The Boston Tea Party
American Moments Series
What’s inside...
Follow a crowd of disguised protestors through the quiet streets of colonial Boston as they defend their right to control their own destinies. Russell Freedman's engaging narrative, incorporating meticulous research and quotes from contemporary accounts, follows the rising tensions between the citizens of Boston and representatives of the British Crown. From the controversial, unpopular taxes on tea through the defiant act of dumping hundreds of chests of British cargo into the harbor, this exciting retelling puts readers in the middle of this historic event. Detailed watercolor illustrations bring this story of early American protest to life, artfully depicting the colonial era and the charged atmosphere of Boston in the weeks leading up to the Boston Tea Party. Informational backmatter includes a bibliography, index, and historic map of Boston. A perfect introduction to a pivotal moment in American history for young readers.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think led the colonists to throw the tea into Boston Harbor?
How do you think the colonists felt about their actions during the Boston Tea Party?
Why do you think the Boston Tea Party is an important event in American history?
If you were there during the Boston Tea Party, what would you have done?
How do you think the British government's reaction to the Boston Tea Party shaped the future of America?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child what they know about the Boston Tea Party before reading the book to gauge their prior knowledge and build from there.
Encourage your child to think about the perspectives of both the colonists and the British during the discussions.
Relate the events in the book to your child's experiences with fairness and decision making to make the historical content more relatable.
After discussing a question, encourage your child to draw or write a brief summary of their thoughts to reinforce their understanding.
Use a map or globe to locate Boston and other significant locations mentioned in the book to provide a geographical context to the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding the concept of protest and freedom
Explanation: The book depicts the historic event of the Boston Tea Party, highlighting colonists' protest against unfair taxation without representation.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of standing up for their rights and freedoms in their own lives, whether at school or within the community.
Example Lesson: Importance of teamwork
Explanation: The colonists had to work together to successfully carry out the Boston Tea Party, demonstrating effective collaboration and unity.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the value of cooperating with others to achieve common goals, whether in team sports, group projects at school, or family activities.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: The book details the repercussions faced by the colonists after the tea party, which led to further significant historical events.
Real-World Application: Children can understand that all actions have consequences, encouraging them to think about the potential effects of their decisions.
Example Lesson: Historical perspective and critical thinking
Explanation: By exploring the reasons behind the Boston Tea Party, the book encourages readers to look at history from multiple viewpoints.
Real-World Application: This can help children develop critical thinking skills, prompting them to consider different sides of a story or situation in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Civic engagement
Explanation: The narrative of the Boston Tea Party serves as an early example of civic action to address social injustices.
Real-World Application: Kids can be inspired to become more aware and involved in their communities, understanding the role they play in shaping society.