarters," he said. "They are in a sad state, hungry and weak. Their spirits are as broken as their bodies. Many are refusing orders. The officers can no longer control them."
Rall leaned back in his chair and smiled. He said something to the other men, who laughed. Isaac looked at the translator, who said, "The colonel is not surprised. But he is pleased that he did not waste time building fortifications around Trenton as General Cornwallis ordered. He has known all along that Washington's country clowns would never dare to attack."
Anger burned in Isaac's chest. He reached into his pocket and squeezed the frozen, knotted rope. He had to stay calm. He couldn't give himself away. He clenched his jaw and nodded.
"They would be hard-pressed to defend themselves, much less launch an attack."
Suddenly, Colonel Rall leaned forward, studying Isaac's face. His eyes narrowed when he spoke."He asks how he can be sure that you tell the truth," the translator said. "How are we to know that you are not a spy for the Continental Army?"
Isaac's stomach leaped into his throat. Had his anger shown in his eyes? He wanted to run. But they were waiting for his answer. "Does the colonel suppose that a spy would cross the river in broad daylight?" Isaac forced out a laugh. "That would be a foolish spy indeed." He felt Colonel Rall's eyes on him and looked away, out the window.
Ranger was there, playing with the Hessians' dogs. A young soldier was tossing snowballs, and the dogs were leaping to bite them. Isaac pointed. "Surely your hounds would have sniffed out a Patriot dog in their ranks."
Colonel Rall looked out the window just as Ranger leaped into the air to catch a snowball.