John Greenwood's Journey to Bunker Hill (History Speaks: Picture Books Plus Reader's Theater) - Softcover

Figley, Marty Rhodes

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0761361340 ISBN 13: 9780761361343

Publisher: Lernerclassroom, 2010

Synopsis

In 1775, fifteen-year-old John Greenwood sets off for Boston to try to reunite with his parents there. The American Revolution is underway, and by the time this fife player reaches the outskirts, the city has been closed off. John enlists as a fifer to fight with the colonists, and his experiences teach him much about the meaning of courage.

About this title

About the Author

Marty Rhodes Figley Marty lives in Annandale, Virginia, with her husband and Airedale terrier, Scarlett. She enjoys playing the role of "history detective" as she does the research for her historically based children's books. Marty loves to delve into old books, letters, and newspapers; visit museums; and explore famous historical sites.

Craig Orback is a freelance children's book illustrator living in the Northwest and received his B.F.A. in illustration from Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle in 1998. He has illustrated Nature's Paintbox, The Can Man, Keeping The Promise: A Torah's Journey, and other award-winning children's books. He teaches children's book illustration and oil painting at several local colleges. In his free time he enjoys painting landscapes and sharing his books with kids during school and library visits.

Review

Editorial ReviewsChildren's Literature - Leona IlligPart of the "History Speaks" series, this book, is based on the true story of John Greenwood, a fifer in the Revolutionary War. The first part of the book is in picture book format. When war breaks out, John is living 150 miles away from his parents in Boston. He decides that he needs to make sure that his family is all right, so he begins a trip to Boston on his own. When his progress is halted by both British and colonial troops who are fighting to secure the town, he realizes that his only chance to see his family is to enlist with the colonial army as a fifer. John survives the Battle of Bunker Hill, but not before he witnesses the suffering of the soldiers. He also manages to see his mother, who assures him that his family is still safe. The middle of the book describes the history of the Battle of Bunker Hill and the interesting career of John Greenwood. The last part of the book contains a play script, based on the story, which students can perform. There are suggestions for teachers and students describing how to read the script and act out the parts. At the end of the book there is a list of suggestions for further study. The idea behind this book is a good one, since presenting the story, and then having students act it out, is likely to make it both fun and enjoyable. The history of Bunker Hill, however, is complicated, and teachers may need to use some supplemental materials, including maps, to explain why both sides claimed victory. Reviewer: Leona Illig

Edition details

• Publisher: Lernerclassroom
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 0761361340
• ISBN 13: 9780761361343
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 48
• Illustrator: Orback Craig