Revolution

Name: Revolution
Author: Jennifer Donnelly

Read with caution

Some content parents may want to preview or discuss.

Published: 2010
Ages: 14–18

About the book

A modern-day teenager in Paris discovers the diary of a young actress who lived during the French Revolution.

AI summary

A modern-day teenager in Paris discovers the diary of a young actress who lived during the French Revolution.

Why parents choose this book

What makes Revolution worth choosing

An honest, parent-first look at who this book suits, what it offers, and what to know before you buy.

Best for

Age range: 14–18 (fits siblings across a range).
Reading maturity: Young adult — teen protagonists and more nuanced themes.
Kids who tend to love it: Historical Fiction.
Personality fit: kids ages 14–18 who enjoy a good story.

Parents love this book because

Written by Jennifer Donnelly, whose books parents return to for consistently thoughtful storytelling.

Your child will probably enjoy Revolution if they…

Are curious about history

This book helps develop

Vocabulary, sustained attention, and reading confidence for the 14–18 age band.

Things parents should know

Violence: clear on-page conflict without lingering detail.
Language: occasional mild words for the older end of the band.
Sexual content: references or fade-to-black moments.

Reading commitment

Estimated reading time

Varies by reader

Length

Length varies by edition

Difficulty

Young adult

Works as read-aloud

Usually read independently

Good for independent readers

Yes — suits confident readers in the age band

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Why we recommend it

We recommend Revolution for the 14–18 age band with a small heads-up on content — worth previewing or discussing. It leans into historical fiction in a way that feels genuine, not formulaic. Jennifer Donnelly's voice is what makes it stick: readable, respectful of kids, and easy to hand to the next child in the family.