The Young Rebels

by Morgan Llywelyn

St Enda's is no ordinary school, and Padraic Pearse is no ordinary headmaster.

His pupils are inspired by his vision of freedom and an Irish Republic, and John Joe and his friend Roger see the Easter Rising as their chance to fight for Ireland's freedom. But the two boys are horrified to learn that they are too young to take part.

They disobey orders to stay away from the city centre and quickly become caught up in the dramatic events of the Rebellion. Called to be brave and resourceful beyond their years, they witness events that change their lives forever.

Another dramatic blend of history and fiction from the inimitable Morgan Llywelyn.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Irish Literature, Fiction, Historical

Paperback

First published February 1, 2006

About the author

Morgan Llywelyn (born 1937) is an American-born Irish author best known for her historical fantasy, historical fiction, and historical non-fiction. Her fiction has received several awards and has sold more than 40 million copies, and she herself is recipient of the 1999 Exceptional Celtic Woman of the Year Award from Celtic Women International.

Reviews

[Lorianne Reuser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really a 3.5 or something thereabouts - this book is difficult to rate in this fashion because it really depends on who is reading it, for what purpose, and how much they already know of Irish history. As an educator outside of Ireland I would have a difficult time recommending this book because knowledge of the 1916 Rising is essential for you to make sense of the names, locations, and purpose behind this book. However, as a straightforward teaching tool and refresher of those events, this book would be useful.

[Theo Puech · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gave another view of the 1916 Rising and was very descriptive and gripping. I would recommend it to anyone

[Ciarán · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good historical resource for Irish children. The book will even help to whet the appetite of adults trying to learn more about Irish history. However, while overall a good read, the book is a bit of a slow burner in parts. Potential readers should know that even a slight prior knowledge of the key figures and the events surrounding the 1916 rising, would be beneficial before picking up this book.

[Saoirse Boyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an Irish person, I felt as though this was beautifully written and such an amazing book. I love this book so much and is definitely a 5 star read. It was such a page-turner but also makes people aware of the Irish history and how many Irish people were discounted but this raises awareness and I can't say how good this book was. One of my new favourite authors.

[Katie Barry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book when I was 12 as I was obsessed with Irish history. Would definitely recommend to older children, young adults to get a grasp on the history surrounding 1916. Great characters and story.

[Juanita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although not an avid fan of history, I could not put this book down until finished. Maybe that's because I've always been a bit of a rebel myself. Thoroughly recommend it.

[Karen Cordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Joe, a twelve year old Irish boy, is sent to study at St. Enda’s, a secondary school for boys. The school is ran by Patrick Pearse, an Irish nationalist who inspires his pupils with visions of Ireland becoming a country independent of Britain. At the school, he joins the Fianna, an organized group of boys committed to supporting the Irish republicans. Even though John Joe and his friends are fictitious, there really is a school called St. Enda’s and Patrick Pearse was the headmaster there. Patrick Pearse was a leading member of Irish Republican Brotherhood and was executed by firing squad for the role he played in Easter Rising, the 1914 armed rebellion against the England. I enjoyed reading this novel. The entertaining and interesting story was woven into historical events.

Middle school and high school students, both boys and girls, would find this book interesting. This book could be used to teach about the history of Ireland or rebellions when countries try to control other countries. There are also examples of getting along with other students when you don’t agree fundamentally. I love the idea of teaching about different cultures and time periods. This is the perfect book to help students understand the value of patriotism for one’s country.
Warnings 1-5 (1 meaning very little and 5 being a lot)
• Drugs: 0
• Sex: 0
• Rock & Roll: 0
• Language: 0
• Violence: 1

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

So good! This book came recommended from my literature teacher, and so I decided to read it. It is a great book and anyone who loves historical fiction, Ireland, and revolutions will love this book and should read it. Girls, boys, young or old, this is a book anyone can read.
What I like about historical fiction is that there are truths. Reading these kinds of books and help get kids interested in history, a subject most find boring and dull. This book also serves as a great spring board for a discussion of rights, freedom, and national pride.

Warnings
Drugs: No
Alcohol: No
Sex: No
Violence: Yes
Language: Some

[Wesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I could have read this when I was a boy. I loved the adventure and heroism combined with the appropriate level of realism (aka no pre-teens beating up grown men with their kung fu skills). This was just a good story. It's nice to get a bit of Irish history in there as well. I would openly recommend this book to 10 to 13 year old boys.

[Sebastian · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book in school, so that ruined it for me but it was pretty well written.

[Warriorcord333 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. Not only is the writing superb, it's completely accurate to what happened in 1913 to 1916. What I really enjoyed about this book was that it mixed history with fiction, and that should help kids enjoy this book while reading it (really useful for an Irish history test). Its about a kid named John Joe (fictional) who is sent to St. Edna's boy school and becomes friends with Roger who disobey commands and sneak into Dublin during one of Ireland's most horrific and moving moment in history (the 1916 Easter Rising). Each character is so fantastically told I feel like I am actually listing tom them, from Mr Pearce to John Joe this is a book you will never put down.