Why is My Brother Sam is Dead Challenged

Information for teachers about using the novel My Brother Sam is Dead in the classroom.

My Brother Sam is Dead is challenged by individuals who have not read it. If they read it, they would have a better understanding of it and embrace it.

But that's not the answer you have visited this page for... is it? You want to know how and why the novel earned a top 10 listing on the American Way's most challenged book list in 1996.
The book is challenged because it:

1. Contains profanity: In reaction to being smack in the head by Tim Meeker as she tries to wrestle a letter away from him, Betsy Read shouts "You Little Bastard!"

2. Contains excessive violence: While observing the British army Tim Meeker experiences the horrific beheading of a slave.

3. Mentions alcohol consumption: The Meeker's own a Tavern.

4. Contains unpatriotic views of the American Revolution: The Meeker's are Anglican's.

In response to these challenges let me point out that:

1. The book contains profanity because the authors are trying to provide us with a realistic portrayal of life during the American Revolution. There were conflicting opinions and there were heated discussions, during which, people actually (gasp) swore at each other.

Christopher Collier noted in 1999 that: "When kids ask why we use all the swears in our books, I try to explain that you just can't have soldiers in battle saying "Goll dang it, I've been hit" or "I'm shot, good gracious" Readers know that is not what they said; the story would lose credibility and we would lose readers." He also said, "My brother and I often disagree. But on this one, we do not."

2. The violence Tim experiences is in response to the British troops being fired at. Four individuals take "pot-shots" at the British Troops as they march by. The British respond by rushing the house, subduing the individuals and locking them in the basement. In the process one resists and is decapitated. The British then set the house on fire. This scene is historically correct. It happened, it occurred in Danbury not Redding, but it did happen. The point the authors were making here is that War is Cruel and People Die. While I admit that the beheading is a bit excessive for a children's novel it is not worthy of censor.

3. Alcohol consumption is no reason to censor a novel as important as My Brother Sam is Dead. The Meeker's own and operate a Tavern. And alcohol consumption by all, young and old, is also historically correct. They all drank alcohol, honest, look it up.

4. Contains unpatriotic views of the American Revolution. This one is my personal favorite. When Susannah Meeker states: "Bah, patriotism. Your patriotism has got my husband in prison and one of my children out there in the rain and muck shooting people and likely to be dead any minute, and my business is half ruined. Go sell your patriotism elsewhere, I've had enough of it." she has had it. It's a response anyone of us would have if we were placed in the same position.Susannah Meeker has lost her husband, she's working 24/7 and being paid in currency that is literally worthless, she is Anglican and doesn't want to be in this war to begin with, she fears for her eldest son's life and knows that her youngest son is being deprived of his childhood as he tries to help her keep their business afloat.

The topics covered in this book are important and well represented historically speaking. Christopher Collier was Connecticut's State Historian for a very long time, he knew the issues, the localities, the facts. James Lincoln Collier wrote childrens stories, he knew how to write in a way that captivated the attention of young people. Between the two of them they were very talented. What I love most about My Brother Sam is Dead is it's realism. I was born and raised in Redding, Connecticut. I know it's history well, and can tell you the Collier brothers wove an amazing tale here and it should be embraced not censored.

*Keep in Mind: In 1885, The Public Library of Concord, Massachusetts, banned Huckleberry Finn as "trash suitable only for slums." Censors don't always know best, I urge you to read My Brother Sam is Dead and come up with your own conclusions.

Need help "selling" the novel to your town? email me or call me 860.364.7475