Johnny Tremain – Week 4

The time for peace is over. Something is fixing to happen in Boston and the entire city is holding its breath. As the Sons of the Revolution begin to gather more information, Johnny does his best to keep his ears open and listen for what might be happening out in town. When Dove begins to talk about the Colonel needing his horse, and a certain saddle that has never been used before, Johnny knows the time has come. Rab is working on getting his gear together so that he can get out of town before it is completely locked down. In a matter of days, the entire town seems to empty of anyone of importance, or who might be branded a traitor. While the men are silently slipping out of town, Johnny continues to work on his information network. He is working to help Paul Revere warn the residents of which way the British would arrive. “One if by land, Two if by sea.” He pretends to be lame to get past the British sentries, and makes his rendezvous with the young man who will hang the lanterns in the church.

Johnny is saddened that he cannot leave with Rab, but he is determined to do his part, and be helpful in this war that is coming. With the first shots fired in Lexington and then again at Concord, the reality of the situation is becoming apparent to many. While the hope for peace never went away, many new that it would never happen. Johnny knows that he must get the word across to Dr Warren, but how will he ever manage!? Then he remembers the old uniform that Pumpkin had left behind when he swapped for the clothes that Johnny gave him. He dresses himself in those, and then pretends to be carrying a message to one of the officers on the other side. Thankfully no one questions his story, and he is rowed across. Now to find Dr Warren, and then make sure that Rab is okay. The worry for his friend drives him on, until at last, he finds them both in Lexington. Rab had been badly injured in the first volley of firing at Lexington. He tells  Johnny to take care of his weapon, and then talks about the changes that he had made to it.  When Dr Warren finally finds Johnny a little bit later, he knows that it is over. Rab had not wanted Johnny to see him suffering. He knows that he will not forget the friend that he had, no matter how much time goes by. But Dr. Warren has one more surprise for Johnny…

This week, we are reading Chapters 10-12

Questions:

1. Do you think it was smart for the leaders of the Revolution to remain in Boston so long?
2. When the information starts coming in, what would you have done?
3. Johnny finally gets some information on his mother from Lavinia Lyte. Why do you think she waited so long to tell him what she had found out?
4. Did you enjoy the book?

I hope that ya’ll enjoyed this read. Bringing history to life through the eyes of others is not always easy, but the author did a pretty decent job in this book. My boys enjoyed listening to this story and I sincerely hope that ya’ll did too!