Independence Month

Independence Month? There is no such month; however, July might very well qualify if one were to be designated. Two of the world’s greatest democracies celebrate their independence in July. Citizens of the United States of America celebrate their freedom from the then tyrannical British Crown on July 4—Independence Day. The people of the French Republic celebrate their freedom from their own abusive monarchy on July 14—Bastille Day.

An understanding of the many events leading up to and occurring during the American Revolution is essential for the middle grade student. Dozens of histories have been written on the subject. As I have mentioned in previous blogs on other subjects, I favor the DK Eyewitness Books as the most engaging way to learn about a particular subject. Their book American Revolution accomplishes the requirement admirably. Not only is it well written, it is beautifully illustrated with contemporary artwork and maps, as well as photographs of pertinent artifacts. Stuart Murray, the author, has reworked the text recently to make it more readable by younger persons. 

Reading history might be considered boring to some middle-grade students, so a more thrilling read is a perfectly acceptable way to introduce young people to the importance of the American Revolution. In my opinion, the best novel ever written on this subject is Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes. Her historical novel won the 1944 Newbery Medal. I read the book when I was a middle-grade student shortly after it was first published. I have read it several times since. The fourteen-year-old protagonist is a messenger for the Sons of Liberty. As such, he meets John Hancock, Samuel Adams, Dr. Joseph Warren, and many other historical personages who helped shape the events of the American Revolution. If you read only one book out of my recommendations in this blog, make it this one.

In my review of middle-grade literature pertinent to the American Revolution, I came across a fascinating book that makes a usually dull subject more enjoyable. We all know the Declaration of Independence proclaimed the reasons for the colonists’ revolt, but the original document presented on a slab of parchment paper makes for some tough reading. Sam Fink has written and illustrated a delightful book entitled, of all things, The Declaration of Independence. He includes the complete text of the Declaration and cleverly illustrates the meaning of the clauses with wonderful drawings. This visual presentation will make for a better understanding of the sometimes-archaic terminology.

The task of identifying books to recommend for Bastille Day was a little more formidable than for the Fourth of July. The details of the French Revolution are not studied in depth in American schools, but I discovered one volume that particularly appealed to me. The French Revolution: The Fall of the Monarchy by John M. Dunn is one of a series of books about History’s Greatest Defeats. The book is concisely written, acquainting the reader with the key facts and the principal participants. The illustrations and the maps make for a comprehensive, yet compact, presentation.

Middle-grade readers may be more interested in learning about the French Revolution by picking up a good piece of fiction. Although it is usually rated for high school readers, I believe the best historical novel on this subject is Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities. The brutality of the revolt will appeal to middle-graders who are enamored with the current dystopian literature. Since it might be difficult for younger readers, there are several abridged versions of the novel. One that should satisfy the curious is A Tale of Two Cities: Dimension Classics Abridged Edition (Illustrated), edited by D W Schlueter and illustrated by Liubou Soltan. It has been abridged to read like a novel rather than a study-guide.

I hope everyone in the United States and France in 2018 have had a great Fourth of July and a grand Bastille Day.

The War That Made America

I am sure the American War of Independence was depicted in our British history books in a very different light from that in which it was reported to American pupils in theirs.  

Whatever the different opinions, the outcome of this war was the same - the eventual emergence of the independent United States of America.

One might say this was the most important war Americans ever fought, and yet in literature it has been overshadowed by the numerous volumes dealing with the Civil War, America's bloodiest war.   I know so little about either.  

'Time to find out a bit more than the bare bones I recall' I thought.  So I've recently finished reading 'Through A Howling Wilderness', by Thomas A. Desjardin.   This is an account of Benedict Arnold's campaign to lead an army through the wilds of Maine towards Québec City, and enlist the disgruntled French residents in overthrowing the British in Québec and eventually all Canada.  Though the book is written for adults, I'd recommend it for reading by a literate middle grade history buff - and there are many of those.

We now live in the province of Québec, and last year drove from north of Montréal to Bar Harbor, Maine.  Once we had left the corrugated streets of Montréal behind, we travelled mile after mile of smooth blacktop, our only view on either side nothing but tall trees or massive cliffs.  As our car climbed and descended the long, steep hills it was easy to imagine the struggles faced by that motley crew of not so long ago.

No modern highway eased their path.  Instead the army of men following Benedict Arnold’s push to Québec City had to fight their way through the dense undergrowth, relying on the accuracy of their scouts and native pathways to lead them to their goal. They faced miserable rain, deep snow, and fierce cold in winter.   Summer was plagued by mosquitoes black flies, and humid heat.  Hunger was a constant, whether from lost or spoiled provisions or barren surroundings.  Attacks from some native, tribes, drunkenness, deserters, and various other misfortunes dogged the expedition.  In the end, despite their determination, they failed to capture Québec City.  

Yet, they had come so close to success. 

Desjardin's work leads me to believe Benedict Arnold was one of the ablest commanders ever to lead an American force.  So why is he portrayed in American history books as a traitor? Here is an ideal opportunity for teachers to start a junior debating club over his reasons for decamping to London; once a reader learns why Colonel Arnold made the decision he did, then he may form an opinion on whether or not that decision was justified.

Dejardin’s work focuses entirely on the viewpoint of those Americans who were bent on independence.  By contrast, in 'Johnny Tremain' Esther Forbes tries to show the reasoning of both those who wanted independence, and the loyalists.

A realistic, entertaining historical fiction story for middle graders, with a little personal mystery and romance for Johnny thrown in, it is a lighter book, and will appeal more to younger readers.

Either of these books could make excellent material for teachers to encourage a  lively classroom discussion on the emergence of the United States of America, with any number of essay possibilities arising. Towards the end of term, as the long summer vacation approaches, it would be fun to combine history with drama and stage a re-enactment of one of the battles.  With due caution on teacher’s part J.

Oldies But Goodies:The American Revolution, 1775-1783 by Mary Louise Sanchez

The American Revolution encompasses many individuals, groups, ideas, and themes in North American history.

Google Images

 

However, students can't drink from a fire hose just like they can't read everything about the American Revolution; but they can read about a few topics in well written historical fiction books.

Google Images

Each year the National History Day Project suggests a theme for study; and they also advise that students narrow their topics within the theme. 

Here are some narrow topic ideas suggested for the 2012 National History Day Theme: Revolution, Reaction, and Reform in History.

Reforms before the war: Stamp Act, Sugar Act, Intolerable Acts

Reactions before the war: Boston Tea Party, Sons of Liberty

Reforms after the war: Constitution replaces Articles of Confederation

Reactions after the war: Shays' Rebellion, British reaction to loss

The "Oldie But Goodie" historical fiction books below also narrow the scope of the American Revolution into manageable bites. Students can learn causes and effects of a singular event. They can learn what led to the revolution (politically, socially, economically, and militarily), and what the effect was on its participants. They could also learn why the event was revolutionary.

Because the American Revolution is studied in school, many book rooms have multiple copies of various books about the American Revolution. Since students like to delve into subjects where they have some choice, perhaps the school librarian or classroom teacher could present the topics included in the books, and let the students choose the topics that most interest them about the American Revolution.

 What topic about the American Revolution would you most like to explore in an historical fiction book?

Avi. The Fighting Ground. Harper Collins,1984. 160 pages.  ISBN 0-397-32074. Grades 4 and up.

Thirteen-year-old Jonathon has a romantic image of the war taking place near his New Jersey home in 1778. He disobeys his father and joins some townspeople to fight for the patriot cause. The fight lasts one day and minute by minute we see Jonathon's reaction to war from his problems carrying and loading the heavy gun; getting captured by the Hessians; and encountering a murdered husband and wife who have left their young son orphaned. Jonathon later learns the family was French and that makes him question who was responsible for the murder. Scott O'Dell Award (1985); NCSS/CBC Notable 1984 Children's Trade Book in Social Studies.

Goodreads Image

Collier, James Lincoln and Christopher Collier. My Brother Sam is Dead. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 1984. Newbery Honor (1974). Tim Meeker's brother Sam has joined the American Revolution and Tim's father supports the British. Now Tim must make a choice between the Revolutionaries and the Red Coats.

Goodreads Image

Fast, Howard. April Morning. Crown, 1961. 

A fifteen-year-old boy joins his town's militia when his father is killed and the British are marching on his town. April 18, 1775, The Battle of Lexington changes one boy's life and a nation's history. 

Goodreads Image

Forbes, Esther. Johnny Tremain. Houghton, 1943. Dell, 1995. ISBN 0-440-44250-8. 272 pages. Grades 5 and up.

Johnny Tremain is a silversmith's apprentice in Boston. Another apprentice, jealous of Johnny's skill, causes him to be terribly burned by molten silver. Because of his shriveled hand, Johnny must find other work. As a rider for the Boston Observer, Johnny becomes interested in the Revolution and participates in the Boston Tea Party and other revolutionary acts. He also learns to accept himself, wounds and all.

Goodreads Image