American Revolution Novel Website Project

War Literature -- Mr. Varnum

For our study of the literature of the American Revolution, you will be choosing a novel (or biography) set during that time period, and creating a web site which will serve as a study guide for the novel.  You may work with a group of no more than three people.  All people must read the same book.  The group will create the web site, but individuals will complete additional assignments.  If you work with a group, you must submit an Action Plan which outlines which elements of the site each person is responsible for.

Essential Questions:

  1. How does this novel reflect the attitudes and beliefs of the colonists during the revolution?
  2. What historical background is necessary for a better understanding of the novel/biography?
  3. What are the similarities and differences between the American Revolution and the other conflicts we have studied this year?

Required Elements:

  • Work must be approved by teacher (see attached list)
  • Reading blog which reflects your reading of the novel
  • List of study questions which cover the entire novel
  • Short biography of the author
  • Glossary of terms and characters
  • Five potential essay questions based on the novel
  • At least seven links which will aid in the understanding of the novel
  • At least one image per page
  • Works Cited page using MLA format

Materials:

  • Novel/Biography
  • Google Account to access Sites and Docs
  • Google Sites to create website
  • Blog to complete individual assignments

Individual assignments:

  • Each student will submit weekly blog postings on their reading of the week. These blogs should contain each of the following:

Each web site should contain the following:

Time Frame:

Grading:



American Revolution Reading List


  • Bardone, Barry J. No Choice:  Andrew Kimble in the Revolutionary War
  • Carter, Jimmy. The Hornet's Nest:  A Novel of the Revolutionary War
  • Cavanaugh, Jack. The Patriots (American Family Portrait Series). 1995
    The lifetime rivalry of Esau and Jacob Morgan reaches its pinnacle as the two brothers find themselves on opposite sides of the American war for independence.
  • Durham, Charles. Walk in the Light. 1992
    Longing for a better life away from the Scottish Highlands and their abusive father, poverty-stricken Rachel Calhoun and her brother accept idealistic doctor Drew Wolfe's offer to take them to pre-Revolution Philadelphia.
  • Fast, Howard.  April Morning.  1983
When you read this novel about April 19, 1775, you will see the British redcoats marching in a solid column through your town. Your hands will be sweating and you will shake a little as you grip your musket because never have you shot with the aim of killing a man. (Synopsis from Barnes and Noble website)
  • Fast, Howard. Seven Days in June: a Novel of the American Revolution. 1994 (MN, RM)
    The Battle of Bunker Hill is seen through the eyes of an English doctor seeking America's promise of freedom, in a retelling of the bloody battle between the makeshift American army and the British Grenadiers.
  • Fender, J.E. The Private Revolution of Geoffrey Frost. 2002.
    This maritime series chronicles the astonishing adventures of Captain Geoffrey Frost, who is enlisted by the colony of New Hampshire to transport heavy canons seized by the Continental Navy and embarks upon an illustrious career as a Revolutionary War privateer and hero.
  • Fleming, Thomas J. Dreams of Glory. 2000.
    A novel of the American Revolution follows American and British agents as they clash during the most critical period of the conflict and two very different men become embroiled with British spymaster Walter Beckford and the beautiful, mysterious Flora Kuyper.
  • Grimes, Roberta. My Thomas: a Novel of Martha Jefferson's Life. 1993
    A recreation of the diaries of Martha Jefferson creates an intimate portrait of two people and their love affair, as well as a chronicle of the revolutionary period.
  • Hamill, Pete.  Forever.
  • Jones, Douglas C. Shadow of the Moon. 1995
    A vivid portrait of an extraordinary family and their legacy follows the epic saga of young Scotsman Robert Chesney, who, with his ambitious and intelligent Native American wife and their four children, plays an important part in the shaping of America.
  • Jordan, Robert. The Fallon Blood (Fallon Family Saga Series). 1995
    When Michael Fallon, a bonded servant, leaves Ireland for Charleston, South Carolina, he faces a whirlwind of quick change in every aspect of his life, from work to love to the greatest Revolution the world has ever seen.
  • Lussier, Paul. The Last Refuge of Scoundrels: a Revolutionary Novel. 2000.
    An aide to George Washington and a female spy fall in love in a Revolutionary War epic that blends famous historical characters with the author's salt-of-the-earth literary creations.
  • Martin, William. Citizen Washington. 1999.
    A fictional account of George Washington portrays a man full of imperfections and limitations who overcame personal struggles to become one of history's greatest leaders.
  • McGrath, Patrick. Martha Peake. 2000
    Fleeing the brutality of her father, poet, smuggler, and drunkard Harry Peake, Martha Peake sets sail for America, where she becomes caught up in the colonies' struggle for independence from Britain, but she soon discovers that she cannot escape the betrayals of the past.
  • Morris, Gilbert. Command the Sun (Liberty Bell Series). 2000.
    When Matthew Bradford learns that his real father is Sir Leo Rochester, he has a chance to become an English peer, but first he must leave the woman he loves and renounce America.
  • Shaara, Jeff. The Glorious Cause. 2002.
    A novel about a pivotal period in the American Revolution relates the colonists' uphill battle in their quest for freedom, while General George Washington makes a fateful decision to cross the Delaware River and confront the enemy in New Jersey.
  • Shaara, Jeff. Rise to Rebellion. 2001.
    The 1770 killing of civilians by British troops during the Boston Massacre and the tumultuous trial that follows ignites the flames of revolution that will culminate in America's epic struggle for independence.
  • Walther, Anne N. Time for Treason. 2000.
    Acting as an agent for her influential French constituency, Eugene de Beaumont must measure the patriots' political intent while appearing to be carefree guest at an elaborate Virginia plantation.
  • Windt-Huebner, Kimberley. Where Our Choices Lead Us:  Amelia.