Laura Secord never thought of herself as brave. She was gentle, shy, and soft spoken. But Laura was brave, and Janet Lunn tells her compelling story. A war between Great Britain and the United States was raging. The American political leaders were sure they would win the war. “It will be a mere matter of marching,” they said. For two years, from the summer of 1812 to the winter of 1814, fierce and bloody battles were fought.

One day in the spring of 1813, American officers took over the Secord home, demanding food. Laura heard them boasting about a plan that would give them an easy victory over the British Lieutenant FitzGibbon. It fell to the gentle Laura to make the grueling trip that would alert FitzGibbon of the impending danger.

Laura Secord’s dreadful journey has been long celebrated in story. Janet Lunn, one of the country’s finest writers of historical fiction, recounts the tale with fresh detail and masterly prose. Her writing is perfectly complemented by Maxwell Newhouse’s delightful naive paintings.

 Back to top | e-mail or print this page

“Lunn is an accomplished and award-winning historical writer, telling the story in conversational, easy-to-read style. She adds many realistic details about Laura’s journey across country that emphasize the perils and hardships of Laura’s task. The folk art of Maxwell Newhouse…is the perfect artistic accompaniment to the text.”
–Lorgnette

“A round of applause for the latest Laura…which gives readers an excellent story and the broadest appreciation for the time period…A fitting tribute to a determined woman, this book inspires readers to hope that each of us, if called upon, could be so noble.”
–Quill & Quire

“Eager and confident young readers wanting a new glimpse at a familiar hero should give this sweet read a taste.”
–Hamilton Spectator

 Back to top | e-mail or print this page

Visit the author's web site.

 Back to top | e-mail or print this page

Janet Lunn is one of the most admired writers for children. She is respected for her historical fiction, focussing on American and Canadian history in The Root Cellar, Shadow in Hawthorn Bay, The Hollow Tree, and Charlotte. Her many honors, national and international, include the Vicky Metcalf Award for Body of Work, the Governor General’s Literary Award, and The Canadian Library Association Book of the Year Award. Raised in Vermont, Janet Lunn resides in Ottawa.

Maxwell Newhouse is one of the country’s most accomplished folk artists. His work is exhibited in galleries in several parts of Canada. He is well-known for his paintings of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Laura Secord: A Story of Courage is his first picture book.

 Back to top | e-mail or print this page