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The Keeping Room
Revolutionary War novel with a difference
When Colonel Joseph Kershaw leaves Camden, South Carolina, to lead the American rebels in their struggle against the British, he leaves his son Joey behind as the man of the house. But what can a 13-year-old do when General Cornwallis comes into town and makes the Kershaws' home his headquarters, and begins hanging American prisoners in the family garden? Joey is determined to get revenge#151;even if he has to risk everything.
When Colonel Joseph Kershaw leaves Camden, South Carolina, to lead the American rebels in their struggle against the British, he leaves his son Joey behind as the man of the house. But what can a 13-year-old do when General Cornwallis comes into town and makes the Kershaws' home his headquarters, and begins hanging American prisoners in the family garden? Joey is determined to get revenge#151;even if he has to risk everything.
144 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 1997
19 people are currently reading
213 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
March 29, 2023
OMG!!! Great ending, I can't believe the ending!!! If you want to know the ending... TOO BAD!!!!! READ IT YOURSELF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
March 25, 2021
Edited the more gruesome parts while reading aloud. This was more heavy than they were used to. It was a good way to show just how terrible slavery is and how there are good people no matter what side they are fighting on.
February 10, 2011
This was a good book about a kid in the Revalutionary War. I felt sad at some points. The main character was interesting to me because he was a kid like me.
March 25, 2021
I edited some parts as I read aloud to my kids.
March 25, 2021
This book had some really great themes about bravery, honor, compassion, humanity, change, and growth. It also didn't sugarcoat the horrors of living with a war. However, some parts were way too gorey for a middle grade reader. I had to edit it as I read aloud. Otherwise I would have given it 5 stars.
February 5, 2019
This book did not interest me in the least. There are many Revolutionary War books that have a fully developed plot with drama and action. This is not one of them. This one has little substance. Joseph's dad has joined the Rebel army against the British. When Cornwallis reaches their town, he takes over their house and builds a gallows for Rebel prisoners. His dad has been taken prisoner and Cornwallis grants him permission to visit his dad. His family struggles through the British occupation, and Joseph has no choice but to grow up.
January 6, 2022
What do you call a book about the Revolutionary War, which is not historical? You call it The Keeping Room by Anna Myers. The story is about Colonel Joseph Kershaw who leaves his 13-year old son Joey behind to take care of the family. The British comes to town and all sorts of bad things happen. The story is predictable and unimaginable. The characters are rather dull. The story drags on. Why does anyone think that novels directed to young people, have to be so dull?
January 13, 2024
I have read this book the last 3 years with my 5th grade students. It has a slow start but the book gives such a twist towards the end that makes reading it worth while. My students start off not liking the book but I remind them that sometimes we need to just stick it out. They usually all end up loving the book by the end (those who don’t just don’t prefer the genre which there’s nothing wrong with that). For me it’s a great lesson for my students in finishing a book. We see in today’s younger generations what I like to call book jumpers. They constantly start books but never finish them. At the first slight sign of boredom they throw it to the side. This book shows them that if you do that you can miss out on something great. We are also studying this time period of history I. Class so making the real world connection of General Cornwallis makes the book more enticing.
April 29, 2022
Not the best book I read but it wasn’t bad, I really didn’t feel like there was a plot to it and I also feel like the cover didn’t match a seen that happened any were in the book. Another thing is when Hawkins gets shot it doesn’t make any sense to me. I can figure out a way in my head but it never says it on paper.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2018
Read this because some of my 5th graders were reading it. I liked Five 4ths of July better but I think the students will still get a lot out of this historical fiction.
May 27, 2020
I have used this with my 5th grade and it pairs perfectly with their 5th grade history lessons for a cross curricular assignment.
April 7, 2021
Good story, but too violent for most of my 5th graders.
April 27, 2021
Rev War book set in SC. Great story with a lot of talking points- loyalty, family, hate, slavery, sacrifice, war, etc. edited a little for my 9 yr old.
Read
May 10, 2021hi
April 4, 2022
Great book just not everything I thought it was going to be.
3.99
3.99
March 6, 2015
Overall, I thought this book was just not really interesting, by no means poorly written. The story was a little confusing at times and I just couldn't get an idea of it. In my opinion, Anna Myers did an okay job on the characterization, because the history of the family and their background didn't bring enough insight into their lives before the British invaded. This book was more about the change in their lives rather than the past moments before the invasion, the changes were very quick, for example, when his father left, Joey had to step up in his fathers position in the family. This was very hard for Joey, most of the book is about Joey's reaction to this invasion and having to be the leader and protector of his family. It was hard for me to relate to the setting of the story as both my parents are home and there is no foreign army invading Clifton, nor anyone being hung in my back yard. Even though I have almost no personal connection besides being a 13 year old named Joey, I would feel bad for Joey v.1(the one in the book, not me) and his family that they had to go through this. This really gave me a good idea on how people acted and which members of the family did what. Back then, to "be a man" was radically different than what is means today. Nowadays, being a "man" consists of having a car, house, job, and an optional family. Back when Joey was around, in the Revolutionary War era, gender roles were very different, all women would be expected to do is clean and take care of the house and family. But, Joey was very supportive of gender equality (education for boys and girls). While I find his bravery and compassion admirable, I really don't know if I'm capable of standing up for my country against the enemy like he did.
January 8, 2012
If you like books set in historical times than this is a good book to read. The author Anna Myers wrote many award winning Novels including this one. The Keeping room takes place in Camden, South Carolina and the whole book revolves in this place. The main character in the book is Joey Kershaw whom is 12 years old. The main setting is taken place in the keeping room in Joey's house. In the story his father is off to war and it is up to Joey to keep his family safe. Joey's favorite room was the keeping room where he loved to study. This place was where he kept his mind off the British who seized Joey's home. The British were Joey's enemies who took over his families life. The rest of the book you will have to read to see what happens to Joey and his family.
There is so much to say about this book. I like how to author showed who imagination to show the readers the informative details in the book. I liked how they told in the book that joey hated a British after what they did to his family and friends in the community. Joey than realized that all British people are not mean and some were nice. This judgement happens everywhere throughout the world and teaches us that in the book. This book is a outstanding book if you are looking for a fictional non-fictional book.
The Keeping Room is a book we should all read for fun if you are looking for an adventure. The Novel is entertaining for some but for the most it is a novel of things happening constantly so the reader will not get bored. I recommend this book for everyone who like historical novels.
There is so much to say about this book. I like how to author showed who imagination to show the readers the informative details in the book. I liked how they told in the book that joey hated a British after what they did to his family and friends in the community. Joey than realized that all British people are not mean and some were nice. This judgement happens everywhere throughout the world and teaches us that in the book. This book is a outstanding book if you are looking for a fictional non-fictional book.
The Keeping Room is a book we should all read for fun if you are looking for an adventure. The Novel is entertaining for some but for the most it is a novel of things happening constantly so the reader will not get bored. I recommend this book for everyone who like historical novels.
November 30, 2015
The Keeping Room
By Anna Myers
eISBN 978-0-8027-3532-4
Walker Books for Young Readers, 1997
This is a historical novel about the Revolutionary War, 1775-1783. A father must leave his family and fight the British. He leaves his wife and children with his thirteen-year-old boy Joey in charge.
Here is the opening paragraph:
“My father’s troops wait on their horses just outside our front door. I can hear the murmuring voices of the men and the snorts and pawings of their mounts, anxious to be down the road to meet the enemy.”
His father loses the battle and becomes a prisoner of the British. As commanding officers and other men in charge of the troops rotate through their house, Joey must learn to come to terms with his emotions.
Joey becomes a prisoner of the British and learns empathy for the slaves that his father keeps. His experiences show him that he must question what he believes and what his father believes.
His desire to make his father proud leads him to a defiance that has tragic consequences. His final lesson in disciplining his spirit and controlling his own temper and reactions.
The setting is believable. The dialogue is realistic. The characters are well drawn. The story draws the reader in and takes you to the historical period.
I give this novel a 4.5 out of 5. It is an exceptional example of historical genre for the young reader.
By Anna Myers
eISBN 978-0-8027-3532-4
Walker Books for Young Readers, 1997
This is a historical novel about the Revolutionary War, 1775-1783. A father must leave his family and fight the British. He leaves his wife and children with his thirteen-year-old boy Joey in charge.
Here is the opening paragraph:
“My father’s troops wait on their horses just outside our front door. I can hear the murmuring voices of the men and the snorts and pawings of their mounts, anxious to be down the road to meet the enemy.”
His father loses the battle and becomes a prisoner of the British. As commanding officers and other men in charge of the troops rotate through their house, Joey must learn to come to terms with his emotions.
Joey becomes a prisoner of the British and learns empathy for the slaves that his father keeps. His experiences show him that he must question what he believes and what his father believes.
His desire to make his father proud leads him to a defiance that has tragic consequences. His final lesson in disciplining his spirit and controlling his own temper and reactions.
The setting is believable. The dialogue is realistic. The characters are well drawn. The story draws the reader in and takes you to the historical period.
I give this novel a 4.5 out of 5. It is an exceptional example of historical genre for the young reader.
December 25, 2014
This book was a great read! I was definitely not expecting the ending. There are many core truths that are forgotten during times of wars. Anna Myers does a great job at letting us see things through Joey's eyes, who learns that not everyone was as evil as he initially thought. Furthermore, in Joey's efforts to prove to his father that he is a man, he comes to the conclusion that people are not always right. He experienced what it was like to live under the same conditions the slave Cato was in, as he was "limited" in his own home. Above all, The Keeping Room teaches us about the hardships that families during the American Revolution experience and the perseverance, character, and morality that came as a result of the war.
December 19, 2015
Thirteen-year-old Joey Kershaw has to endure the occupation of his hometown of Camden, South Carolina by British forces during the Revolutionary War. Worse, his family home is commandeered as Lord Cornwallis's headquarters and American prisoners are hung in its yard.
Myers's book is historically accurate. While the descriptions of the horrors of British occupation are somewhat toned down for her intended audience, she still is able to effectively communicate the trauma experienced by the Kershaw family.
The book did not keep me on edge, eager to turn each page. However, I believe young people will find it an intriguing look at the peril their predecessors faced in the formation of our nation.
Myers's book is historically accurate. While the descriptions of the horrors of British occupation are somewhat toned down for her intended audience, she still is able to effectively communicate the trauma experienced by the Kershaw family.
The book did not keep me on edge, eager to turn each page. However, I believe young people will find it an intriguing look at the peril their predecessors faced in the formation of our nation.
May 10, 2013
Even thought I only rated thsi book a 3 I can't wait to recommend it to my 5th graders-especially my boys who are all about some war. This story has a great message- putting yourself in another person's shoes. Empathy.
A simple read about the American Revolution and how one American boy started out hating the Redcoats and ended up, well let's just say he was a changed boy by the end. :)
A simple read about the American Revolution and how one American boy started out hating the Redcoats and ended up, well let's just say he was a changed boy by the end. :)
June 16, 2014
gr 4-6 134 pgs
American Revolution, Camden, S Carolina. 13 year old Joey wants to make his father proud. When his father Col Kershaw goes to fight the British, he tells Joey that he is leaving him in charge. When the patriots are defeated and the British take up residence in his home, Joey is determined to meet his father's expectations.
Great story
American Revolution, Camden, S Carolina. 13 year old Joey wants to make his father proud. When his father Col Kershaw goes to fight the British, he tells Joey that he is leaving him in charge. When the patriots are defeated and the British take up residence in his home, Joey is determined to meet his father's expectations.
Great story
November 6, 2014
GREAT READ for American History! Especially for a 6th Grade Boy who is a very picky reader. He wanted to read this book, was anxious to know what happens and we actually had conversations other then a response of this book was fine. It included subject matters on slavery, educating women and the importance of treating everyone as you would like to be treated. Highly enjoyed this book!
November 15, 2012
Oklahoma author.
Revolutionary War fiction novel of young (~12) boy in Carolina who wants to be like his father and protect his family. Deals with key issues of slavery, respect of all human, peace/war, however the ending seemed rush- almost as if wanting to leave room for a sequel.
Revolutionary War fiction novel of young (~12) boy in Carolina who wants to be like his father and protect his family. Deals with key issues of slavery, respect of all human, peace/war, however the ending seemed rush- almost as if wanting to leave room for a sequel.
November 16, 2008
It wasn't my favorite book...but as an education major, I could see where a young boy would love it. This could be a useful tool when teaching the history of the Revolutionary War.
May 20, 2010
I KNOW RITE IT WAS LIKE THE BEST BOOK EVA!!!!!! GREAT ENDING AND AWSOME BOOK!!!!!!! Read in school did not think i would like it!!!!!
May 7, 2011
Another historical fiction, this one about the American Revolution. However, my 8 year old son didn't seem to really enjoy it. Maybe another child at another time.
May 13, 2014
it was a little to slow reading and didn't really speak to me it didn't really make me think either.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews