My Brother Sam Is Dead facts for kids
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| Author | James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier |
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| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Historical fiction |
| Publisher | Scholastic |
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Publication date
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1974 |
| Media type | Print (paperback) |
| Pages | 218 pg. |
| ISBN | 0-590-42792-X |
| OCLC | 20572784 |
My Brother Sam Is Dead is a powerful historical fiction novel written by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier. Published in 1974, this book takes readers back to the exciting and dangerous times of the American Revolution. It tells the story of a young boy named Tim Meeker and his older brother, Sam. Sam is eager to join the fight for American independence, even though his father strongly disagrees. The story shows the tough choices families faced during this important period in history.
Contents
About the Story
This novel helps you understand what life was like when America was fighting to become its own country. It's a story about family, loyalty, and the real impact of war.
The American Revolution
The story takes place during the American Revolutionary War, which lasted from 1775 to 1783. This was a time when the thirteen American colonies fought for their freedom from Great Britain. People had to choose sides: either support the Patriots (who wanted independence) or remain Loyalists (who wanted to stay part of Britain). This division caused many conflicts, not just between armies, but also within families and communities. The book shows how difficult these choices were for ordinary people.
Meet the Characters
The main characters in My Brother Sam Is Dead are the Meeker family.
- Tim Meeker: He is the younger brother and the narrator of the story. Tim is about 12-14 years old during the war. He tries to understand the different viewpoints of his family members.
- Sam Meeker: He is Tim's older brother, a brave and determined young man. Sam believes strongly in the Patriot cause and decides to join the Continental Army.
- Life Meeker: He is Tim and Sam's father. He is a Loyalist and a practical man who runs a tavern. He believes war brings only suffering and loss.
- Susannah Meeker: She is Tim and Sam's mother. She tries to keep her family safe and together during the difficult times.
What Happens in the Book?
The story begins in Redding, Connecticut, in 1775. Sam, a student at Yale, comes home excited about the war. He wants to fight for the Patriots. His father, however, forbids him from joining. Despite his father's wishes, Sam secretly leaves to join the army.
Tim is caught between his father's Loyalist views and Sam's Patriot passion. He sees the war's effects firsthand. The Meeker family faces many hardships, including food shortages and dangers from both sides of the conflict. Tim has to grow up quickly and make difficult decisions to help his family survive. The book shows the harsh realities of war, including violence, hunger, and loss. It makes you think about the true cost of freedom.
Why This Book Matters
My Brother Sam Is Dead is important because it offers a realistic look at history. It doesn't just focus on battles but on the human side of war.
Choices During Wartime
The novel explores themes of loyalty, family, and the difficult choices people make during conflict. It shows how war can divide families and communities. It also highlights the idea that there are often no easy answers when it comes to war and politics. The book encourages readers to think critically about different perspectives.
Life in the 1770s
The book also gives a detailed picture of daily life in colonial America. You learn about how people lived, worked, and traveled during the 1770s. It shows the challenges of running a business and keeping a family safe during a time of great change and uncertainty.
About the Authors
James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier are brothers. James Lincoln Collier is a writer, and Christopher Collier is a historian. Their combined knowledge helped them create a story that is both exciting and historically accurate. They wanted to show young readers the true experiences of people during the American Revolution.
