Or Give Me Death

A parent might reach for this book when their teenager is grappling with a difficult family secret or the emotional weight of caring for a parent with a severe mental illness. Set against the backdrop of the American Revolution, this story explores the heavy burden of keeping a mother's deteriorating mental state hidden while the world celebrates the father's public heroism. It is a poignant look at how children often sacrifice their own freedom to protect the family unit. This historical fiction novel is best suited for readers aged 12 and up due to its mature themes of mental health, confinement, and the complexities of 18th-century medical care. It provides a valuable entry point for discussing the difference between public personas and private realities, as well as the resilience required to find one's own voice amidst family turmoil.