Bibliographic Information:
Forbes, E., & Ward, L. (1943). Johnny Tremain: a novel for old & young. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company.
Readability Level: 5.3
Audience Level: Grades 5-8
Suggested Delivery: independent or group read
Summary: "The Year: 1773. The place: Boston. Johnny Tremain is fourteen and apprenticed to a silversmith. He is gifted and lords his skills over the other apprentices, until one day his hand is horribly burned by molten silver. Johnny’s dreams of silversmithing are over. A depressed Johnny finds work as a dispatch rider for the Committee of Public Safety, a job that brings him in touch with Boston patriots—and the excitement that will lead to the Tea Party and the Battle of Lexington."
-Amazon.com
Forbes, E., & Ward, L. (1943). Johnny Tremain: a novel for old & young. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company.
Readability Level: 5.3
Audience Level: Grades 5-8
Suggested Delivery: independent or group read
Summary: "The Year: 1773. The place: Boston. Johnny Tremain is fourteen and apprenticed to a silversmith. He is gifted and lords his skills over the other apprentices, until one day his hand is horribly burned by molten silver. Johnny’s dreams of silversmithing are over. A depressed Johnny finds work as a dispatch rider for the Committee of Public Safety, a job that brings him in touch with Boston patriots—and the excitement that will lead to the Tea Party and the Battle of Lexington."
-Amazon.com
Curriculum Connections:
Taken from Teacher Created Materials
Taken from Teacher Created Materials
- Throughout the novel, there are many brave characters. Who do you think was the bravest? Give reasons for your choice.
- Esther Forbes' book gives readers a glimpse of colonial Boston just before the Revolutionary War. The author spent many hours doing research. She wanted her book to depict the everday lives of the colonists, as well as give glowing historical events. Travel back in time to 18th-century Boston. Choose a character you'd like to portray and research his or her occupation. What tools and clothing did the work require? What conversations might have taken place? How much money could the person earn? Would he/she live in an elegant house or in a small cottage? After you have completed your research, play the role. Be creative! Put on your costume and tell the class what you have learned from your studies.
- Esther Forbes' novel ends with these words: "Rab had died. Hundreds would die, but not the thing they died for." The patriots believed so strongly in America's ideals that they were willing to die for them. They truly loved their country! There are many ways to show your love for America. Work in groups of three, four, or five. List some ways to show your love for America. When you have developed your slate of ideas, share them with the rest of the class. Next, compile a class list to see how many different ways you can show your love for America! As a class project, carry out the idea - or one idea each day.