Sleds on Boston Common: A Story from the American Revolution

by Louise Borden, Robert Andrew Parker (Illustrator)

Times were hard for the people of colonial Boston in the winter of 1774. Not only had King George III of England closed the Boston harbor to punish all those who spoke against his harsh laws, he had sent thousands of soldiers, led by their commander-in-chief General Thomas Gage, to reinforce his edicts. Large numbers of British soldiers were encamped on the Boston Common, preventing the people of Boston from using their own public space. But at least the king had not closed the schools -- young Henry Price and his two brothers still had classes every day.
It had snowed hard for three nights, but Henry's ninth birthday was clear, perfect for sled riding. To his delight, despite the hard times, he was given a beautiful new sled made by his father. Excited by the thought of sledding on the Common, which had the best hills in Boston, Henry and his brothers took their sleds to school. Their sister, Kate, met them at lunchtime with corn bread, apple jam, and her own sled. Together, they hurried to the Common -- only to find that British troops had put their tents and cooking fires right in the middle of the sled runs. But Henry was determined to try his new sled. Could he find a way?
Based on the local lore of Boston, this tale of a courageous boy gives a rich picture of colonial life at a troubled time.

Genres: History, Picture Books, American Revolution, American History, School, Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2000

About the author

There were already two Louises in my family when I was born: my mother and my grandmother, Nana, who lived with us when I was growing up. So early on, I was given the name Leezie. This is a name that my family still calls me. Years later, my niece was born and also named Louise. Then there were four of us with the same name! Louise is a fine name to have except that people often spell it incorrectly. Sometimes my mail is addressed to Louisa, or Louisie, or Lewis, or Lois. Leezie is also tough for people to spell. Names and their pronunciations have always interested me, so writing about a teacher named Mrs. Kempczinski was a natural thing for me to do.

I grew up in a house at the top of a steep street in Cincinnati, Ohio, the kind of street that is a big challenge when you are pedaling uphill on your bicycle. My two sisters and I used to ride our bikes down, down our street, and then to the local dimestore to buy candy bars or meet up with our friends. But coming home, we had to pedal up our long hill. (This was before mountain bikes!) Pedaling slowly up my street may be where I learned perseverance, something all writers need when they are working alone at their desks.

Writing picture books came much later—after studying history in college, getting married, and raising three children. Even though I didn't grow up to be a composer, I like to think that my picture books are almost songs because the sound of words and the poetry of my style are so important in the texts that I write. I work very hard at my desk, revising and revising and revising, trying to find just the right words that will be beautiful or fun to read.

Reviews

[Shanna Gonzalez · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's refreshing to find a piece of historical fiction placed squarely in the middle of important historical events, yet focused on children's natural interests. It's even better when the story events are loosely based on local folklore. This is the story of a group of children who ask the British general to stop his soldiers from destroying their sled runs. Although tensions are rising between the British and the American colonies, soon to erupt into the Revolutionary War, General Gage responds to the children's request by ordering his soldiers to clear their sled runs and leave a pond unbroken for skating.

This small kindness shown by a general on the edge of war, taking the time to listen to children who want to play, will help young readers understand that although war provides opportunity for the most terrible of evils, individuals involved in war are complex people, each motivated by his own human interests.

This is best suited for elementary ages, and because of its historical setting it's especially good for those who have the chance to visit.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a subtlety that many Children's historical fiction lacks: the ability to portray both sides of the American Revolution (or any war) as good guys. The story follows a young boy who has been wanting to sled on Boston Commons for a long time, and now has his own sled. Unfortunately, the British Troops are camped on the commons. The young boy isn't daunted, and approaches the general, who agrees to move the troops away from the sled runs when he is reminded of his own children who would enjoy sledding. Plus, there is a note relating how this is based on a historical story of real children during the time.

[Charlotte S · Rating 4 out of 5]

This super sweet story is about a little boy, Henry, and his friends. All they want to do is go sledding, but the best sledding hill in Boston is where the Redcoats have their tents and bayonets set up. They work up the courage to bring their sleds to the Common, but then the Redcoats spot them! What will happen?!

This book is super fun and would make a great read-aloud. I love that there are author's notes in the back, giving more insight and history information. I was really surprised to see that this is a true story! That made the book that much better!

I hope that you like this book as much as I do! Thank you for reading my review! Follow @bronteandwilder on Instagram for fun book recommendations!

[WY_reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

An uplifting story with beautiful illustrations. Few books about the American Revolution capture the humanity of everyone involved, and this one does.

[Julie Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sleds on Boston Common by Louise Bordon
The name of the book attracted me first as we would drive by the hills.
1774 Dec. 24, Civil war times and a 9 year old boy wants to sled down the common's hill.
The soldiers were camped on the Boston Commons hills. The children still had
to go to school and they attempted to sled down the commons...
Harbor is closed and the townsfolk didn't like the interruptions in their town.
The soldiers would cut down fences and trees for their fires in the camps.
Love that the children learn not only math and English but navigation skills!
Love the facts I learn about this place: a wishing stone. Loved learning about the architecture
there and will look for the red brick Provence house-weather vane on the cupola golden Indian archer next time I'm there.
The troops had also cut into the pond so they couldn't even skate.
Henry Price talked to General Gage. He told him the commons were for the public
and how they can't use the sled runs. The general listens and directs the troops what to do.
It's Henry's birthday also...
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

[Charlie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Henry's birthday is December 22. On his birthday in 1774, he decides to go sledding on Boston Common but he can't go sledding because the British Regulars have purposely put up their tents on the sled path. Henry is really mad, so mad that he decides to talk to General Thomas Gage, leader of the Regular solders. He explains that he really wants to sled because its his birthday and he got a sled for his birthday and he wants to try out his new sled. General Gage explains how he is a father and he has kids and at the end, Gage has his solders move the tents so everybody can sled o Boston Common.

This story is not bad. To me, nothing is bad it just has a 3 star rating in my head. Is this a bad story? No, not at all. I'm not going to explain a million thing about why this is not a bad story because I have already told you why. If I'm going to have a conclusion, then I must type it out now; Though I didn't rate this 5 stars, I still think this is a great story.

THANK YOU FOR READING

I HOPE YOU LIKED THIS REVIEW

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fictionalized account of an event that (maybe) actually happened. The story has been told often enough - I heard it long before this book was published - about a group of children who sent a delegation to the British General encamped on their sledding hill, asking him politely to move so they could still sled there, but all the details in this book are made up to fill the sketchy story that's been passed down.

The pictures are simple and engaging, the story is inspiring, and it involves sledding... as well as the lesson that the people you dislike and fear, who are your enemies, still are people inside.

[Holly Mueller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book right before NCTE in Boston for obvious reasons - also because I love Louise Borden! I thought this was a unique story of the American Revolution. It shows a child's perspective on what remains important even in times of great conflict and that people on both sides of a war can be sympathetic. I enjoyed the illustrations and the author's note at the end. I especially love that Louise signed it for me. It'll be a great addition to my picture book collection.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Based on a true story, a boy confronts a British general who has let his army set up barracks on Boston Common. The group has obstructed their sledding run, so the boy can't try out his new birthday sled. Told in free verse with accompanying watercolors, it's an engaging tale for older students who already have some knowledge of the American Revolution.

[T Crockett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Both the 10 year old (who is interested in the Revolutionary War) and I enjoyed this. I liked that it gave some insight into what it was like to live under an occupying army.

The way the story was told kept the reader at a bit of a distance. If it hadn't been for that I would have given more stars.

[Marcie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picture book to pair with Woods Runner. Story of General Gage allowing young Patriot Henry Price and his sister to sled near the Boston Common Field. Could also pair with Patricia Polacco's Just in Time, Abraham Lincoln.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like historical fiction childrens books. This was about a few boys that wanted to sled on the Boston Common during the American Revolution and General Thomas Gage allows them to because they were not scared to stand up to him. Great story for young boys.

[Mackenzie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read it in class

[Colby Sharp · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading about historical events/times told from the perspective of a child.

[Bekka · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hate to say it, but its a little boring. Its not a story I'd heard before. I really did not like the illustrations.

[Lea Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great retelling of a story about a young American boy brave enough to ask a top British General to allow sledding on Boston Common.