Susanna of the Alamo: A True Story

Good info

John Jakes creates a fantastic book of the Alamo. Using the story of Susanna Dickenson, John Jakes tells the story of the Alamo. Susanna was widowed during the fight and held captive by Santa Anna along with her young daughter. After refusing to be sent to Mexico City for her daughter to be raised and cared for by Santa Ana, she was sent back to the white settlements with a message - that if the settlers didn't cooperate and follow Santa Ana's directives, they would end up like the men at the Alamo. A very interesting story and one that moved me quite a bit. Highly recommended.

We ordered this book to read with our 7 year old granddaughter before taking her to the Alamo. It was really great. The story of a Mother and Child present at this battle seemed to really connect with her. She talked about the family on the way to our visit. Then while there two things occurred making it all more real. First, she noticed Almeron Dickinson's name on the plaque of men that died at the Alamo. Second, since the Sacristy is now open (which is where the women huddled during the final battle), the audio tape we had rented specifically mentioned Susanna Dickinson, her child and her husband's last quote "if they spare you, save our child". Knowing John Jakes as an author, we were confident that it would be historicallty accurate and it was. We were very pleasantly surprised by the many illustrations as well. I would recommend this book to any parent taking a child to the Alamo or even just wanting them to get an understanding of this part of Texas History, whether they read it themselves or you read it to them.

I LOVE THIS BOOK! ONE OF THE FEW BOOKS I HAVE READ TO MY 4TH GRADERS THAT KEEKPS THEIR TOTAL INTEREST. I GAVE THEM A QUIZ AFTERWARDS AND THEY DID PHENOMINAL! THANK YOU FOR CARRYING THIS ITEM!

Susanna of the Alamo is an excellent book that enables children to place themselves within a historical event. Susanna of the Alamo focuses on the only survivor of the tragic Alamo fight, Susanna Dickinson and her infant daughter. THe story is told from her point of view which gives the children today the ability to understand the fight as it was unfolding. I teach 5th graders and every year the book has brouight a tear to an eye and a solemn calm to my room. The children are able to place themselves in theat time period through Jakes work and not only understand what the Texas settlers felt but how they felt also. It is an excellent book with which to teach about the Alamo- I couldn't do it without it!