Rebellion 1776

In March 1776, 13-year-old Elspeth Culpepper is living in Boston, trying to survive. All around her, the early events of the Revolutionary War are unfolding: cannons appearing on Dorchester Heights, the British evacuating Boston, and growing cries to declare independence. But her concerns center on her own troubles. Aside from securing work in a city in turmoil, first as a kitchen maid and then as a servant to a house full of children, and nursing them through smallpox inoculation, Elspeth is also trying to locate her father, a sailmaker who has mysteriously disappeared without a trace. Elspeth uses her humor, intelligence, and courage to find safety and friends in a world that has turned upside down.

Over the past 25 years, Laurie Halse Anderson has set her novels during the Revolutionary era, from Fever 1793 to The Seeds of America series’ Chains, Forge, and Ashes. Her prose, settings, and characters have helped immerse middle-grade readers in the 18th century and help them identify with those who lived at that time, centuries before readers, but who express the hopes, dreams, and fears that are relatable to modern young adults. Rebellion 1776 continues this tradition of high-quality historical fiction. Anderson skillfully weaves carefully researched historical events into a compelling narrative that appeals to young readers, especially those who enjoy stories featuring complex female characters.

Excerpt

When the newspaper announced that the Declaration of Independence would be read aloud at a celebration on King Street, Tabitha declared that the entire family must attend. Missus Pike had to stay home with Howler, who was suffering from terrible aches and fever, but she approved of Tabitha's plan once Nyott offered to serve as our escort for the day. Widow Nash refused to desert Missus Pike, thank goodness.

As the clocks struck noon on Thursday, we filed out of the house and headed for the center of town. Nyott and Alexander shepherded Gilbert and Benjamin (who swore he was feeling much better) at the head of the line. Behind them walked Tabitha, pink-cheeked and babbling with excitement. Hannah strode next to her, more interested in what the other ladies were wearing than political sentiments. I came last, laden down with a basket of pears and another with mugs, the latest issue of the newspaper, and silk folding fans. I nodded to other maids, some free, some not, all of us walking behind our mistresses and masters, but couldn't imagine that any of them were as tormented by worries as I was. ...

Our disagreements with England had started small, with things like unfair taxes demanded by the faraway king. Then he sent his army to force us to obey. Nobody likes being treated like that. Ordinary folks from Massachusetts and beyond fought back, each battle bigger and bloodier than the one before. Like a ball picking up speed as it rolls downhill, our rebellion had grown fast, then faster and stronger. 

 What was going to happen next? 

 “‘The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations....’” 

 As Colonel Craft boomed out the wrongs and injuries suffered by the colonies, my mind wandered as a lump of sadness rose in my throat. What would Pappa say if he were here? He'd been so worried about the armies that he never said which side he supported. But six years earlier, he'd been furious when he heard about the Boston Massacre. British soldiers had fired into a crowd of ordinary folks, killing some and wounding more. I was too little then to understand it all, but I knew it had to be a most terrible event, if it had made Pappa so angry. 
 
If he were here, I decided, he'd be standing by my side—fussing and fretting, to be sure—proud to be a Patriot. 

Swallowing the sadness, I gave a little hop to shift Gil yet again, then forced my attention back to Colonel Craft. Sweat rolled down his face as he continued reading the many reasons that we’d revolted against the king. His bold words crackled like lightning, connecting everyone in the crowd to this electrifying moment. The faces around me shone with pride and determination. People grasped the hands of strangers, many eyes filling with tears. Now sitting atop the barrel, Alexander had pulled Ben into his lap. Hannah and Tabitha were locked arm in arm, with Nyo Doubt behind them. Nothing mattered, except the powerful words from the balcony that declared our independence. 

Nearing the end now, Colonel Craft's voice cracked. He paused to clear his throat—"Ahem"—and continued reading. Every line felt like the blow of a blacksmith's hammer on the hot metals, forging a new sort of nation. My heart beat faster, all our hearts beat together faster and faster, as he reached the final words: 

“And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.’” 

There was one heartbeat of silence. 

Then the men on the balcony shouted, "God save our American States!”

We roared back, thousands and thousands of people answering with one voice, "HUZZAH! HUZZAH! HUZZAH!"