In the Middle of Johnny Tremain

My children and I are currently reading Johnny Tremain. We are loving the book. (Of coarse, what book don't we love.) Johnny is on the eve of the Boston Tea Party, 16 December 1773. Although, I love the colorful interactions between the protagonist and supporting characters as they illustrate, with words, the struggle of the Whigs and Tories at the commencement of the American Revolution. It is great to share a historical fiction with my children and know the excitement of the writing teaches the concepts and events of the America's struggle for freedom far better than I can, even though my heart swells with gratitude as I think of the patriots, both male and female. These stories invigorate the mind, inspire questions and stimulate the desire for more information. It is, probably, the most wonderful turn of events in reading with and to children, whatever their ages.

In the book Johnny Tremain, Johnny, the protagonist, is confronted early with his Achilles Heal. Pride. The designs for his life are uprooted and rearranged for something else. Possibly something greater! But, he has to face down the seeds of bitterness his pride plants in his heart. Luckily, the author inserts a wonderful supporting character and mentor in Rab. A character that teaches Johnny but shares brilliant lessons for the reader and teacher without sounding preachy or talking down to Johnny or the reader. He confronts Johnny's poor demeanor in a very kind, simple and straightforward way. It gave pause for my children and I to discuss the matter.

Johnny struggled with going off "half-cocked." Not only were we able to discuss the term and what it meant but discuss how there are times when we all face the same struggle. My eldest son struggles mercilessly with his temper. It has come to be a habit to always jump to an extreme with his siblings. He usually chooses frustration, anger or hurt. I cannot even begin to tell you how much he has improved but it is still quite the struggle for him. The book provide a great illustration of how a change in behavior creates positive consequences and opens doors for Johnny. Johnny expressed his gratitude too.

My children even commented that if there Mother was alive during this time period she would definitely be a Whig. Probably an inflammatory one too. I do not talk much politics: it gets me in trouble. I avoid it most times because it depresses me, but, like the characters that color the pages of this book, I love freedom. I would do anything for it. My children know that. It is hard to say whether I would be more like Abigail Adams or Molly Pitcher. I will have to find books about those individuals and see what my children think.