In honor of the 250th anniversary of the United States, participants will read and discuss fictional works that explore three strands of the American Revolution: the British perspective, the Patriot position, and the contributions of enslaved African Americans to the cause. Discussion will focus on the artistic merit of each work, as well as the message it presents. Participants will engage in open conversation, written reflection, and personal evaluation. Novels include Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes, My Brother Sam Is Dead by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier, The Fighting Ground by Avi, Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson, and The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing by M.T. Anderson.
Additional Fee(s)/Information: Attendees may wish to purchase personal copies of the novels but are not required to do so. Books may be requested from libraries. Additionally, participants are encouraged to read Johnny Tremain before the seminar begins.