The Fifth of March: A Story of the Boston Massacre

by Ann Rinaldi

Overview

“Carefully researched and lovingly written, Rinaldi’s latest presents a girl indentured to John and Abigail Adams during the tense period surrounding the 1770 Massacre. . . . Fortuitously timed, a novel that illuminates a moment from our past that has strong parallels to recent events. Bibliography.”—Kirkus Reviews

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780547351162
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	11/30/1993
Series:	Great Episodes
Sold by:	HARPERCOLLINS
Format:	eBook
Pages:	352
Sales rank:	838,563
Lexile:	600L (what's this?)
File size:	3 MB
Age Range:	10 - 14 Years

About the Author

ANN RINALDI is an award-winning author best known for bringing history vividly to life. A self-made writer and newspaper columnist for twenty-one years, Ms. Rinaldi attributes her interest in history to her son, who enlisted her to take part in historical reenactments up and down the East Coast. She lives with her husband in central New Jersey. 

Editorial Reviews

Gr 6-9-Ann Rinaldi's award-winning novel (Harcourt, 1993) is reminiscent of Johnny Tremain. It features an orphaned bondservant, Rachel Marsh, who finds herself enmeshed in the furor that was pre-Revolutionary Boston prior to the Boston Massacre. Many historical personages are featured in the story-John, Abigail, and various other Adamses of Boston; Henry Knox; and soldier Matthew Kilroy. The tale melds history and fiction to give an excellent view of colonial Boston, its inhabitants, and the political and social attitudes that pervaded the city. Rachel discusses the role of women in society with Abigail Adams herself. The notion of colonial British-Americans discovering that they have become "plain Americans" and the philosophical changes that entailed is examined. Melissa Hughes gives an honest voice to narrator Rachel. Early, wistful readings tender an innocence that develops into confidence and assurance as the character grows in years, education, and confidence, lending believability to the narrative. The Adams' cook is referred to as a "nigra girl," which is historically accurate, but might be offensive to some. The story is sprinkled with mild oaths and finds Rachel chastely fending off the advances of soldier Matthew Kilroy. Rinaldi has scored a winner with this book, destined to be a classic, and Hughes ably provides a clear, crisp, and honest rendering.-Mike Brown, Bowie High School, MD Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

School Library Journal

Rinaldi's latest historical novel, which takes place in 1770, is told from the point of view of 14-year-old Rachel Marsh, an indentured servant in the household of John Adams. Rachel feels lucky to have the position, believes she is well treated, and greatly admires Abigail and John Adams. Although not political herself, she worries about friends who support rebellion and have told her that a time will come when she will have to take a stand. It is only when she meets Matthew Kilroy, a young, argumentative British soldier who has been sent to Boston as part of a peacekeeping force, that Rachel begins to question British domination of the colonies and to see herself as an American. When Matthew is arrested for his part in the Boston Massacre, Rachel, who's convinced he's caught up in a political war not of his making, defies convention and the Adamses' wishes and visits him in jail. Although the act costs her her job, she knows she has done the right thing. Rinaldi provides a vivid picture of colonial life and the pre-Revolutionary War period, including the disagreements among various American factions and the frightening actions of mobs and British retaliation. Because the issues she raises--the role of peacekeeping forces, the use of violence to achieve political goals, and the courage required to take a stand--are as significant today as they were at the time, this will be a wonderful selection to use in language-arts and social-studies classes.

Chris Sherman

"Carefully researched and lovingly written."—Kirkus Reviews
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