About This Book
Set in Boston in 1773, this historical fiction chapter book follows Silence, a ten-year-old girl whose greatest desire is to claim the mare, Lily, as her own. To achieve this, she diligently works to please her mother through chores and etiquette lessons, all while her Loyalist father and brother are deeply involved in the escalating political tensions leading up to the Boston Tea Party. Silence soon discovers Lily is being used for secret meetings, intertwining her personal quest with the dramatic historical events. The book gently introduces concepts of freedom, loyalty, and the complexities of a divided society, touching upon the historical realities of slavery and indentured servitude in a way appropriate for elementary readers.
In 1773, twelve-year-old Silence works to please her mother through household chores and weekly etiquette lessons in hopes of spending time with her beloved horse, Lily, while the men of Boston, including her Loyalist father and brother, discuss a possible war over taxation without representation.
peril_danger
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Discussion Prompts
1
How does Silence's desire for Lily connect to the larger themes of freedom and independence in the story?
2
What does 'taxation without representation' mean, and why was it so important to the people of Boston?
3
How do Silence's feelings about her family and her horse change throughout the book?
4
What challenges did people face living in Boston during 1773, both personally and politically?
5
How does the book show different perspectives on the conflict between the Loyalists and the Patriots?
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