My Brother Sam is Dead

This book is a Newbery Honor Book

Summary: This story takes place during the Revolutionary war in Redding, Connecticut. The Meeker family runs a tavern and there sixteen-year-old son, Sam, has run off to fight with the Rebels. The rest of the family, especially Father, are on the side of the Tories so Sam's decision does not sit well. While Sam is gone, Father and his son, Tim, take a three day journey so they can sell their cattle. During the trip Father is captured by cowboys. Tim and Mother must now survive without him. Sam continues to fight and his company arrives in Redding. Sam urges his mother to slaughter the cattle they own before it is stolen but before Mother can do that, Sam is falsely arrested for stealing his own cattle. Young Tim appeals to the Generals, but in the end, Sam is sentenced to be shot.

Personal Reaction: I really enjoy historical fiction and this book did not disappoint. This story is told in first person by Tim. His greatest dilema is what side of the war he believes in. What with his father being a staunch Tory and his brother joining the rebel cause, he is torn. He really loves and admires Sam and struggles to be as brave and courageous as he believes his brother to be. I enjoyed seeing Tim grow-up because of the pressure of the war. He really had to step up and went from a boy that complained about his chores to the man of the house very quickly. I always like the author's notes when it comes to a historical fiction novel. It sorts out what was real and what was made up. These authors included the names of many real people and places and events. And although Sam is a fictional character, there were many executions similar to the way Sam was excuted. 

Collier, J.L. & Collier, C. (1974). My brother Sam is dead. New York:Simon & Schuster.