my brother sam is dead

Reader Response to My Brother Sam is Dead by James Lincoln Collier

Half.com's Synopsis:
"In this novel set during the American Revolutionary war, a family living in a loyal Tory town faces adversity when one son joins the rebel army. A 1975 Newbery Honor Book., Recounts the tragedy that strikes the Meeker family during the Revolution, when one son joins the rebel forces while the rest of the family tries to stay neutral in a Tory town."


My Rxn:
A great historical novel about the Revolutionary War. Hints of realism and grotesque description keep the audience in a state of emotional turmoil or queasy horror. This novel isn't a very fast read, and it does drag in some spots. Kids who read this book will realize that fighting in a war is not glorious. the novel also highlights the stupidity, ignorance, and stubborn nature of commanding officers. It was interesting for me because I like that historical period- and reading about how soldiers had to survive in such foul conditions. I think that guys would like it a little more than the ladies, but the mother is a pretty strong character. I would use this in my classroom, but it didn't knock my socks off.