Lehigh Valley residents know that the area was very involved in the founding of the United States.

A graphic novel, “Unheard: The American Revolution: Stories of Ordinary People in Extraordinary Times” (106 pages; The Northampton County Historical & Genealogical Society; paperback, $24.99; 2026), focuses on some of the notable area historic figures, such as George Taylor, signer of the Declaration of Independence; William Parsons, founder of Easton, and the Marquis de Lafayette, who visited Bethlehem.

The book was launched in coordination for the exhibition to coincide with America’s 250th anniversary, “General Happiness of the People: Easton as a Revolutionary Capital,” 1753 Bachmann Publick House, Easton, where “Teachers Night” will be held, 4-7 p.m. Oct. 22.

The book was written and illustrated by Jonathan Hill.

“Easton was a crossroads for so many things then. The historical society was tired of telling the same stories. We were able to pull from their collected stories, accounts of what things were actually like, and put them together,” says Hill in a phone interview from his home in Portland, Ore.

Hill and Megan van Ravenswaay, Executive Director of the Sigal Museum, attended Savannah College of Art and Design, Savannah, Ga., Hill says.

“We followed each other on social media, and collaborated to pitch the project for the U.S.’s 250th celebration,” says Hill.

Generals, future presidents and battles are not in this book. Instead, the book focuses more on individuals, much of it centered around the 1753 Bachmann Publick House, the oldest building in Northampton County. Hill was not able to visit the house. He worked from photographs.

The framework of “Unheard” has two students traveling back in time to hear the narratives. It can be enjoyed by children and adults.

One chapter tells how the Mennonites lost their land and possessions because they would not sign a loyalty oath to the new republic because their religion forbade it.

The story of Phillis, a slave, tells of her oppression and points out that the Declaration of Independence phrase “all men are created equal” did not apply to everyone.

Quaker Ralph Morden was hanged for helping a loyalist escape to Canada.

The Lenape Teedyuscung describes how his people were cheated by the Walking Purchase.

“We should have a full, 3D vision, looking at history and looking at what is happening today,” says Hill, who specializes in fiction and nonfiction books for elementary to high school readers.

A free copy of the book is available to eighth graders who participate In field trips to Bachmann Publick House in 2026 and 2027.

Free classroom sets of “Unheard: The American Revolution” are available for school libraries.

“A graphic novel is halfway between a book and a movie,” says Hill.

“We are in an age where children and adults’ attention spans are being challenged. A graphic novel can tell the story and make it accessible so readers can piece things together,” Hill says.

With its realistic visual and narrative portrayals, “Unheard” brings the time of the American Revolution to life.

The program is supported by a grant from the A.P. Kirby Foundation, Inc.

“Unheard: The American Revolution: Stories of Ordinary People in Extraordinary Times” can be purchased at the Sigal Museum, 342 Northampton St., Easton, and 1753 Bachmann Publick House, 169 Northampton St., Easton. 610-253-1222; https://sigalmuseum.org/

“Literary Scene” is a column about authors, books and publishing. To request coverage, email: Paul Willistein, Focus editor, pwillistein@tnonline.com