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.
April 23rd, 2026 Review:
Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers’ Favorite
Waves of Independence by Inga Eissmann Buccella is a historical story that follows the Thyer family across generations, beginning with their ancestors’ dangerous voyage aboard the Mayflower and continuing into colonial life in Cape May, New Jersey. The narrative is told primarily through the voice of Willa Thyer, who reflects on her family’s past while describing her own experiences growing up in the 1700s. The story captures the hardships faced by early settlers, including brutal winters, illness, and the constant struggle to build a stable life in a new land. As the family establishes roots, the focus is on daily colonial life, from farming and fishing to community relationships and religious practices. The book also highlights interactions with Native Americans, showing both cooperation and the gradual displacement of Indigenous people.
Inga Eissmann Buccella's writing style reflects the time period, using formal language and dialogue that mirror colonial speech. This choice gives the story a strong, authentic tone, though it may require readers to adjust to unfamiliar phrasing. The pacing moves steadily, balancing moments of action with quieter scenes that focus on family life and personal reflection. Descriptive passages bring the environment to life, especially in scenes involving the ocean, farmland, and changing seasons. The illustrations enhance the storytelling, offering visual context that complements the narrative. Readers who enjoy historical fiction, particularly stories centered on early American life, will find the book engaging. Waves of Independence’s structure, told through memory and narration, adds a reflective quality that grounds it. Fans of Laura Ingalls Wilder may enjoy the focus on family, survival, and everyday life in a historical setting.
