Event
Virtual Book Chat with Old North Illuminated: Johnny Tremain with Patrick O'Brien
Fee:
Donations accepted.Dates & Times
Date:
Time:
Duration:
Type of Event
Description
Join the historian Patrick O'Brien on Zoom for a special discussion about the classic historical fiction novel Johnny Tremain.
Written in 1943 by Esther Forbes, Johnny Tremain is among the best-selling children's books of the 20th century. Intended for middle schoolers, the novel's protagonist is 14-year-old Johnny Tremain, an apprentice silversmith working in Boston in the 1770s. When Johnny's dreams of becoming a silversmith are dashed by a tragic accident, he takes a new job as a horse-boy, riding for the patriotic newspaper the Boston Observer and as a messenger for the Sons of Liberty. Soon, Johnny is involved in the pivotal events of the American Revolution, from the Boston Tea Party to the first shots fired at Lexington, while he encounters historical figures like John Hancock, Samuel Adams, and Dr. Joseph Warren. The book won the 1944 Newbery Medal and was adapted as a Disney film in 1957.
Patrick O'Brien, a history professor at the University of Tampa, will deliver a short presentation on the historical context surrounding the novel and then lead a discussion exploring themes from the book and what it means today as we approach America's 250th anniversary. The discussion will be kind of like a virtual book club! This event is perfect for anyone who remembers reading Johnny Tremain as a child and for teachers and educators who would like to teach this novel with their students. While we encourage attendees to read (or re-read) Johnny Tremain before the talk, no prior knowledge or reading is required to enjoy and participate.
To register for this virtual event, press the Tickets button and make a donation of any amount to Old North Illuminated, the nonprofit that preserves and interprets Old North Church Historic Site. Your generosity supports our education programs. A Zoom link will be sent to you before the event.
More information