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.
"Carefully researched and lovingly written."--Kirkus Reviews
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Gr 6-9-Through the eyes of Rachel Marsh, an indentured servant in the household of John Adams, Rinaldi shows readers the events leading up to the Boston Massacre. Rachel is an orphan in search of a ``place,'' and in the course of her duties as nursemaid to the Adams's children, she comes in contact with many of the movers and shakers of colonial Boston. She also meets a young British soldier who ultimately will stand trial for his life as a participant in the massacre. The story moves along briskly, and details of life in 18th-century Boston are woven into the narrative. The political unrest, the differing views of the patriots and loyalists, and the constant threat of mob violence are also well portrayed. An author's note provides an interesting glimpse of the way a historical novel is constructed. However, Rachel's reaction to being disowned by her thoroughly nasty Uncle Eb is difficult to credit, given her earlier decision to cut him out of her life. Equally murky is her relationship with Private Kilroy; readers will readily understand his frustration. In the end, readers may be carried along more by the drama of the historical events than by the vacillations of the heroine. Entertaining, but not compelling.-Elaine Fort Weischedel, Turner Free Library, Randolph, MA
"Carefully researched and lovingly written."--Kirkus
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