Rebellion 1776

Gr 4-7–Another masterly account of colonial life from Anderson. After losing her mother and siblings to smallpox, 13-year-old Elsbeth and her loving but distant father relocate to Boston, currently under British occupation. During a chaotic evacuation of the city in the spring of 1776, Elsbeth’s father goes missing. Meanwhile, smallpox once again rears its ugly head, ravaging the war-torn city even further. The plucky Elsbeth starts working as a maid for the rambunctious Pike family, weaving several lies to keep up appearances and avoid the orphanage. But in a town where no one can be trusted, how long can she survive? The plot is action-packed, reflecting the unprecedented times of the era. Each chapter opens with a quote from a contemporary historical figure, cementing the sense of time and place. Colorful dialogue, including period-accurate insults, i.e., “dunderhead” and “numbskull,” add authenticity. Depictions of violence and death are handled in an appropriate way for middle grade readers. Interspersed throughout the tension are moments of levity, mostly centered around the little dramas of living with a big family. Readers can draw several parallels between Elsbeth’s life and modern times, such as the debate over smallpox inoculation. The page count may be daunting, but the short chapters and urgency conveyed in the writing make for a compelling read. Major characters are assumed white; there are brief allusions to slavery.