Johnny senses his history and destiny are connected to this beautiful object.ĭuring this difficult time in Johnny’s life, the Tea Act is passed causing insurrection in the American Colonies. It is inconceivable that a poor boy would ever come into possession of the delicate object. The cup had belonged to the Lyte family, one of the richest families in Massachusetts. His mother’s last gift to him was a precious silver cup that she had said he must only use if he were in desperate straits. Now the shoe is on the other foot as the apprentices make fun of him. He has fallen from the heights of success to that of a crippled teenager. Johnny’s ill-tempered remarks lead to excessive jealously and his hand is badly burned when another apprentice gets his revenge by giving him a broken mold during a silver pour. Lapham tries to humble Johnny but too little effect. So, while he is producing most of the expensive products in the shop, he constantly ridicules his fellow apprentices. Lapham, sees his ability in shaping silver but also sees a less admirable quality in the lad: Johnny is filled with an inordinate pride in his abilities.

Though seemingly a common boy, he possesses remarkable artistic talent that can be seen in his lovely creations. By his early teens, he already shows great aptitude in molding beautiful tea pots and sugar bowls. Johnny is an orphan and has been apprenticed to a silversmith. The name of this great novel is “Johnny Tremain.” Since its publication in 1943, the novel has held readers in awe with its masterful writing and suspenseful characters. Esther Forbes has written a brilliant book in this genre about the American Revolution. Talented authors can take readers back centuries and allow them to experience the historical situation through the characters, background, customs and language of time.Īs a result, historical fiction has always been popular and is unlikely to ever lose its audience. Historical fiction is one of the great genres (types of writing) that can be found in literature. Houghton Mifflin, Boston, 1943, 300 pages, Grades 5-7.

“Johnny Tremain,” by Esther Forbes, illustrated by Lynd Ward

Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes