Dear Parents:
We will soon be studying the Revolutionary War in 5th grade. During this time, your child will be reading a novel written by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier called My Brother Sam is Dead. I would like to share some information on this book with you.
Growing up and making sense of who you are and how you fit into the world around you is a big task for any teenager. Getting along with parents, brothers, sisters, and friends, and attempting to assume the responsibilities of adulthood while still obeying your parents are examples of the challenges of being a teenager. Put these familiar “growing pains” into the setting of a family torn by the American Revolution, and you have a firsthand view of Tim Meeker’s very troubled adolescence. It is during this time that Tim tries to understand conflict that raises the issue of loyalty within himself, his family, and his country.
My Brother Sam is Dead is a winner of many literary awards. Among these are: The Newberry Honor Book, Notable Children’s, National Book Award Nominee, and Horn Book Fanfare. This book is often recommended as part of a Social Studies curriculum while studying the American Revolution.
This book is historical fiction in genre, which has distinguishing features including: a setting in a time from the past; a re-creation of the spirit of an historical era; the use of fictional characters and, occasionally, a real historical parsonage; the use of invented dialogue that reflects the way people spoke at the time; and a plot based on the experiences and events of the period.
I have emphasized to my students that the language used by the characters in the book does reflect the era, but does not mean that we are condoning the use of it in our everyday speech. If you have any concerns or would like to read a copy of the book, please feel free to contact me at school at xxx-xxxx or email _____
Sincerely,
Parent Signature_________________________________________________
For more information, analysis and online quizzes:
The My Brother Sam is Dead Study Guide is available via Amazon.com's Kindle edition.
Or visit my website: http://mybrothersamisdead.historyofredding.com/
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Love and Marriage During the American Revolution
Farmer's livestock was not the only object of the visiting soldier's desires while they were encamped in Redding CT during the Winter of 1778-79.
Below are some entries in the parish records that prove that "amid the horrors of war sly cupid found a chance to inflict his wounds". They are given as entered by the Rev. Nathaniel Bartlett:
Feb. 7, 1779. I joined together in marriage James Gibbons, a soldier in the army, and Ann Sullivan.
March 18, 1779. I joined together in marriage John Lines, a soldier in the army, and Mary Hendrick.
March 30, 1779. I joined together in marriage Daniel Evarts, a soldier in the army, and Mary Rowland.
April 15, 1779. I joined together in marriage Isaac Olmsted, a soldier in the army, and Mary Parsons.
April 28, 1779. I joined together in marriage Jesse Belknap, an artificer in the army, and Eunice Hall.
May 4, 1779. I joined together in marriage William Little, steward to Gen. Parsons, and Phebe Merchant.
May 23, 1779. I joined together in marriage Giles Gilbert, an artificer in the army, and Deborah Hall.
March 9, 1780. I joined together in marriage William Darrow, a soldier in the army, and Ruth Bartram.
Below are some entries in the parish records that prove that "amid the horrors of war sly cupid found a chance to inflict his wounds". They are given as entered by the Rev. Nathaniel Bartlett:
Feb. 7, 1779. I joined together in marriage James Gibbons, a soldier in the army, and Ann Sullivan.
March 18, 1779. I joined together in marriage John Lines, a soldier in the army, and Mary Hendrick.
March 30, 1779. I joined together in marriage Daniel Evarts, a soldier in the army, and Mary Rowland.
April 15, 1779. I joined together in marriage Isaac Olmsted, a soldier in the army, and Mary Parsons.
April 28, 1779. I joined together in marriage Jesse Belknap, an artificer in the army, and Eunice Hall.
May 4, 1779. I joined together in marriage William Little, steward to Gen. Parsons, and Phebe Merchant.
May 23, 1779. I joined together in marriage Giles Gilbert, an artificer in the army, and Deborah Hall.
March 9, 1780. I joined together in marriage William Darrow, a soldier in the army, and Ruth Bartram.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
William Heron
General Parsons, in a letter to George Washington, dated April 6, 1782:
"I forgot to mention the name of Mr. William Heron of Redding, who has for several years had opportunities of informing himself of the state of the enemy, their designs and intentions, with more certainty and precision than most men who have been employed.
He is a native of Ireland, a man of very large knowledge and a great share of natural sagacity, united with a sound judgment, but of as unmeaning a countenance as any person in my acquaintance. With this appearance he is as little suspected as any man can be.
An officer in the department of the Adjutant General is a countryman and a very intimate acquaintance of Mr. Heron, through which channel he has been able frequently to obtain important and very interesting intelligence. He has frequently brought me the most accurate descriptions of the posts occupied by the enemy, and more rational accounts of their numbers, strength and design than I have been able to obtain in any other way.
As to his character, I know him to be a consistent national Whig; he is always in the field in any alarm and has in every trial proved himself a man of bravery. He has a family and a considerable interest in the measures of the country. In opposition to this his enemies suggest that he carries on illicit trade with the enemy, but I have lived two years next door to him and am fully convinced he has never had a single article of any kind for sale during that time.
I know many persons of more exalted character are also accused; none more than Governor Trumbull, nor with less reason. I believe the Governor and Mr. Heron as clear of this business as I am, and I know myself to be totally free from every thing which has the least connection with that commerce."
When the army lay in Redding in the winter of 1778-9, General Parsons' headquarters were at Esquire Stephen Betts' tavern, on Redding Ridge, diagonally across the street from William Heron's modest dwelling.
It was then in all probability that the two men first met and formed those intimate relations which led Parsons later to recommend Heron to Washington (see letter above) as one of the most promising of their secret service emissaries.
Together during that winter the two men concocted a plot to outwit the British Commanders. To the Whigs Heron was to remain a Whig. To the Tories, then very numerous on Redding Ridge, he was to go privately and acquaint them with the fact that he was an emissary of the British Commander, and secretly acting as such. An occasion offered he was to slip down to the British camp in New York, see and hear all that Parsons and the patriot chief would wish to know, return and report. When he could not go himself, he was to send, his favorite messenger being it said, the gigantic Mohawk Tom Warrups. The way he gained the British lines was to ride to Fairfield, leave his horse with a Tory there, cross the sound to Huntington on Long Island, or an adjacent part, and thence make his way into the enemy's lines at New York.
For more on William Heron and other real people fictionalized in the historical fiction novel- My Brother Sam is Dead, visit my website: http://mybrothersamisdead.historyofredding.com/
Saturday, February 11, 2012
My Brother Sam is Dead Summary
My Brother Sam is Dead Short Summary & Topics
My Brother Sam is Dead is told in the first person by Tim Meeker. When Tim's older brother Sam joins the rebel forces, it impacts the rest of his family who wish to remain neutral and/or avoid war with England. Tim's family is Anglican and thus loyal to the Church of England; as a split with England would greatly affect them.
Tim Meeker is a metaphoric symbol of one third of the American population during the war. He portrays the American that is uncertain which side is right and does not wish to choose a side until forced to, sometimes referred to as a "fence-sitter". Sam and Life are examples of the other two thirds: the Rebel/Patriot and the Tory/Loyalist.
Through Tim Meeker we learn of the issues, the concerns and the conflicts of the rebellion on a personal level. Each chapter touches on a number of topics and issues that provide readers with a better understanding of the affects the American Revolution had on individuals, their families, their churches, their towns, their neighbors...in short, it allows readers to see the war from the position of those that lived through it. This is one of the greatest strengths of the novel; it quietly weaves all of the topics and issues of the early years of the American Revolution into a tragic story of a 10 year old boy’s role in a war he doesn't understand.
My Brother Sam is Dead begins in April 1775 and ends in February 1779...a very volatile period of the American Revolution as it was not clear which side would win the war. Many were either still confused about the issues or unwilling to solidify a position on the issues. As the story unfolds the consequences of the war prove devastating to the Meeker family as the rebelliousness of Tim’s brother, Sam, and the pacifist position taken by Tim’s father, Life, result in the ironic deaths of both, symbolizing the atrocities and unfairness of war.
The novel highlights many of the problems and events that impacted towns like Redding, CT. Several of these topics are:
* Trying to stay neutral while living in a town that everyone assumes is a loyalist settlement. Redding's Anglican Church leader and its members preferred not to rebel from England. This was well known across the State and resulted in Redding Ridge being labeled as an area heavily settled with loyalists/tories.
* Currency Issues-The Meeker's own a tavern/store, and keeping it running is hard work. Even prior to the Revolution, to make money, each year Tim's Father and brother Sam would travel to New York State to sell cattle they received from people who owed them money. During the war it becomes even more difficult as paper money and commissionary notes destroy local economies and businesses.
* Sacrifices- Since Sam has sided with the rebels and wasn't there, Tim's responsibilities have increased ten-fold. Jobs Tim and Sam used to share all now fall on Tim's shoulders. Father (Life) takes Tim on his yearly cattle run to New York. They have to travel without a Brown Bess (musket/gun used for protection), which Sam had recently stolen. Life is captured on their return trip, leaving Tim to take care of his mother and himself for the rest of the novel. Tim is forced to grow up over night seeing he is now the man of the house, with his father in prison and Sam fighting with the patriots.
* Committees of Safety- These committees were formed early in the war to disarm people who could potentially give aid to the British. Life is an Anglican and thus seen as a Loyalist/Tory, by the local Committee of Safety which comes to the Meeker Tavern to disarm him. When Life tells them his son has sided with the Patriots and taken his gun, they initially don't believe him and rough him up.
* Cowboys and Skinners- Life is captured on their way back to Redding on their cattle run by cowboys. Cowboys and skinners were groups of raiders who harassed and plundered the rural districts of the boundary between American and British forces in Westchester County, New York. Westchester County, was the so-called "Neutral Ground" seeing the British were in the Bronx and the Americans in Peekskill, New York.
* The British march though Redding and capture several Patriots there on their way to Danbury, CT to destroy the rebels/Patriot's provisions of war which were being stored there. The Patriot soldiers arrive in Redding in pursuit of the British and Sam is with them so he gets to see his mother and Tim again.
* Winter Encampments- General Israel Putnam's division of the Continental Army encamped at Redding in the winter of 1778-1779 and Sam Meeker is a soldier in one of Putnam’s camps. One evening, Sam slips away from camp and returns home to spend time with his family. While they discuss the war and related topics, Sam hears commotion outside…Patriot soldiers are attempting to steal their cattle! When Sam intervenes he is out numbered and beaten. Back at camp he is falsely accused of and court-martialed for deserting camp and stealing cattle. General Putnam having long dealt with ill-equipped troops, deserters and traitors, feels he needs to set an example in order to maintain discipline amongst his army. Sam, unfortunately, becomes one of the two examples that winter, and is executed.
* Hardships of War- Both Life and Sam Meeker die in the novel. Tim's Mother goes a little crazy due to the stress of losing her husband and son to a war she doesn't support. Tim survives the novel and lives to be very old. He had a wife, children, even grandchildren. But his mother never recovers from Life and Sam's deaths.
For more information, analysis and online quizzes:
The My Brother Sam is Dead Study Guide is available via Amazon.com's Kindle edition.
Or visit my website: http://mybrothersamisdead.historyofredding.com/
My Brother Sam is Dead is told in the first person by Tim Meeker. When Tim's older brother Sam joins the rebel forces, it impacts the rest of his family who wish to remain neutral and/or avoid war with England. Tim's family is Anglican and thus loyal to the Church of England; as a split with England would greatly affect them.
Tim Meeker is a metaphoric symbol of one third of the American population during the war. He portrays the American that is uncertain which side is right and does not wish to choose a side until forced to, sometimes referred to as a "fence-sitter". Sam and Life are examples of the other two thirds: the Rebel/Patriot and the Tory/Loyalist.
Through Tim Meeker we learn of the issues, the concerns and the conflicts of the rebellion on a personal level. Each chapter touches on a number of topics and issues that provide readers with a better understanding of the affects the American Revolution had on individuals, their families, their churches, their towns, their neighbors...in short, it allows readers to see the war from the position of those that lived through it. This is one of the greatest strengths of the novel; it quietly weaves all of the topics and issues of the early years of the American Revolution into a tragic story of a 10 year old boy’s role in a war he doesn't understand.
My Brother Sam is Dead begins in April 1775 and ends in February 1779...a very volatile period of the American Revolution as it was not clear which side would win the war. Many were either still confused about the issues or unwilling to solidify a position on the issues. As the story unfolds the consequences of the war prove devastating to the Meeker family as the rebelliousness of Tim’s brother, Sam, and the pacifist position taken by Tim’s father, Life, result in the ironic deaths of both, symbolizing the atrocities and unfairness of war.
The novel highlights many of the problems and events that impacted towns like Redding, CT. Several of these topics are:
* Trying to stay neutral while living in a town that everyone assumes is a loyalist settlement. Redding's Anglican Church leader and its members preferred not to rebel from England. This was well known across the State and resulted in Redding Ridge being labeled as an area heavily settled with loyalists/tories.
* Currency Issues-The Meeker's own a tavern/store, and keeping it running is hard work. Even prior to the Revolution, to make money, each year Tim's Father and brother Sam would travel to New York State to sell cattle they received from people who owed them money. During the war it becomes even more difficult as paper money and commissionary notes destroy local economies and businesses.
* Sacrifices- Since Sam has sided with the rebels and wasn't there, Tim's responsibilities have increased ten-fold. Jobs Tim and Sam used to share all now fall on Tim's shoulders. Father (Life) takes Tim on his yearly cattle run to New York. They have to travel without a Brown Bess (musket/gun used for protection), which Sam had recently stolen. Life is captured on their return trip, leaving Tim to take care of his mother and himself for the rest of the novel. Tim is forced to grow up over night seeing he is now the man of the house, with his father in prison and Sam fighting with the patriots.
* Committees of Safety- These committees were formed early in the war to disarm people who could potentially give aid to the British. Life is an Anglican and thus seen as a Loyalist/Tory, by the local Committee of Safety which comes to the Meeker Tavern to disarm him. When Life tells them his son has sided with the Patriots and taken his gun, they initially don't believe him and rough him up.
* Cowboys and Skinners- Life is captured on their way back to Redding on their cattle run by cowboys. Cowboys and skinners were groups of raiders who harassed and plundered the rural districts of the boundary between American and British forces in Westchester County, New York. Westchester County, was the so-called "Neutral Ground" seeing the British were in the Bronx and the Americans in Peekskill, New York.
* The British march though Redding and capture several Patriots there on their way to Danbury, CT to destroy the rebels/Patriot's provisions of war which were being stored there. The Patriot soldiers arrive in Redding in pursuit of the British and Sam is with them so he gets to see his mother and Tim again.
* Winter Encampments- General Israel Putnam's division of the Continental Army encamped at Redding in the winter of 1778-1779 and Sam Meeker is a soldier in one of Putnam’s camps. One evening, Sam slips away from camp and returns home to spend time with his family. While they discuss the war and related topics, Sam hears commotion outside…Patriot soldiers are attempting to steal their cattle! When Sam intervenes he is out numbered and beaten. Back at camp he is falsely accused of and court-martialed for deserting camp and stealing cattle. General Putnam having long dealt with ill-equipped troops, deserters and traitors, feels he needs to set an example in order to maintain discipline amongst his army. Sam, unfortunately, becomes one of the two examples that winter, and is executed.
* Hardships of War- Both Life and Sam Meeker die in the novel. Tim's Mother goes a little crazy due to the stress of losing her husband and son to a war she doesn't support. Tim survives the novel and lives to be very old. He had a wife, children, even grandchildren. But his mother never recovers from Life and Sam's deaths.
For more information, analysis and online quizzes:
The My Brother Sam is Dead Study Guide is available via Amazon.com's Kindle edition.
Or visit my website: http://mybrothersamisdead.historyofredding.com/
Friday, February 10, 2012
George Washington's Concerns in the Winter of 1779
From September 20 to November 28, 1778 George Washington, his generals and army of 13,000 were located in or around Fredericksburg, (the towns of Pawling and Patterson, New York) with the John Kane house serving as headquarters. From here emanated George Washington’s strategy of “observing and containing” the British in New York City.
Washington's plan involved placing troops in somewhat of a crescent formation above the British in New York City from the Hudson River to Redding, Connecticut. From these locations they could support the important fortress of West Point, intimidate the plundering Cowboys and Skinners of Westchester County, and cover the action along the coastal towns on Long Island Sound. It was a sound plan and very well thought out, however, it was what he did not count on that caused him great concern during the Winter of 1779:
The lack of clothing available for his troops and difficulty getting food to the encampments due to poor weather and the resultant roadway conditions.
George Washington to Deputy Clothier Gen. George Measam , January 8, 1779
"It has been represented to me that the troops of Connecticut are in great want of Shirts, Stockings and Shoes. This leads me to inquire of you whether they have not received their proportion of these Articles in common with the rest of the Army. The troops in general have obtained orders for a Shirt and pair of Stockings per man and a pair of Shoes to each that wanted. If the Connecticut Troops have not been furnished … you will on receiving proper Returns for that purpose supply them in conformity to this Rule."
George Washington to the Board of War, January 9, 1779
"Sir: I have the honor. of yours of the 7th. instant. As there is not probably a sufficiency of Mittens for the whole Army, a partial distribution would occasion uneasiness among those who were not supplied. Instead therefore of a general delivery, I should think it better to have them lodged with the Clothiers attending the Army to be delivered out occasionally to detachments going upon a duty that will expose them to the inclemency of the Weather."
Food was also an Issue
The journals of private Joseph Plumb Martin (stationed with the 8th Connecticut in Parsons' middle camp) shows the desperate lack of food and poor weather conditions endured by the troops throughout January:
"We settled in our winter quarters at the commencement of the new year and went on in our old Continental Line of starving and freezing. We now and then got a little bad bread and salt beef (I believe chiefly horse-beef for it was generally thought to be such at the time). The month of January was very stormy, a good deal of snow fell, and in such weather it was mere chance if we got anything at all to eat."
Given the conditions, it is difficult to blame the soldiers that took matters into their own hands and ventured out of camp in search of provisions. The citizens of Redding, did not see things this way, those who initially felt quite honored by the selection of their town for the army's winter quarters, soon grew tired of soldiers looting their livestock. The soldiers position was that they were the one's fighting the country's battles and plundering the neighboring farms was within their rights as men of war. To them a well-stocked poultry yard, a pen of fat porkers or field of healthy heifers offered irresistible cuisine when compared to the horse-beef they were being offered back at camp. After a time, however, the wary farmers foiled the looters by storing their livestock over night in the cellars of their houses and in other secure places.
This was an issue throughout the war and the letter below shows that George Washington was aware of it. It also highlights why looting was difficult to stop, as looters could claim they had confiscated the provisions because they were in danger of being sold to the British.
To Major General Israel Putnam, From George Washington, Philadelphia, December 26, 1778.
"I have not a Copy of your instructions with me, but if my memory serves me, I was as full in my directions respecting the conduct of Officers who shall be sent upon the lines as I possibly can be. The Officer must determine from all circumstances, whether Cattle or any species of provision found near the lines are in danger of falling into the hands of the Enemy, or are carried there with an intent to supply them. If it is thought necessary to bring them off, they must be reported and disposed of as directed by your instructions.
I was very particular upon that Head, because I know that great Acts of Injustice have been committed by Officers, under pretence that provision and other kinds of property were intended for the Use of the Enemy. I would recommend the bringing off as much Forage as possible but I would not advise the destruction of what we cannot remove. I think your plan of sending out a large party under the command of a Field Officer and making detachments from thence, a good one; and if you and General McDougall can agree upon a cooperation of your parties I think many advantages will result from the measure. You may agree upon the mode of effecting this, between yourselves."
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Best Education E-books Featuring History
I am very proud and happy to announce that my e-book:
Chapter by Chapter Summary & Analysis of My Brother Sam is Dead (Brent M. Colley's Guide to My Brother Sam is Dead)
Is currently the #4 selling paid e-book on Amazon Kindle's Best Sellers in Education History List.
Thank you to all who have promoted it and helped me get this far. If you have read this e-book and it has been helpful- please consider writing a positive review for me. That would really help my efforts and get these e-books in front of more teachers and parents.
I created these e-books because I have seen children react positively to this novel and learn a great deal from it. I think that it is important that teachers and parents understand the topics that are woven into each chapter so that they can help their students and children get all they can out of it.
The impact of a historical novel on students cannot be minimized. If students respond positively to a good historical novel, they might:
a. be motivated to research the novelist's use of historical data.
b. they might begin to discern the novelist's biases and
c. they might decide to search for historical data to support or contradict the point of view expressed by the author.
or
d. find history interesting.
Chapter by Chapter Summary & Analysis of My Brother Sam is Dead (Brent M. Colley's Guide to My Brother Sam is Dead)
Is currently the #4 selling paid e-book on Amazon Kindle's Best Sellers in Education History List.
Thank you to all who have promoted it and helped me get this far. If you have read this e-book and it has been helpful- please consider writing a positive review for me. That would really help my efforts and get these e-books in front of more teachers and parents.
I created these e-books because I have seen children react positively to this novel and learn a great deal from it. I think that it is important that teachers and parents understand the topics that are woven into each chapter so that they can help their students and children get all they can out of it.
The impact of a historical novel on students cannot be minimized. If students respond positively to a good historical novel, they might:
a. be motivated to research the novelist's use of historical data.
b. they might begin to discern the novelist's biases and
c. they might decide to search for historical data to support or contradict the point of view expressed by the author.
or
d. find history interesting.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Why is My Brother Sam is Dead Challenged?
My Brother Sam is Dead is usually challenged by individuals who have not personally read the novel. If they read it, they’d realize that the authors have woven important topics into each of the novels chapters and they’d embrace it as the magnificent teaching tool it truly is.
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:
A). 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!"
B). Contains excessive violence: While observing the British army Tim Meeker experiences the horrific beheading of a slave.
C). Mentions alcohol consumption: The Meeker's own a Tavern.
D). Contains unpatriotic views of the American Revolution: The Meeker's are Anglican's.
In response to these challenges let me point out that:
A). 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.
B). 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 worth censoring the entire novel over it.
C). Mentioning 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, within that time period, is also historically correct.
D). 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:
1. lost her husband to the war
2. she's working 24/7 and being paid in currency that is literally worthless unless the Patriot win the war
3. she is Anglican and doesn't want to be in this war to begin with
4. 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 children’s 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 its realism. I was born and raised in Redding, Connecticut. I know its history well, and can tell you the Collier brothers wove an amazing tale here and it should be embraced not censored.
My Brother Sam is Dead is a winner of many literary awards. Among these are: The Newberry Honor Book, Notable Children’s, National Book Award Nominee, and Horn Book Fanfare. This book is often recommended as part of a Social Studies curriculum while studying the American Revolution.
Have a look at these Banned and Challenged Classics and you'll realize that the censors aren't always correct.
I suggest you read the book and use my online resources to better understand the topics woven into the novel.
For more notes and background information on the historical fiction novel- My Brother Sam is Dead, visit my online resources or purchase an e-book.
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:
A). 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!"
B). Contains excessive violence: While observing the British army Tim Meeker experiences the horrific beheading of a slave.
C). Mentions alcohol consumption: The Meeker's own a Tavern.
D). Contains unpatriotic views of the American Revolution: The Meeker's are Anglican's.
In response to these challenges let me point out that:
A). 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.
B). 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 worth censoring the entire novel over it.
C). Mentioning 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, within that time period, is also historically correct.
D). 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:
1. lost her husband to the war
2. she's working 24/7 and being paid in currency that is literally worthless unless the Patriot win the war
3. she is Anglican and doesn't want to be in this war to begin with
4. 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 children’s 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 its realism. I was born and raised in Redding, Connecticut. I know its history well, and can tell you the Collier brothers wove an amazing tale here and it should be embraced not censored.
My Brother Sam is Dead is a winner of many literary awards. Among these are: The Newberry Honor Book, Notable Children’s, National Book Award Nominee, and Horn Book Fanfare. This book is often recommended as part of a Social Studies curriculum while studying the American Revolution.
Have a look at these Banned and Challenged Classics and you'll realize that the censors aren't always correct.
I suggest you read the book and use my online resources to better understand the topics woven into the novel.
For more notes and background information on the historical fiction novel- My Brother Sam is Dead, visit my online resources or purchase an e-book.
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