My Brother Sam Is Dead

My Brother Sam Is Dead is a powerful historical fiction novel told from the perspective of 12-year-old Timothy Meeker during the American Revolution. The story unflinchingly portrays the devastating impact of war on a family, as Tim's older brother, Sam, defies their pacifist father to fight for the Patriots. The narrative explores themes of loyalty, neutrality, and the moral ambiguities of conflict, culminating in profound personal tragedies for the Meeker family. This Newbery Honor book is often used in middle school classrooms for its realistic depiction of history, though it has been challenged for its vivid violence and profanity, making it a book parents should preview and discuss with their children.