As a direct result of playing my cd of 1776 on the fourth, my daughter has begun reading various biographies of the Founding Fathers.
Now because when we have visited the US, my dh and I have made a point of taking the children to various historic sites, she has visited a lot of the houses where these men live, plus Lexington and Concord. For years. I have tried to interest her in Johnny Tremain which was one of my favourite books when I was a girl but to no avail. Then suddenly, the music has captured her imagination and she had to know more. And she has decided to read biographies instead of fictionalised accounts...as she pointed out she has finished Silas Marner (next year's autumn text for school) and therefore can chose what she wants to read.
It will be interesting to see which founding father she leans towards. At the moment, Jefferson intrigues her, but I am hoping to convert her more towards John Adams and George Washington (my own favourites).
One thing she pointed out is the strength of the women each of these men married. And how influence they had over their men and how much the marriages were partnerships. I did point out that Ben Franklin's wife was a far more shadowy figure. She replied that she is not so interested in Franklin.
It will be interesting to see how deeply she goes into it. Last autumn when they did Custer in history and she had to write a piece on whether or not he was a hero or a villain, she went and read a number of accounts, and finally ended up going to the primary sources and reading Libby Custer's account. Her biggest problem was that wanting to discuss Libby Custer's motivation in great detail.
Right now, it is Jefferson's relationship with his daughters that has captured her attention.
Anyway, it is lovely to suddenly see an interest take hold, especially as I have tried to nurture it for a long time...For me it is one of the great parts of being a mother -- seeing interests grow, develop and suddenly take wings.
3 comments:
There are some absolutely terrific books out there on colonial American and revolutionary American history and biography, Michelle, as you no doubt know. My youngest son is an avid reader in the period. Whenever I want to get him a book, that's the era I go to first. Hope your daughter enjoys it.
carolc says...
I loved Johnny Tremain as a girl as well, such a dramatic and exciting read.
Must be great to pass on what you're passionate about to your daughter.
I too loved Johnny Tremian and have manged to gave one son read it.......the other always loved the disney version. Too soon to see what the dd will do.....wish I could remember who wrote Constance which was the story of one of the Pilgrims that I loved and read sooooo many times
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