Reviews

Johnny Tremain by Lynd Ward, Esther Forbes

maximum_moxie's review

3.0

A much more readable book than I expected, given the text’s age and my childhood experiences with this kind of historical fiction. The book is well-paced and most of the (male) characters carried my interest. But the book’s faults, tied to its time period and the author’s desire to connect the Revolution to her own WWII world, are evident: black people are unintelligent bit players, women are valuable as domestic lynchpins but not much else, and anyone fat/disabled seems automatically suspect or symbolic of impotence or weakness. More to the point, the Revolution is envisioned as an inevitability rather than a result of history’s chances, something which from the beginning is tied to freedom for everyone everywhere even as enslaved people and women (who are never going to enjoy the same freedom) toil in the background. As an adult, I found these flaws less infuriating than interesting to pick apart, as they show how “objective history” is nothing of the kind. But the fact this book, as fascinating a time capsule as it is, is still some children’s main exposure to the Revolution is concerning, especially if these structural issues aren’t addressed by teachers.

cdjdhj's review

4.0

We enjoyed reading this book as a family during our (almost) nightly "Family Reading Time." I think we all learned a lot about the Revolutionary War time period and it sparked an interest in my ancestor, Seba Bebee, who fought in that war. The most important thing about this book, however, is the good memories of spending a few minutes in the evening with my husband and youngest son, reading the scriptures and then taking turns reading pages from Johnny Tremain and discussing them. We have now selected our second book to read as a family so I am hoping the tradition will continue and become something that Josh does with his own family some day.

lirael's review

adventurous medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

midwifereading's review

3.0

This book is truly a classic. The only reason the kids gave it fewer stars is that it was slower than they would have liked it. The ending is moving, though. And the kids found this quote to be profound, igniting a lengthy discussion beyond their years.

There shall be no more tyranny. A handful of men cannot seize power over thousands. A man shall choose who it is shall rule over him. . . . We give all we have, lives, property, safety, skills . . . we fight, we die, for a simple thing. Only that a man can stand up." ~James Otis

This quote moved me, personally. I want to memorize it.

I asked the kids to tell me their favorite part, and this is what they said:

Durin's favorite part of the story was the end of the story, but he doesn't want to spoil it for you by giving specifics. You'll just have to read it. He also likes the part where a baby calls her daddy "Yankee-doo!" as he extricates himself from a feather bed, where he'd been hiding from the Redcoats.

Lydia's favorite part of the story was when Rab's neighbor lady was telling about her lost pig, crying about it. It was hilarious.

Audrey's favorite part is the book's telling of the Boston Tea Party. Particularly the description of a bully getting his pants cut off, and being tossed overboard because he was stealing tea.

Dain's favorite part is the same as Audrey's. Frankly, he seems to love the parts of any story that serve the purpose of comic relief.

Overall, I'm so glad we got to discover this book together. #homeschoolingwin

votesforwomen's review

5.0

How in the world did I only give this three stars before? This book was pretty much perfect.




I have recently learned that this author was my great-grandmother's college roommate.

My desire to reread has very much intensified.

reganbee05's review

adventurous emotional tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

roseleaf24's review

Medal Winner 1944

duchessofreadin's review

5.0

Johnny Tremain is the apprentice to a silversmith in Boston, and he is very proud of his work. He knows that he is the best apprentice in the area, and many people are trying to get him to come and work for them. One day while pouring silver, the crucible that he is using busts, and he is unable to continue as an apprentice. As he wanders aimlessly through the town, he wonders what will become of him. But he also makes friends with Rab.
As things in Boston begin to heat up with the start of the American Revolution, Johnny is fixing to learn that crippled hand or not, he can make a difference..

This was a great book and one that kids will enjoy! History without being boring, and a good story line to go along with it! I highly recommend this one!

miriammaddox16's review

1.0

I read this book for school and found it quite dull and boring. Of course seeing that I read it for a school assignment, we read very slowly, much slower than I usually read. But other than that, the book was very terrible.

katherinebriggs's review

5.0

I enjoyed this journey to the roots of the American Revolution. Each character felt so real!