Riveting historical fiction for an intense period of American history

books:


	• The Fifth of March: A Story of the Boston Massacre (Great Episodes) Ann Rinaldi Gulliver Books Paperbacks, 2004 - 352 pages average customer review:based on 67 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Anna Rinaldi does it again!!!!!

This is a really, really good book. It's one of the first Ann Rinaldi books I ever read, and I loved it!!! The plot is really good, and the characters are easy to like. You sorta feel Rachel's confusion, pain and joy.
This is really worth your time!!!

Book Review for The Fifth of March

Like A Break with Charity and Hang a Thousand Trees with Ribbons, The Fifth of March by Ann Rinaldi is a masterpiece of young adult literature. In my opinion, this book is an example of her very best pieces of writing. The Fifth of March takes place in the times leading up to the Boston Massacre, and the problems that come after. Rachel Marsh, a servant to John and Abigail Adams, comes to be friends with the British sentry stationed outside the home, Matthew Kilory. All Rachel wants is to find a place in life; being confused with her choices and worried with upcoming riots. Fiery and passionate, Matthew has a hard time agreeing with Rachel on many events that are affecting their lives, but Rachel trusts and supports him through hardships. When she witnesses the bloody massacre, Rachel learns what she must do to protect Matthew and the other soldiers accused of murder.
I, a fan of Ann Rinaldi's books, love The Fifth of March. It contains a tossed salad of emotions and twists to the plot; causing teachers to rip the book out of your grip from not wanting to put it down. Rachel is someone who you wish was real. Kind, honest, and mindful, Rachel seems to be the perfect friend. All she wants out of life is to have a place where she can be who she wants to be. Her friend, Jane, has a mind that always seems to know that things will change, such as the importance of the common man. Henry Knox, Rachel's friend, and bookseller, teaches Rachel how to use education to better her life. The whole gang of characters in The Fifth of March will keep you entertained for the hours it takes to read this book.
As it warns on the back cover, this is a historical fiction. But, this book is mostly the lives of Rachel and John Adams, and hardly any history at all. It doesn't even describe their lifestyle very well. I would also say it is a romantic novel for teens, but it doesn't have that much romance in it either. The action in this book isn't to much; mostly in the parts about the Boston Massacre and Matthew's trial. The Fifth of March is simply a recreation of the life of an indentured servant and her friends, but still an intriguing classic.
Anyone who likes action, history, or romance would enjoy this book.

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Riveting historical fiction for an intense period of American history

Who ever thought that a book on the Boston Massacre could be good reading? When it's Ann Rinaldi, you know it will be worth your time.

"The Fifth of March" explores the atmosphere in Boston in the years prior to the event known as the Boston Massacre, and the trial that occurred after it happened. The novel focuses on Rachel Marsh, an indentured servant to prominent lawyer John Adams and his family. Rachel, in her early teens, befriends lonely British soldier Matthew Kilroy, who eventually stands trial for his part in the Boston Massacre.

Much of Rachel's growth comes in the knowledge of what it means to make a choice. In Boston, anti-British sentiments are running high, and it's becoming impossible for people to remain neutral. Rachel learns, through her friendship with Matthew, that making compassionate choices and "keeping her place" may not amount to the same thing.

I found the characters surrounding Rachel (Matthew, the Adamses, the Knoxes) more intriguing than Rachel herself. Rachel is very naive for most of the novel, and her character growth comes slowly, if it all. (I kind of felt she didn't really grow until right before the book ended.) This is especially apparent in her relationship with Matthew, where she "walks out" with him but doesn't realize that their friendship may be deepening into something more. In a time when women walking out with any man but those in their family meant courtship, I'm not sure how Rachel couldn't figure this out.

Rachel is also really naive about her position in society. While her thoughts that reading will "improve" her are admirable and true, she remains ignorant about how far she can elevate in a society that respects class placement. She aspires to be, but can never be, like Abigail Adams. She doesn't realize that she can "improve" herself but may still hit a glass ceiling in relation to her class. When she does figure it out, it's too late for her to salvage the situation she finds herself in.

In many ways Rachel is the forerunner for what America will become - people who think for themselves, people who try (and do, eventually) rise about their "place" in society to become the movers and shakers of society. Her growing self-awareness and decisions at the end show this.

One thing I love about any of Rinaldi's books is her use of language. She stays true to the period she is writing about by using words that were commonplace in the time period, as well as framing sentences the way people in those periods would have said it.

Kudos to Ann Rinaldi for another great, true-to-history novel.

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Rinaldi's best!!!

As a fan of Ann Rinaldi, I've read a large number of her books, and this one tops all of them!! This is one of the best historical fiction books I have ever read. Starring a young girl (Rachel Marsh) working in the Adams' household and trying to find her place in the world, this is an intruiging book packed with excitement and new discoveries. I've always loved reading about colonial times in history books--now its almost like I've lived there! This book was carefully researched and well written--I actually felt like it was happening to me! You should definitely try it.

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Romance and the Revolution

Fourteen year old Rachel Marsh lives a horrible home life. Her parents have both died, and she is left to her evil uncle. She finds her escape in becoming an indentured servant in the home of John and Abigail Adams, tending to their children and keeping things in order.
When the long prophisized war breaks out, however, everything changes.
Rachel's uncle knows that, with her position in the Adams house, she cantell him what the Adamses are talking about. When he makes this demand of her, she refuses, and her then disowns her. She is alone in the world, with mixed feelings of relief and terror, when on her way home one cold night she finds a Brittish soldier guarding the Adamses door. She demands to be let it, and ends up argueing with the soldier. They eventually begin to talk, and Rachel learns that his name is Matthew. She brings him food each night and comes out to talk, and finds herself falling in love with him. He loves her deeply himself, but they are from two completely different sides in a war.
When March the fifth arrives, Rachel is witness to the infamous Boston Massacre. That night, her life changes forever.
I really loved this book. At first, I thought it was boring, and I didnt really like it. But then as I read on I found that it was wonderfully written and had a beautiful storyline. A great historical fiction- romantic story.

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reviews: page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Rachel Marsh is a servant in the Boston household of John Adams. But her loyalty to the Adams family is tested by her friendship with Matthew Kilroy, a British private who leads his soldiers in firing upon a mob of Boston citizens.

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