Samuel's Choice

by Richard J. Berleth

The year is 1776, the place, Brooklyn, New York, and slaves who work for a British-sympathizing mill owner are troubled. One slave in particular, fourteen-year-old Samuel, listens to his outspoken friend Sana and wonders about freedom.

Genres: History, Childrens, War, American History, Juvenile

40 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Alex Blose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Samuel is owned by Isaac Van Ditmas in Brooklyn. Samuel's master gives him the opportunity to learn how to sail by taking his wife and daughters over to Manhattan frequently. Soon though, America and England are at war because America wants to gain freedom from England. This makes the Van Ditmas family to flee to a safer place and leaves the slaves on the farm to fend for themselves. One day, the farm is overrun by American soldiers fleeing from the British. Many of these soldiers though get stuck in a nearby swamp with no way out. Samuel must make a choice of whether or not he will use his skills and take his master's boat to save these men. Will Samuel make the right choice? Or will he leave these men to die and risk the chance of loosing any hope of freedom?

I liked this book, especially because it was historical fiction and could be very beneficial in a future classroom. I liked the idea of Samuel having to make a choice, with him ending up making the right choice and being seen as a 'hero'. This is a good lesson to teach students.

As a future teacher, I might use this book when teaching my class about the American War for Independence and George Washington's army. Because it is historical fiction, it would be a great supplement to use.

[Britney Nguyen]

Please help me!! Anyone who can tell me a website or anything so that I could read the book "Samuel's choice" please.

[Jenna Harris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Summary:
This is a historical fiction story about a young slave named Samuel. It takes place during the Revolutionary War and he experiences emotional hardship and courage as he sees the men battling in the war.

Characteristics:
This book has detailed images to support the text. It provides clear images of what Samuel's life was like and how he saw the Revolutionary War. The story is based on real events from this time in America's history.

Mentor Writing Trait:
Ideas: The heart of the composition shows Samuel's bravery and courage when he is experiencing a terribly difficult time. The story focuses on the Revolutionary War and slavery and develops it throughout.

Classroom Integration:
This is a great text to have in my classroom to support students when learning about American history and the Revolutionary War. Since it is told from the perspective of a young boy, children might be able to connect and feel emotion through his experiences.

Reading Level: S

[Ivy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good short story. As I read it, the storytelling took me back in time. It was told in vivid detail. It could have been a longer story with much more detail, but for the book's purpose (this is for elementary students), the length is just right.

[Nicole Flores · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really great because it was about an African American who had to choose sides between the patriots and loyalists gives the children a different perspective of the war and the kids really enjoyed it. I could use this for literature circles again, but I could also use it in a multiple perspectives lesson. This book shows children different points of view and that all people have powerful reasons for the choices they make.

[Shelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hystorical Fiction

[Jody Kyburz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like I should love this book more than I do, even though I use it to teach Revolutionary War to my fifth graders.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A slave on Long Island in 1776 helps the Patriots against the British.