Boston's Massacre by Eric Hinderaker

You know from reading this blog I like history and love Boston.  I am absolutely in love with Ben Barnes, who most recently portrayed revolutionary Samuel Adams.  You are aware I am culling the collection (my most recent weed based upon age--if it's older than me, it's not coming to the new library).  So, naturally, when I saw this on a recommended list for American History students, I put it on the wish list.  Once it finished its run as a "new book", I took it home.

It irks me that my students begin their sophomore year study of American History in the 1800s.  In my opinion (just that, mine and an opinion), their 8th grade minds are not able to understand the complexities of the American Revolution (nor do their 5th grade minds grasp European exploitation, er, exploration of North America, but I digress).

I bet, though, my sophomores could tell you who Crispus Attucks was.  Think they can name the other 4 men killed that night?  Not likely.  And therein lies part of the lesson in learning about March 5, 1770.  What we choose to retell in the narrative of history makes a lasting impact on those we teach.  Past propaganda, the then-press and current media, human memory, race/gender/age bias, personal lens, and collective purpose all impact what appears in our textbooks and what we want to see on the screen.  One aspect that is central to this retelling is making connections to more recent events, such as Kent State.  Conclusions can be drawn to Black Lives Matter.

This isn't light, mindless reading.  There are many quotes of 1700s English, which is tough to read.  There are many dates and names.  Since you might not remember a whole lot from 8th grade history, it might be useful to do some Googling of the key players, locations, and dates before delving into something this heavy.

This will be back on the shelf come Monday if you're interested.

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All opinions expressed on this blog are solely those of Mrs. W.