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Praise for The Elementary Common Sense of Thomas Paine

The pamphlet that inspired a revolution. "The Elementary Common Sense of Thomas Paine" deeply explores the historic work of Thomas Paine and elaborates on its importance for younger readers. Chapters outline the history surrounding the pre-publication and post-publication of the work. With illustrations to make Paine's points clear to young people, "The Elementary Common Sense of Thomas Paine" is a fine introduction to Paine's legendary pamphlet, and highly recommended.

- Midwest Book Review

"Mark Wilensky’s The Elementary Common Sense of Thomas Paine perfect for use inside and outside the classroom. We just ordered thirty additional copies for our new teachers. I highly recommend it."

- Marjorie Freyer, Coordinator, Teaching American History Program, The Tuscaloosa City and County Schools and The University of Alabama

"Wilensky, a fifth grade teacher, really knows his stuff. He makes material that is as dry as bone fun to read, and the information on the Web site adds extra depth. . . . anyone teaching American History, either in a classroom or as a home-schooling parent, will want this book on hand."

Roxy Ekstrom,
Voice of Youth Advocates

"This book has the potential to encourage youth to become fiercely American in a way similar to that of the revolutionaries who founded this great country. This adaptation is a most readable text."

- Kate O’Mara, Eclectic Homeschool Association

"The Elementary Common Sense of Thomas Paine is a wonderful teaching tool."

- Colleen Kinnear,
Manager of the Pueblo, Colorado Barnes & Noble

". . . an excellent gift to a student, teacher or school library."

- Drumbeat,
General Society Sons of the Revolution

"(This) book is a welcome and needed medium for awakening young readers to a knowledge of our founding history as well as an interest in civic engagement. There isn't any book like it..."

- Martha Spiegelman,
Bulletin of Thomas Paine Friends

"The book was interesting and I think that people who want to learn more about the colonies and other historic events of that time may enjoy reading this book."

- Reviewed by Ben Weldon,
(age 11) for Reader Views

Colonial America was a continent with multiple cultures and customs spanning vast geographic distances. Tom Paine's amazing persuasive essay Common Sense unified these seemingly conflicting characteristics into an extraordinary vision.

Read the documents that set the world in motion.

Mr. Wilensky is a fifth-grade teacher in Jefferson County Colorado, where he has been accused of teaching his Colonial America and Revolutionary War classes with enthusiastic zeal. Read More...