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Johnny Tremain
- By Esther Forbes
- Genre: Historical Fiction
Common Sense Media says
Dry by today's standards, but still worthwhile.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this is a rich, well-told tale, with lively black and white illustrations, but length, pacing, and language leave some less -experienced readers feeling bored.
What's the story?
Against the panoramic backdrop of the Revolutionary War, a young and impressionable Boston apprentice is caught up in events that will change his life and the life of his country forever. Though sometimes a bit dry by today's standards, this sweeping tale of redcoats and revolutionaries still has a lot to offer.
Is it any good?
Esther Forbes's brilliant characterizations immerse readers in this turbulent era of America's past. Forbes, a historian, writes with detail and precision, imbuing historical events with life and passion that is often lacking in textbooks. Written more than a half-century ago, the novel sometimes fails to hold the interest of modern children, who find it nutritious but not very tasty. More seriously, Forbes' African-American characters conform to stereotypes and have only a marginal involvement in the events that take place.
Seeing Johnny Tremain's impulsive actions and hasty judgments questioned by the more mature Rab, Johnny's character slowly develops, and his efforts to become a sensible, courageous young man are often poignant and endearing. The Boston Tea Party, Paul Revere's ride, and the battles at Lexington and Concord are all powerfully portrayed. Forbes also shows the daily life of the working class in the colonies, illustrating the social order against which the revolutionaries fought.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the racism and stereotyping in this book. Why do you think Johnny's view of black people changes during the course of the book? Do you think his views were typical of the time? How have attitudes changed?
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AGE
Gripping story, great characters, you will remember it your whole life.
I loved this growing up, and read it several times. I read it aloud to my son when he was around 7. He loved it and read it by himself later. The man who became my life partner also read it as a child. I grew up in Boston, so the setting was familiar. But my son learned more about the revolutionary war from Johnny Tremain than at school, and for my husband (life long Seattle resident) it sparked a life long interest in the roots of our country, our belief systems, and our form of government. Plus it has the awesomely cool stuff about silversmithing.
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AGE
Sucked
Not for kids today. We don't like this kind of stuff anymore.
Kids today would say
"boring", "it sucked"
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AGE
An Interesting (but educational) Book!
I reccomend this book for anyone ages eleven and up! It is about a fourteen year old arrogent orphaned silversmith apprentince named Johnny Tremain. Johnny Tremain lives around the time just before the revolutionary war. Her is an excellent silversmith apprentince, but a rival apprentince named Dove "accidentaly" disfigures Johnny's hand. Because Johnny cannot be a silversmith any more, he is kicked out of the house by Mrs. Lapham. So, he must find work. He ends up working in the office of the Boston Observer, and he meets Rab and the Lorne family. They introduce him to the exciting world of politics... and he takes a part in the key events leading up to the Revolutionary War, from the Boston Tea Party to actually fighting for America's freedom. Johnny truly grows up in this story, from an arrogent fourteen year old to a sixteen year old man who falls in love.
I know that this book seems simple, but it really sooo exciting! There are about a million things going on, but it is so exciting!
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AGE
not good
horrible!!!! it isnt interesting at all! unfortuneatly i had to read it for school and do a book report on it. it is very hard to do a book report on because there is no climax. i do not recomend this book for anyone unless you really like the revolutionary war....
not a good book!!!!!!!!!!!
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AGE
Very Historicle
This was the best book we have read in school. I can't wait to watch Hoosers now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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AGE
Johnny Tremain--A book with dynamic benefits
I learned much from this book and I'm near 40. It is a wonderful companion to have on your side as you teach American History at the time near the Boston Tea Party. It makes history come alive and we watched Daniel Boone everyday while we read it. My favorite part is: "So that a man can stand up"--it speaks to adults as well as children because it is a QUALITY book. There is as much historical fact as there is fiction--if not more fact. We went to Youtube and saw the setting of the book :)
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AGE
dont read
I read this book in class at school and not one person in my class liked it everyone thought it was the worst book they had ever read
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AGE
ok
it was good in the beginning and end but the middle was a little boring.
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| Author: | Esther Forbes |
| Illustrator: | Lynd Ward |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Historical Fiction |
| Publication date: | April 1, 1987 |
| Number of pages: | 256 |
| Paperback price: | $6.50 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 9 - 12 |
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