I have very fond memories of Ann Rinaldi books from my days as a historical fiction loving teenager. Although there were a few elements that kept this from being a top pick, I still could see the appeal. Rinaldi’s wars are generally without gore. There are, of course, the requisite heart-rending deaths, but we aren’t treated to bloody details, something which came as quite a relief after my last revolutionary pick. And of course, there’s the romance which is refreshingly innocent (at most intimate, there is some kissing). I don’t think I read this one as a teen, but I would have loved that it took place very close to where I grew up so I had no trouble picturing the locations.
Jem Emerson is undisciplined, headstrong, impulsive and smart. Her parents despair of her ever acting like a young lady and with the war coming, her behavior is worse than usual. She skips her lessons to learn how to shoot a musket; she takes off on her horse without permission and she will not behave for her handsome Tory tutor, John Reid. Her parents resolve to send her to Philadelphia to live with her Tory grandfather and decorous older sister, but John Reid’s insistence that he can teach Jem manners and her lessons convince them to let her stay.
I’m sure you can guess where this is going, and let me tell you, it was my one real objection to the book. The age difference is significant (eight or nine years), she’s only 16 and of course, he’s her teacher. Even if none of that bothers you particularly (it might not – I don’t remember being bothered by Laura and Almanzo Wilder) there is something a bit off about how much of their relationship is about him teaching her how to behave. I also can’t ever get behind books for teens where hatred or anger is really covering up for strong feelings of love. Boys who are mean to you don’t usually secretly like you. They are usually just mean. The sooner girls learn that, the better. But when I climb down off my soapbox I shall sheepishly admit that despite all of that nettling me, I did enjoy the book and the fraught glances that pass between Jem and John. I know. And I probably would have liked it even more when I was a teen, a fact which actually concerns me.
Great for: Girls who want to read something romantic but who aren’t ready for anything racy or explicit.
Age Recommendation: This would be most appealing to readers who are interested in reading something with a bit of romance. I would say Grades 6 and up, but would be unsurprised if some fourth or fifth graders also enjoyed it. But if it were my (purely hypothetical) tween reading the book, I would want to make sure that I addressed the questionable aspects of Jem and John’s relationship.
Sex, Nudity, Dating – There’s a bit of kissing, but it really is just that, kissing. People get betrothed. A married woman has a baby (and mentioned visiting her soldier husband I suppose so we could be sure it was his?) There’s a definite vague reference to rape when the Hessians and British come through Trenton; Jem is warned that she might be ravaged. Grandfather may or may not have married an Indian woman and had a son with her. Jem’s tutor was involved with her older sister, but that didn’t work out.
Profanity – “damned,” “damn,” “damnation,” “hell,” “Dear God,”
Death, Violence and Gore – Jem is taught to fire a gun, and her brother scan shoot. There are a number of references to “birching”, which is hitting someone with a birch rod. There are threats of I should “birch” you and John Reid carries a birch, but does not use it. The penalty for treason is hanging. Her sister raises her hand to slap Jem and tells Jem she should be whipped. Jem says she’d kill a redcoat. Father threatens to hit David. Two family members are killed as a result of the war, one’s death is described: the person was beaten and his head was bashed it. Another fairly important character dies. Various characters are ill. As a result of the war, we know people are sick and cold, the soldiers legs are bloodied and the soldiers are emaciated. John slaps Jem’s hand.
Drugs, Alcohol and Smoking – People drink wine and brandy. Soldiers are drunk.
Frightening or Intense Things – People are constantly in danger. Enemy soldiers occupy the house.
Looked at Dady-long-legs lately? Or Rebecca of Sunny Brook Farm? Can we say “grooming”? I’ll have to take a look at this again- does seem to have a bit of a creep factor!
Yes, it is absolutely grooming. Just pick out a nice girl and train her to be the woman you want! Terribly handy. There are some especially plum moments where people say things like John was the only one you’d ever mind (not an actual quote of course, but that was the gist). It’s also good fun that he reads her correspondence with her other beau and teaches her how to let the other guy down easy once he’s secured her affections.
I also was just extremely bothered by the switching of affections from the older sister to the younger sister. Back when I was in high school there was a boy who attempted to date each of three sisters, starting with the oldest. I don’t believe even one of them went out with him, but I do remember us saying “Can’t get the older, go for the younger,” about him.
Isn’t it interesting how these nuances come to the fore with the different ages and experiences of the reader? When I bought for the school library, I always felt Rinaldi was a sure thing (and she was a local author), but I don’t think I actually read those books. It was a matter of great reputation, great topic- go. It is a wonderful thing you are doing in your reviews.