By Esther Forbes
Book Summary:
“Johnny Tremain” is the 1944 winner of the Newbery Award. Johnny has an apprenticeship with a
silversmith, but a horrible accident burning his hand changes his occupation
and his life. Finding a job in a
printing shop, he finds camaraderie and direction in assisting with the cause
for independence during the pre-Revolutionary time.
APA Reference:
Forbes, E. (1443/1969). Johnny Tremain. (3rd ed.). Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Company.
My Impressions:
This well-known story is a
classic which stands the test of time, blending timeless difficulties,
interests, and causes. Historic events
and figures are intermingled with the problems Johnny solves. The accident as a silversmith’s apprentice
left him without a secure future.
Swimming was the only activity where Johnny felt “normal.” He ended up working at a printing press and
becoming involved in political escapades.
His friend Rab was a role-model for Johnny and the two had great
adventures, including assisting with the infamous Boston Tea Party. The story ends on a happy note when Johnny not
only solves the mystery of the missing cup, but has his hand and self-esteem
restored.
Johnny Tremain is not a fast-paced story as
popular novels are today, but the historical value of this fictionalized story
makes this a worthwhile read.
Professional Review:
Although dry by today’s standards, Johnny Tremain gives a look into the
past with positive messages. This educational,
“well told tale” presents opportunities for discussion and interest in our
nation’s governmental foundations and historical events. Recommended for middle-school children aged
11 years.
Docherty, J. (n.d.). [Review of the
book Johnny Tremain by E. Forbes]. Common
Sense Media. Retrieved from
http://www.commonsensemedia.org/.
Book Week compares Johnny Tremain to “Jim
Hawkins, Huck Finn and other young immortals" as author, Esther Forbs
portrays the young protagonist “with such sympathy and insight…
[Review
of the book Johnny Tremain by E. Forbes].
(n.d.) Book Week. Retrieved from
http://www.amazon.com/.
Library Uses:
Reading this historical
fiction story in a middle school classroom can supplement history lessons,
showing young students life as it was in pre-Revolutionary America in the
1700’s. Discussion on lifestyles during
this era allows creation of book reports, posters, plays, shadow boxes, or
other creative classroom activities.
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