In 'Johnny Tremain', a young silversmith apprentice in colonial Boston faces a life-altering accident that disrupts his ambitions. As he grapples with his new identity and the onset of the American Revolution, he becomes entangled in a world of political intrigue and rebellion. With vivid characters like Paul Revere and Samuel Adams, Johnny must navigate loyalty and courage in turbulent times. His journey from boyhood to adulthood is marked by moments of triumph and tragedy that highlight the quest for freedom. Will Johnny emerge as a hero, or will history swallow him whole?
By Esther Forbes
Published: 1943
"It is not what we have but what we do that defines us."
Johnny Tremain, winner of the 1944 Newbery Medal, is one of the finest historical novels ever written for children. As compelling today as it was seventy years ago, to read this riveting novel is to live through the defining events leading up to the American Revolutionary War. Fourteen-year-old Johnny Tremain, an apprentice silversmith with a bright future ahead of him, injures his hand in a tragic accident, forcing him to look for other work. In his new job as a horse-boy, riding for the patriotic newspaper, The Boston Observer, and as a messenger for the Sons of Liberty, he encounters John Hancock, Samuel Adams, and Dr. Joseph Warren. Soon Johnny is involved in the pivotal events shaping the American Revolution from the Boston Tea Party to the first shots fired at Lexington. Powerful illustrations by American artist Michael McCurdy bring to life Esther Forbes's quintessential novel of the American Revolution.
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“It is not what we have but what we do that defines us.”
Johnny Tremain
By Esther Forbes
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Esther Forbes (1891-1967) was an American author and historian, renowned for her contributions to literature and her ability to weave historical themes into her narratives. Her most notable works include 'Johnny Tremain', a classic novel set during the American Revolution, which won the Newbery Medal in 1944, and 'America's Paul Revere', a biography that captures the life of the famed patriot. Forbes' writing style is characterized by rich historical detail, vivid character development, and a narrative voice that brings the past to life in an accessible manner. Her ability to blend fiction with historical facts has earned her recognition as a significant figure in American children's literature.
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