My Brother Sam Is Dead (Scholastic Gold)

This novel is the ultimate exploration of the nexus of war. The book graphically explores and balances the risks and rewards of a war founded upon the principal of freedom. My 4th grade class was moved to tears by their unexpected loyalties to both crown and colony.

My Brother Sam is Dead, a novel written by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier, is a page-turner from beginning to end. This historical fiction story takes place in Redding, Connecticut, during the American Revolution, on a small farm and tavarn. All TIm Meeker's life, he has lookd up to his brother Sam. Sam is brave and smart, and always knows the right thing to do. In fact, everyone in town had admired Sam Meeker, until now. Sam is now part of the American Revolutionary Army. He talks about defeating the British and becoming free and independent. But most people are loyal supporters of the English king-and don't want any part of this new America- especially Sam's father. The war is raging, and TIm knows he'll have to make a choice. But how can he choose- when it means fighting his brother on one side, and fighting hisf ather on the other? This is now one of my favorite books and i recommend it to anyoe who is interested in historical fiction novels. The most intriguing feature is that the authors use a lot of detail describing events in the novel. I was especially interested in this book because I enjoy reading about situations that are war-related, especially when told through the viewpoint of one in the middle. The first person narration allows you to become attached to the character and imagine if you were in the situation he's in. This book deserves five out five stars. (Ages 11 and up)

My Brother Sam is Dead by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier is a five star book. This book was a page turner. The book was thrilling and exciting. It's 1777 and the Revolutionary war is taking place. In a Tory town called Redding there is a family made of a father, a mother, and two sons Sam, and Tim. When Sam leaves his home to fight in the war as a Patriot Tim finds himsef in a daze. He can't decide which side he's on. He could be like his father and be a loyalist. He could be like Sam and be a Patriot. Also, there's his mother, who didn't pick a side. Will Tim's family reunite or will they lose dear friends. I love how you felt mad, sad, and happy at the same time. At times I found myself talking, shouting, and even crying for the characters. I know they weren't real, but they had real feelings. When I read this book I knew Tim and his family had some hardships and I could ever be that brave. Tim tried to help his family even if it meant death.

I had to read this book for a college class, and what a powerful book! This story revolves Tim Meeker, who's brother Sam goes to fight the Revoutionary War. This is also a story on a family and a town torn apart. Some want to fight aganist the King, and others on the town (and the Meeker family) are aganist the King. What makes this story so powerful, is that it's focus isn't on the war itself, but the families that are left behind. WHen a someone fights in a war, they put their life on the line for their country. Then a death has some honor. Well for Sam, this was not so. I won't say how and why Sam had to die, but it was void of honor. This powerful novel will also show the reader what happens to the innocent people. My Brother Sam is Dead also shows what our soilders did, who were considered the "good guys". This is a powerful read and I highly suggest this book. You won't be sorry.

This is an excellent book telling about the hard life of the Meeker family during the Revolutionary War. A classic revolutionary war story tied in with a heartwarming storyline. I like the way the characters think as this makes them much more realistic than other books I've read. This is the first book other than fantasy I've ever read. It tells about Tim's brother, Sam who is very enthusiastic about fighting with the rebels against England. Tim's dad refuses to let Sam go and a fight ensues. Running away and returning only to steal a gun from their house, Sam causes a lot of havoc in the household. Tim's dad finally gets carried away in a British prison ship, leaving only Tim and his mom to manage ther tavern. This book also deals with the heart breaking pain of a family loss. It doesn't get really gory until the last few chapters. Definitely a 5 star book !

It's agood Book.Takes place at the time of the American revoloution.Story about a Family who the wose things happen to.It is a deep Book so if you don't enjoy to read about blood don't read the book.It makes you think how hard life was in Redding,Connecticut at that time.Such a good book everyone should read it.