Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes (1944)

You may not have read this book, but I'm fairly certain that some teacher asked you to at some point. Johnny Tremain is a standard book that ties into a curriculum of English teachers to explore American history and American literature.

Johnny Tremain is a promising apprentice of silver smith Ephraim Lapham. Johnny loses his apprenticeship due to an accident while working on a big order for merchant, John Hancock. Johnny burns his hand and will never be able to do the delicate artistry needed for being a silver smith. The rest of the story follows Johnny as he struggles to make a living, and find a profession that will work for him.

It sounds fairly simple as a story, but its importance comes more from the historical setting. Readers get to meet some figures from the period around the Revolutionary War, and discover the political situation of the era.

This is an era when Democrats and Republicans are not even an idea yet. Instead, you have the arguments of the Whigs and Tories.

Who do you get to meet?

• Samuel Adams
• John Hancock
• Paul Revere
• many others who aren't so well known

This book is a great tool for the historical setting, and conversations about why the American colonies decided to rebel from England. You can also look at the apprenticeship system and how it is designed.

Johnny Tremain has long been a tool for teachers. Don't miss your chance to use it in your classroom.