Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This book is truly a classic. The only reason the kids gave it fewer stars is that it was slower than they would have liked it. The ending is moving, though. And the kids found this quote to be profound, igniting a lengthy discussion beyond their years.
There shall be no more tyranny. A handful of men cannot seize power over thousands. A man shall choose who it is shall rule over him. . . . We give all we have, lives, property, safety, skills . . . we fight, we die, for a simple thing. Only that a man can stand up.” ~James Otis
This quote moved me, personally. I want to memorize it.
I asked the kids to tell me their favorite part, and this is what they said:
Durin’s favorite part of the story was the end of the story, but he doesn’t want to spoil it for you by giving specifics. You’ll just have to read it. He also likes the part where a baby calls her daddy “Yankee-doo!” as he extricates himself from a feather bed, where he’d been hiding from the Redcoats.
Lydia’s favorite part of the story was when Rab’s neighbor lady was telling about her lost pig, crying about it. It was hilarious.
Audrey’s favorite part is the book’s telling of the Boston Tea Party. Particularly the description of a bully getting his pants cut off, and being tossed overboard because he was stealing tea.
Dain’s favorite part is the same as Audrey’s. Frankly, he seems to love the parts of any story that serve the purpose of comic relief.
Overall, I’m so glad we got to discover this book together. #homeschoolingwin
The Faery Inn 