Wit & Wisdom
Module 3: American Revolution
Our class will read:
George vs George
"George vs. George: The American Revolution as Seen from Both Sides" by Rosalyn Schanzer explores the American Revolution through the contrasting perspectives of King George III of England and George Washington, highlighting their similarities and differences, and the events that led to the birth of the United States.
Two Sides of the Story:
The book aims to present a balanced view of the American Revolution, showing both the British perspective (King George III) and the American perspective (George Washington).
Similarities and Differences:
It emphasizes the surprising similarities between the two Georges, despite their opposing roles in the conflict, such as their shared love for agriculture and their dignified appearances.
Balanced Perspective:
Schanzer avoids portraying either side as solely "good" or "bad", highlighting the complexities and nuances of the conflict.
Colonial Voices: Hear Them Speak
"Colonial Voices: Hear Them Speak" by Kay Winters is a children's nonfiction book that uses a series of poems and illustrations to portray different perspectives on the events leading up to the American Revolution, focusing on the Boston Tea Party, through the eyes of colonial citizens and their occupations.
Setting and Characters:
The story is set in colonial Boston on December 16, 1773, a time when tensions were high due to British rule and taxes. The main character is Ethan, a printer's errand boy, who delivers notices about a meeting to various people in town.
Multiple Perspectives:
The book presents different perspectives on the events leading up to the Revolution through poems and illustrations, showcasing the views of various colonists, including tradespeople, enslaved people, and Native Americans.
Occupations and Politics:
Each poem and illustration highlights the occupation of the character and their political stance, revealing how their jobs and circumstances influenced their opinions about British rule and the potential for revolution.
Key Themes:
The book explores themes of:
The Sons of Liberty: The organization that organized American colonists to protest British rule and taxes.
Diverse Perspectives: The story shows that people involved in history often have very different views about it.
Revolutionary Ideals: Some colonists supported revolution against British rule, while others wanted to continue under that rule.
Social Inequality: The perspectives of Native Americans and enslaved Africans, who had little to gain from a revolution, are also featured.
The Power of Information: The way information travels changes over time, with Ethan's printed notices being the main way people learned about important events.
Toliver's Secret
In "Toliver's Secret," 10-year-old Ellen Toliver, disguised as a boy, embarks on a perilous journey during the Revolutionary War to deliver a secret message for the Patriots, hidden in a loaf of bread, to General George Washington.
Setting the Stage:
Ellen's father dies in the Revolutionary War, and she and her mother move to New York to live with her maternal grandparents.
The Mission:
Ellen's grandfather, a Patriot spy, is injured and cannot deliver a crucial message to General Washington, so he tasks Ellen with the mission.
Disguise and Journey:
Ellen, now a boy named Ezra, is sent on a journey to Elizabeth, New Jersey, to deliver the message hidden in a loaf of bread.
Challenges and Encounters:
Her journey is fraught with danger, including encounters with British soldiers, wary residents, and even bullies like Dicey, a girl who is also on the side of the patriots.
Humanizing Details:
The story explores the human cost of war, showing both the struggles of the Patriots and the difficulties faced by British families and individuals.
Themes:
"Toliver's Secret" explores themes of courage, self-reliance, and the importance of standing up for what is right, while also providing a glimpse into the Revolutionary War era.