The Hollow Tree facts for kids
First edition
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| Author | Janet Lunn |
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| Cover artist | Seal Books |
| Country | Canada |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's historical novel |
| Publisher | Knopf Canada |
| Media type | Print (Paperback) |
| Preceded by | Shadow on Hawthorne Bay |
The Hollow Tree is an exciting children's historical novel written by Janet Lunn. It is the third book in a series. The first two books are The Root Cellar and Shadow in Hawthorn Bay. This story takes place in 1777. This was at the very start of the American Revolution.
The main character is Phoebe Olcott. She is briefly mentioned in Shadow in Hawthorn Bay. Phoebe's friend, Ben Larkin, might be an ancestor of Rose Larkin. Rose is the main character in The Root Cellar. Also, the Morrissay family in this book could be related to Will Morrisay from The Root Cellar.
The Story of Phoebe Olcott
Phoebe Olcott is a kind and helpful 15-year-old girl. She is a bit shy. Her father was a schoolteacher. He fought as an American Patriot (also called a Rebel) in the war. Sadly, he died during the fighting.
After her father's death, Phoebe goes to live with her aunt's family. Her aunt's family are Loyalists. Loyalists were people who wanted to stay loyal to Great Britain. Patriots wanted to be independent.
Phoebe's Dangerous Mission
Phoebe often stayed in the background. Her cousins were Gideon and Anne Robinson. Gideon later became a British soldier. One day, Gideon is found dead. Phoebe learns that Gideon was a secret spy. He had a list of names. This list needed to go to Fort Ticonderoga.
Phoebe bravely travels to Fort Ticonderoga. But she arrives too late. The fort has been left empty. Instead, she meets Jem Morrissay. His family's name is on Gideon's list. Phoebe and Jem do not get along easily at first.
Fleeing to Canada
Later, Phoebe meets her family again. They are with other Loyalist families. They are all trying to escape to Upper Canada. They want to avoid being treated badly by the Patriots.
During their journey, they capture a Loyalist soldier named Japhet Oram. The group is not sure if he is a runaway or a spy for the Rebels. The group's leader wants to take Japhet to Canada and punish him. Phoebe feels this is wrong. Her beliefs clash with the group's strong opinions. She starts to feel alone.
Phoebe secretly helps Japhet escape. Then she runs away herself. Jem follows her. Even though they are starting to like each other, Phoebe refuses to go back to the Loyalist group with Jem. She decides to continue her dangerous journey alone. She wants to reach Canada and finish Gideon's last mission.
