Johnny Tremain

In 1891 a woman was born in Massachusetts who would, in later life win not only the coveted Newberry award for children's writings, but also a Pulitzer prize. Her name was Esther Forbes and she is best known for having written the book "Johnny Tremain".
Johnny Tremain is a young man living in Boston during the time of the American Revolution. When the book opens Johnny is a promising young apprentice to a silver smith. Johnny's master is an elderly, pious but good hearted gentleman. Had he lived now he would have no doubt sold out to a corporation and settled in Florida, but because he lived in Boston in the 1700's retirement plans meant keeping good apprentices. Johnny was an excellent apprentice. Hard working, smart, and talented. Unfortunately he was also arrogant. Because his master was older, and didn't listen as well as  he used Johnny sat in on orders so that he could take notes. One day John Hancock came in with a repair on a piece that Johnny's master had made many years prior. Johnny promises the repair in set number of days, and pushes the other two apprentices to make sure it gets done. His master's daughter in law, Mrs. Lapham aids and abets him in this, knowing that the repair would bring in not only much needed cash, but also would up their standing in the community, leading to more business. The two other apprentices are worked so hard that they fight back. As Johnny illegally works on the sabbath they decide to sabotage his efforts by giving him a bad melting pot, As Johnny reaches for it, the pot breaks with molten silver spewing out all over Johnny's hand.
With his hand severely burned, Johnny can no longer work as a silver smith. One might think that the end of the story, but in fact it is only the beginning. Johnny goes on and becomes a part of the revolution in Concord and Lexington in ways he could never imagine.
I first read this book when I was probably nine or ten. Now as an adult, as I reread it, I discovered an amazing amount of history. Although probably 3/4 of the character's are fictional, there are enough real life characters in the book to make it sound authentic. And Esther Forbes' writing is both informative and entertaining. As you read through her book, you can truly imagine the sights, and sounds of Boston. You hear fishmongers call attention to wares, you walk past taverns smelling ale, chocolate and coffee being served. You hear the grumblings in the reactions of the men who read the pamphlets and papers denouncing King George, and observe the anger of the British regiments who served him.
Each of those threads bring together a wonderful story, one in which you are not only entertained, but informed. If you want a sneaky way to get your children to read history, "Johnny Tremain" would be a great place to start!