Banned Book: my brother Sam is dead by James Lincoln Collier & Christopher Collier

my brother Sam is dead is listed as being intended for ages 12 and up, and I do think that sounds appropriate. The book is about Tim Mercer, a twelve-year-old boy in Connecticut during the Revolutionary War, and his family.

Tim's parents run a tavern & store in Redding, and Tim's older brother Sam runs off to join the Rebel cause. Sam believes the States should not have to pay taxes to or be governed by England. Tim & Sam's father feels loyal to England, but mostly just wants peace.

It's very hard for Tim, who is stuck in the middle and can understand both viewpoints of the war. As his family goes through their day-to-day routine, Tim watches his area, as yet untouched by war, become a very dangerous place to live.

Tim is forced to grow up very quickly when a supply trip with his father goes horribly wrong, and the fighting and troops come to his home town. The book ends on a heartbreaking note, and reminds us all that in war, there are no victors.

This book contained some fighting, a beheading, a hanging, a few shootings, plus theft, danger, and slave ownership. These things did happen during the war, and I don't believe history should be censored or smoothed over. This book provides a good viewpoint of the horrors of war from the perspective of a young man, and is a worthwhile read for anyone interested in the subject.