Waves of Independence

Willa, the eldest daughter of the Thyer family, tells us of colonial life in Cape May, New Jersey, leading up to the year 1776 in Waves of Independence. It is a fictional story told in Willa's voice over the course of a few years. From Mayflower descendants, to whalers, and finally becoming a farming family, the Thyer family tree grows many branches over the decades.
Through an almost journal-like style, Willa's account takes us back to a simpler, but often tougher time as seen through the eyes of one of the brave families that moved to Cape May Island in the 1760's.
Although it's a fictional tale, the author has tried to keep true to the colonial history of the area. Therefore, characters include farmers, tavern and inn keepers, craftsmen, other young families, as well as plantation owners, slaves, indentured servants, and Mesquite, a member of the Lenni Lenape tribe.
Some of the language used by the Cape May settlers is a bit of Old English, giving the storyline a most believable quality.
The colorful renderings by author and artist, Inga Buccella, add dimension and depth. Vocabulary words with definitions help young readers understand the concepts. Look for the coordinating coloring book by the same title.
Readers of any age, but especially children, will enjoy reading this entertaining, but also educational, tale of Cape May's march toward liberty in Waves of Independence.