I liked this story because it proves that sometimes it takes a reflection or memory of an event to bring acknowledgments, learning experiences, and history to life. This book wasn't so much about the Boston Tea Party as it was about the events as recalled my an ordinary poor man. George Robert Twelves Hewes, a shoemaker during the Revolutionary War time recalls the events around the Boston Massacre and Boston Tea Party. I loved learning that it wasn't originally called that until years later. More important is discovering the significance of the life of one man during a time in which so many men become famous for their actions, lack of actions, and ideas that brought forth a new nation.
I really enjoyed reading about a different aspect of this time period. As a historian, Young has brought light to events and people that were replaced with events such as The Fourth of July and people like George Washington. There is always side story that is not taught in the history text books. This is the part of history I want to learn about, the supplemental events.
I enjoy those little behind the scenes stories as well. When you are in the middle of the school year, trying to "get it all in", it's hard to move beyond the basic facts and information. Each year in our district, teachers must come up with a professional goal. I want to try to use the side stories I've picked up from this course to enhance my writing lessons, and also to teach the kids how to question and investigate to find the answers.
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