Come peek inside homeschooling life at my house as I share about Fields of the Fatherless by Elaine Cooper, a book my daughter and I read to supplement our history study.
For a treat, today you will also hear my from my daughter and Elaine Cooper, the author of Fields of the Fatherless.
Fields of the Fatherless is a “living book”, real life events creatively woven together in order to inaugurate you into that world. And because today is Patriot’s Day, this is a fitting book to highlight. Keep reading to find out why.
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About the Book
In the early months of 1775, war is brewing in the American colonies. Although frightened, eighteen-year-old Betsy Russell of Menotomy Village, Massachusetts, wants to be prepared in case of attack by the British troops. Her father, prosperous farmer Jason, is the fourth generation of Russells on this land—yet their very rights as British Colonials are being stripped away one by one. Will the King of England take the Russells’ land as well?
Tensions are growing here in the countryside west of Boston and the outbreak of battle seems almost a certainty. Jason desperately wants to protect his family—his wife, children and grandchildren—and their future. Betsy makes every attempt to be prepared for the worst.
But not even the American militia could have predicted what was about to occur—right on the Russells’ doorstep. If Betsy loses everything she holds dear, are the rights of all the Colonists endangered? (Based on a true story.)
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About the Author
Novelist Elaine Marie Cooper is the author of Fields of the Fatherless and the Deer Run saga (The Road to Deer Run, The Promise of Deer Run and The Legacy of Deer Run.) Her passions are her family, her faith in Christ and the history of the American Revolution, a frequent subject of her historical fiction. She grew up in Massachusetts, the setting for many of her novels.Elaine is a contributing writer to Fighting Fear, Winning the War at Home by Edie Melson, and I Choose You, a romance Anthology. Her freelance work has appeared in both newspapers and magazines, and she blogs regularly at Colonial Quills as well as on her own website . You can also connect with her on Facebook and Twitter .
A memoir of Elaine’s daughter, Bethany’s Calendar, will release spring, 2015.
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From the author: On a Historical Note
As I watched the solemn ceremonies on the broadcast news in remembrance of the victims who were killed in the Boston bombings one year ago, I remembered the moment when I first saw that report. I was angry.
Many around the world just knew about the event called the Boston Marathon, which was the occasion for the attack. Since I grew up in the Boston area, I knew the event was far more significant than just a race; it was Patriot’s Day weekend, a memorial of the first battle for American Independence in 1775.
As it happened, the book I’d written about the events of April 19, 1775 was to be released the following October. After the terrible attack at the Boston Marathon, I became more determined than ever to share the story about Patriot’s Day, celebrated every year in Boston.
The events that occurred that April day were the culmination of discontent between the British Parliament and the American colonists. It began when the citizens of Massachusetts stood their ground against King George of England’s military troops (known as the regulars). The highly trained regulars were readying to confiscate gunpowder and arms that had been hidden in Concord, Massachusetts—weapons that the Americans hoped would protect their lands and their lives if they were attacked.
Fortunately for the colonists, American spies in Boston sent out messengers via horseback to warn the towns along the way: “To arms! The regulars are coming” became the battle cry that the colonists had feared. Yet they now firmed their resolve to stand their ground. Their liberties had been stripped away one by one; now it was time to act.
Most historians cite the battles of Concord and Lexington that day. But an even worse battle occurred right in my hometown of Arlington, Massachusetts. At the time, Arlington was known as Menotomy Village. This village stood on the road between Concord and Boston, so when the British troops retreated back to Boston, a terrible battle broke out. In Menotomy Village, there were more soldiers on both sides that were killed that day than in any other town.
As a youngster growing up in Arlington, the old Jason Russell House still stood up the street from where I lived. I walked by it regularly and wondered why it was a historical landmark. What had happened there? It was not until I grew up that I researched that history and then wrote my novel based on that fateful day: Fields of the Fatherless.
I tell the story of Betsy Russell, daughter of Jason. She was a very real person who lived in a terrifying time and endured a horrific battle that occurred right on her doorstep. I wanted to tell the story through the 18-year-old’s eyes, to allow the reader to understand what it truly meant to be a brave patriot for freedom at a time of such danger. The sacrifice she and her family made on the cusp of Revolution should not be forgotten.On this April 21, please remember their bravery and celebrate Patriot’s Day wherever you live.
You can read a blog I wrote about Patriot’s Day for Colonial Quills HERE .
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What will kids think of Fields of the Fatherless?
A discussion with my daughter
Me: What did you think of this book?
Daughter: It very interesting and fast pace. I liked it.
Me: Would you read other books based on similar time frames by this author even if it wasn’t for school? Why?
Daughter: Yes. Its interesting and I really like this time period.
Me: What did you like best about the story?
Daughter: I related to Betsy. She was scared, but did what she needed to.
Me: What was (one of) your favorite scene(s)?
Daughter: At church everyone describes how they were involved in battle. An old lady captured British soldiers on her own.
Me: What did you learn about the Revolutionary war time period that you didn’t learn in the text book we used?
Daughter: I saw a redcoat opinion/perspective on the war. I never really thought about what they were thinking.
Me: If you could take the war out of the story, would you want to visit this family?
Daughter: Yes. It would be fun. Especially Betsy because she conquered her fear.
Me: Any other thoughts?
Daughter: The story reminds me of something from the Princess Diaries: Bravery is not the absence of fear, but the decision that something else is more important. (paraphrased)
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What will parents think?
My review
My review
Always on the lookout for great books to supplement our curriculum, I was pleasantly surprised when I read Fields of the Fatherless by Elaine Marie Cooper. It is historically and culturally accurate. The emotions portrayed show Betsy both honest and strong. Elaine puts the reader smack dab in the middle of events that forever shape a young woman’s perception of how to live life.
Whether battling on a national level or in the schoolyards, the truth Betsy finds is as applicable today as it was in the 1700’s. Through Fields of the Fatherless, you will experience events that shaped individual lives as well as our nation. I highly recommend this book.
Thanks so much for featuring "Fields of the Fatherless," Angela! I pray that this story blesses many.
I hopped over here after seeing Elaine's Facebook post about this. I'm glad I did! I've seen this book and wondered how it was, and now I know. Thank you! 🙂
Appreciate the info from you and Elaine, and the thoughts from your daughter too.
I love when you find a good book like this that brings life to your homeschool studies. We found a few such treasures during our homeschooling years. Have a great week!
Elaine, so glad you came by. I'm hoping lots of people discover your story.
Karen, Thanks for stopping by. It is indeed fun to have these living books a part of the learning.