Grade 4 Historical Fiction Unit: Revolutionary War

It is 1773 in the British colony of Massachusetts. The British government is taxing the tea being imported to the colonies. The Sons of Liberty in Boston are against the taxes. What would you do? Would you join the colonists who boarded the ship to toss the tea into the harbor? Or would you follow the laws and pay the taxes? Learn about many of the important decisions in American history as you read about the Boston Tea Party.

There are two sides to every story. Rosalyn Schanzer's engaging and wonderfully illustrated book brings to life both sides of the American Revolution. The narrative introduces anew the two enemies, both named George: George Washington, the man who freed the American colonies from the British, and George III, the British king who lost them. Two leaders on different sides of the Atlantic, yet with more in common than we sometimes acknowledge. We are lead through their story, and the story of their times, and see both sides of the arguments that divided the colonies from the Kingdom. Was King George a "Royal Brute" as American patriots claimed? Or was he, as others believed, "the father of the people?" Was George Washington a scurrilous traitor, as all the king's supporters claimed? Or should we remember and celebrate him as "the father of his country?" Who was right? History teaches us that there are two sides to every story.

Innovative and beautifully produced, this series traces the history of the New World from the arrival of Asian hunters in Alaska more than 15,000 years ago to the late 19th century. The books use authentic full-color reproductions of period maps to illustrate the fascinating story of North America. In addition to the stunning maps, each title benefits from incisive text and numerous striking color pictures that bring each period to vivid life. Each title contains a glossary, map list, chronology of landmark events, guide to further reading and index.

The true story of a girl torn between the people she loves most. In this true tale of the American Revolution, Janet Lunn tells the story of Charlotte Haines, a young girl who must face one of the cruel realities of war – family division. Tensions mount in the aftermath of the rebel victory in New York. Charlotte’s father supports the rebel Patriots and has broken all ties with the Empire. A stubborn man, he even shuns his own brother, a Loyalist. Forbidden to see her cousins who are only hours away from their departure for what would become Canada, Charlotte must make a difficult decision.

Times were hard for the people of colonial Boston in the winter of 1774. Not only had King George III of England closed the Boston harbor to punish all those who spoke against his harsh laws, he had sent thousands of soldiers, led by their commander-in-chief General Thomas Gage, to reinforce his edicts. Large numbers of British soldiers were encamped on the Boston Common, preventing the people of Boston from using their own public space. But at least the king had not closed the schools -- young Henry Price and his two brothers still had classes every day. It had snowed hard for three nights, but Henry's ninth birthday was clear, perfect for sled riding. To his delight, despite the hard times, he was given a beautiful new sled made by his father. Excited by the thought of sledding on the Common, which had the best hills in Boston, Henry and his brothers took their sleds to school. Their sister, Kate, met them at lunchtime with corn bread, apple jam, and her own sled. Together, they hurried to the Common -- only to find that British troops had put their tents and cooking fires right in the middle of the sled runs. But Henry was determined to try his new sled. Could he find a way? Based on the local lore of Boston, this tale of a courageous boy gives a rich picture of colonial life at a troubled time.

Fourteen-year-old John Darragh was a spy. But British-occupied Philadelphia in 1777 was not a safe place for an American spy. If he were captured, John knew he would be hanged. In this suspenseful story based on accounts of the Darragh family's spying activities for General Washington, young John undertakes a dangerous mission to deliver a message to the American army.

The story of a spy ring on Long Island during the American Revolution.