Fifth of March: A Story of the Boston Massacre [Library Binding]

 

 

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Fourteen-year-old Rachel Marsh relatively enjoys her life, working as an indentured servant girl to John and Abigail Adams, babysitting and taking care of their two adorable children at their large household in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1770. The Adamses treat Rachel with kindness, and she feels guilty for having a friendship with Jane Washburn, a notable Patriot, especially when John Adams tries to stay as neutral during the Revolution as possible, being an attorney. But all of Rachel's current woes seem so insignificant compared to the events leading up to and the results of March 5, 1770---the Boston Massacre...

Except for her cruel old Uncle Ebenezer Drake, a Tory merchant, who hasn't contacted her in years, Rachel has never been immersed in any deep misery, since her French father or dear mother had died. Her friendship with Jane Washburn is and shall remain a secret. On Rachel's day off each week, Jane supplies Rachel with all the rumors and whispers about the Revolution. Whispers abound, but still, no more than that. But Rachel can tell that one day, things are bound to explode, and the Thirteen Colonies will erupt into a bloody war.

And erupt it does indeed. In 1770, England sends over British soldiers, or the Redcoats, as the colonists contemptuously call them, to invade Boston. The Redcoats were sent watch the city, to make sure the colonists do not decide to revolt, because of Boston's known heavy Patriot activities. One day, when returning from the market to fetch tea for Mrs. Adams, Rachel stumbles upon a young teenage British soldier, Private Matthew Kilroy. Rachel and Matthew eventually become friends; Matthew believes that he is in love with her, though Rachel is not sure that she can return Matthew's love in the same way.

The events begin to slowly unfold: Matthew and the other soldiers are forced to live in filthily dreadful pig sties with barely any proper food or water or shelter, and the Patriots are then starting to resort to using vicious violence against the soldiers, often under the direction of the Negro Patriot Crispus Attucks. Then, on the night of March 5, after the rest of Boston had seemingly only gone to sleep for the night, Jane awakened Rachel, telling her a riot had broken out by a warehouse in the center of Boston, caused by the Patriots throwing rocks at the soldiers. Rachel follows Jane to the site of the riot.

Once there, in complete and yet silent horror, Rachel witnesses the killing of five Patriots, including Crispus Attucks, by the soldiers. Rachel even sees Matthew himself shove his bayonet through the skull of the corpse of one of the deceased Patriots. Petrified, Rachel runs away from Matthew's soft embrace, after he hears her scream as she gave her hiding place away. Then, twelve soldiers---including Matthew---are charged with the death of the five colonists, in the incident later known as the Boston Massacre. Rachel hopes for Matthew's safety; will Matthew be convicted?

Ann Rinaldi, an immensely talented author that writes epic historical masterpieces for young adult and teen readers, has written yet another excellent novel here---which is noticeably crammed with much fascinating historical detail---this time about the Boston Massacre, a topic not very often written about in the world of historical fiction. Rachel vividly comes to life here, as a real human being, with her own flaws and secrets, and also as a very likable female protagonist. Though the true feel of the story takes quite a long while to get going, the novel becomes more exciting and even more suspenseful after the actual Massacre itself occurs.

Highly recommended!

Read this, and you'll feel sooo smart...trust me! I was TEACHING MY HISTORY teacher about the Boston Massacre after I was done! This was my very first Rinaldi book, and for a while it was my favorite book in the world! This entriguing story got me hooked on reading. I got up to 10,000 pages in 4 months. Yep, it'll get you started! But anyways, Rachel Marsh is a humble nanny to the children of John and Abigail Adams. Everything in her life is comfortable...the home is nice, the children are wonderful, and she is treated by her emploers much better than a simple servant. Then, they come. One day, fleets of British troops invade Boston, and that's where Rachel meets and befriends Private Mathew Kilroy. After the Boston Massacre happens, Rachel must make a descision...break off her friendship with Mathew and remain with the Adams, or continue to be his friend and be fired! This story is so real, it almost depresses you in the sad parts. I really loved this book, and would HIGHLY RECCOMEND it to anyone!

I normally don't read a lot and I am into history. As I was surfing Amazon I came across this book I saw the name Ann Rinaldi and my teacher had recommened her as a author to try so I ordered the book. When it came I started reading and could not put it down! It was awesome and I would tell anyone to read it history fan or not! Even though some of the names for example John And Abigal Adams come up Mrs.Rinaldi makes them come alive and you get a whole different veiw of them! PLEASE READ GREAT BOOK!!

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5.0 out of 5 stars My First Ann Rinaldi...By Far The Best!
This was my first Ann Rinaldi book, and it turned me into a fan. Rinaldi has such an incredible way with words that puts you into the story, and makes you relate to the... Read more

Published on July 29 2003 by qodramaqueen

5.0 out of 5 stars a great book even if you're not the history whiz
For social studies, I had to choose between a few different historical fiction novels. After choosing the Fifth of March, I was just dreading having to read it. Read more

Published on Jun 30 2003

5.0 out of 5 stars 5 STARS, A GIVEN!
I LOVED this book. It's about a 14 year old girl (Rachel Marsh) who is a nanny to the children of John and Abigail Adams during the Boston Massacre. Read more

Published on April 26 2003

5.0 out of 5 stars A Story So Tragic
This book opened my eyes to the revolutionary war. I was awed at the people's dihonesty yet understood their senseless hatred. Read more

Published on Dec 20 2002

5.0 out of 5 stars 5 stars!
This book is wonderful. Set in Colonial America, Rachel doesn't want to choose which side she's on. The British or the American. Read more

Published on Nov 11 2002

5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it!
This book was wonderful! I loved how it blends history with the feelings and thoughts of typical teenagers of today. I recommend this book to all teens!

Published on Oct 30 2002 by bunnygurl

3.0 out of 5 stars A good period piece
This is the story of a young girl, Rachel Marsh, indentured as a servant to John Adams and his wife. Read more

Published on Sep 16 2002 by hrladyship

4.0 out of 5 stars over all pretty good
Although this book was good, don't get me wrong,I enjoyed it, it seemed that Rachel Marsh was wavery. Read more

Published on July 29 2002 by Jeff A

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book on the Boston Massacre
Ann Rinaldi is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. This is the second book I've read by her with a Revolutionary War theme and quite a good one too. Read more

Published on April 30 2002 by Nancy E.

5.0 out of 5 stars The Fifth of March
The Fifth of March
Do you want a novel with romance, history, and excitement
wrapped up into one book? Read more

Published on April 18 2002

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