1. The author, Howard Fast, wrote many books set during the time of the American Revolution.
What happened to him in 1950?

2. What happened to Mr. Fast's books after the above occurred?

3. Vocabulary - Use this online dictionary to find the meaning of the following words:

inordinately

sufficiently

barbarian

presumptuous

ravenous

Find a synonym for:

disparity

potent

tentative

4. This book is set in colonial Massachusetts, Is there really a Menotomy, MA.?
Research the answer on the World Wide Web.

5. The story is told as a first person recollection of the events of the day. Here is another account.
How do the two recollections compare?

Write two similarities.

Write two disparities.

6. In the tale, Adam recalls playing a game called Pontiac. It was named after a Native American.
Write three facts about Pontiac.

7. Adam mentions Buckman's Tavern several times. What were the roles of taverns in the 1800's?

8. Two famous patriots are mentioned in the story: John Hancock and Samuel Adams.
What are each of them famous for doing?

9. More than part of a weapon, what other role did musket balls play in Colonial America?

Why?

10. What happened to the midnight riders who warned the people the British were coming?

11. Explore this interactive site about Daily life during Colonial times.
What were the roles of women?

12. Like Adam's father, Sybil Ludington acted to support liberty. Explain.

Extend your thinking:

Are the facts straight? This is a work of historical fiction. It is based on actual events.
Use this map resource at the Library of Congress to determine just how accurate it is. Identify
the route taken by the British that was described in the story. Left Charlestown, crossed the Charles River,
on to Cambridge, then on to Menotomy.

Done Already?

* Explore the Minute Man National Historic Park. How many times have they rebuilt the North Bridge?

Why?

* Watch the web movie The Shot Heard Round the World. (This may take a few minutes to load, but it is so remarkable it is well worth the time.)

* Watch: Timeline Introduction to Benjamin Banneker - Make a timeline for one of the historic figures mentioned in the story.

* You are to write a historical fiction story about your town.
List three local landmarks you would include in the story to add authenticity.

* Evaluate - Was it Paul Revere who rode into Adam's town to raise the alarm? "Paul Revere's Ride"

* Select a picture at Revolutionary Viewpoints. Study and analyze one picture using the What Do You See Guide.
What were the artists trying to convey?

* "I have never known a man whose love of country was more ardent or sincere.." John Adams.
Who was James Otis? What role did he play in founding the Republic?

* Make a Book Trailer with Photo Story 3 free software and free tutorial

* Design a PowerPoint™ presentation of the story elements