Johnny Tremain Study Guide

Johnny Tremain Study Guide 

In colonial Boston, proud, orphaned, quick-tempered Johnny Tremain works as an apprentice to Mr. Lapham, a master silversmith who is now getting on in years. More clever and skilled than the other two apprentices living at the Laphams', Johnny has the run of the Lapham household. His future seems secure: when he is old enough, Johnny will marry Priscilla Lapham, one of old Mr. Lapham's granddaughters, and inherit the silversmith shop. There he will live out his years, fashioning silver cups and basins and other fine ware for the well-to-do of Boston society. However, fate or providence has different plans for Johnny Tremain. When his hand is injured and he is unable to continue his duties as apprentice silversmith, he finds work as a courier for a secret network of revolutionaries, and suddenly finds himself caught up in the struggle for American Independence.

Through Esther Forbes' story of Boston, students will learn:

About the Author: Learn about Esther Forbes.

Background Information: Early American history, American Revolution.

Vocabulary words used throughout the novel, utilizing a variety of activities to stimulate retention and growth.

Literary Techniques: Dictionary, characterization, predict, theme, symbolism, setting.

Moral Lessons and Character Values: Authority, rebellion, forgiveness, rebirth, Christianity, pride, equality, war.

Activities and Writing Assignments:  Wordsearch, mapping, Boston Tea Party, Lexington, timeline, shop signs, genealogy, illustrations, poetry, biographies, essays.

Suggestions for Further Reading:  We include a wonderful reading list of more books by the same author(s) and other books that tie in with, or are similar to, Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes.

All of the unit lessons are written from a Christian worldview! 

• Age Level = 12 and up
• Book Author = Gregory Power
• Book Material = Paperback
• Book Publisher = Progeny Press
• Copyright = c1993
• Grade Level = 6-8
• Condition = New