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| CHILDREN’S |
by Elizabeth Yank
The Reb and the Redcoats
by Constance Savory
Bethlehem Books
1-800—757-6831
“Charlotte Darrington was writing her copy when her brothers, Joseph and George, pounded up the stairs. They rushed into the schoolroom. ‘Charlotte, come to the parlor this instant. Old Harry is back from the American war with a bullet wound in his chest….’”
With this dramatic beginning, the story unfolds of four young British children and their understanding of the American Revolution; their underlying fear of John Paul Jones, who was raiding the English coast; their remoteness from the American battles, which took place across the sea; their childlike innocence of what war really means; and most importantly, their relationship with a prisoner of war, who was not much older than they. How should they treat an enemy? After all, he was the enemy, and yet, he was a real person, and likable too.
Through the eyes of these British children, Constance Savery introduces the reader to the American Revolution. What does war, and this war in particular, mean to children, and these children? Because the main characters are children and the story is told through a young child’s eyes, children are reading about children. This makes the story more immediate for young readers. Furthermore, being British, Savery presents the war from a unique point of view. Since most books written about the American Revolution in this country are from the American viewpoint, this makes for an interesting change of pace.
When reading books about wars, too often the human element is lost. A book, especially a textbook, can present the war as a series of faceless battles with the statistics of where it was fought, who the General was, and how many lives were lost. Unfortunately, this is not the full picture of any war. The soldiers on the battle line have families, often they may be fathers of little children, or young men engaged to marry. Their lives are valuable and real to those who love them. Too often to arouse the anger of one side against the other, one side will dehumanize the other side, making the enemy a faceless evil machine. (This is not to say that during some wars the people in power were not truly evil or that evil atrocities did not occur.) After all, it is very difficult to kill someone who is the same as you, with feelings and thoughts.
That is why a book such as this is very important. From the viewpoint of the children in the story, the American is the enemy, yet the enemy is a real person. He has a name. He has a family. From the American point of view, the children should be considered the enemy, yet the reader can’t help but be drawn into their lives and like them. This certainly presents an interesting twist to the problem of war—liking your enemy.
As the story unfolds, the issues of why one side dislikes the other side are clearly addressed on more than one occasion, as well as the personal reasons why individuals support their cause. Sadly, once the war has begun, lives are lost. If they didn’t hate the enemy before, they do now, because the enemy has killed someone they loved. People then become bitter, angry, and revengeful.
The children’s uncle lost a dear friend in the war under unusual circumstances. His bitterness is apparent. At the same time, the “rebel” has passionate feelings about the war, because he wants to fight for the cause of freedom.
From the beginning of the “rebel’s” captivity, the children must also deal with the issue of Christian charity. What does that mean? Should the enemy be treated like an animal—locked away in a prison cell without any care or attention—or a person, who has basic needs? The children also witness the “rebel’s” constant aid to his companion, although his companion seems to repeatedly ruin several escape plans. Shouldn’t the “rebel” just leave behind his companion and escape to his freedom?
Since this book is written for children, these and so many other issues are dealt with in an appropriate and sensitive way. What is especially appealing about this book are the characters. The children are real and typical for their age without being spoiled brats, as so often modern literature likes to portray children. While they may have their human faults, they are certainly likable, and easy for other children to relate to.
Without a doubt, this like so many other Bethlehem books is hard to put down. Be prepared. Your children will beg you to read another chapter and then another chapter. While you are doing so, they will also be learning about the American Revolution and they will be whetting their appetites for more history. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy a good read aloud together.
Elizabeth Yank writes from Milwaukee, Wisconsin where she home educates her five children.