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The Adventures of Silas Freethorn: a Puritan Tale, Second Edition
Young Silas Freethorn realizes from a very early age that he doesn't quite fit into Puritan New England society. Witnessing whippings and hangings, and living by strict rules, lead him to behaviors and thoughts that aren't tolerated in his community. Luckily, he meets and befriends Abigail Reed. Pretty and cunning Abigail, gives Silas the friend he needs to tolerate the society they live in. However, an unfortunate series of events leads to a betrayal that forces Silas to leave home and begin an improbable adventure. For the next seven years, Silas struggles to stay alive as he grows from a boy to a man. His adventures lead him to a Wyandot Native American Indian village, through the Appalachian Mountains with a pair of French fur trappers, and eventually to a Spanish mission that is being built. Brave Silas is forced to make many difficult decisions along the way while still confronting burning questions about the betrayals in his past. What destiny does his future hold? Will he survive to follow his chosen path?
186 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2015
About the author
D.J. Renner
3 books7 followersDJ Renner lives in upstate New York with his wife and three children. He has been a middle school/high school teacher for over 20 years. He coaches baseball and advises the chess club. He loves to travel and see the very diverse parts of the country.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
January 23, 2025
It is no surprise that The Adventures of Silas Freethorn written by D.J. Renner is used in the school system in New York. And it is also no surprise that if I was reading this book while in school, I would have read ahead.
Reading about what Silas Freethorn went through in his life, starting as a young age, is quite remarkable. While reading his tale, you are definitely rooting for him.
The Adventures of Silas Freethorn is broken down in four categories starting with Silas as a young boy living in Massachusetts with his family. Sadly he is taken as a prisoner when he is accused of speaking in a disrespecful way (blasphemy) and held until a punishment is determined. Silas knows that he is innocent but no one will believe him so he escapes and runs away.
In his escape he does whatever he has to do to stay alive. He meets up with a family that helps him even though he was set to rob them. They send him on his way with a destination in mind and on his way he meets up with an indian who takes him back with him to his tribe. He befriends the tribe and stays and works and learns from them.
When things are changing within this indian tribe, two french visitors are moving in a different direction and Silas is to travel with them. He has mixed feelings because he had started to feel like he belonged somewhere.
The rest of Silas's story is trying and at some points difficult to read. But readers cannot help but turn the pages. You are now invested in his tale and need to see how it turns out. Luckily you will feel good about the ending.
Renner writes a captivating tale and provides a glossary of terms in the back to help readers with some of the lingo used in the story. He knows how to draw a picture and allows the reader to open their curious mind and go with it.
Reading about what Silas Freethorn went through in his life, starting as a young age, is quite remarkable. While reading his tale, you are definitely rooting for him.
The Adventures of Silas Freethorn is broken down in four categories starting with Silas as a young boy living in Massachusetts with his family. Sadly he is taken as a prisoner when he is accused of speaking in a disrespecful way (blasphemy) and held until a punishment is determined. Silas knows that he is innocent but no one will believe him so he escapes and runs away.
In his escape he does whatever he has to do to stay alive. He meets up with a family that helps him even though he was set to rob them. They send him on his way with a destination in mind and on his way he meets up with an indian who takes him back with him to his tribe. He befriends the tribe and stays and works and learns from them.
When things are changing within this indian tribe, two french visitors are moving in a different direction and Silas is to travel with them. He has mixed feelings because he had started to feel like he belonged somewhere.
The rest of Silas's story is trying and at some points difficult to read. But readers cannot help but turn the pages. You are now invested in his tale and need to see how it turns out. Luckily you will feel good about the ending.
Renner writes a captivating tale and provides a glossary of terms in the back to help readers with some of the lingo used in the story. He knows how to draw a picture and allows the reader to open their curious mind and go with it.
May 28, 2020
This is a phenomenal instructional text for the middle school Social Studies classroom. The language is accessible and great for inclusive teaching. This is a great coming of age story that weaves content with the plot of the story.
January 4, 2019
It was ok but I liked the ending but it was like a happily ever after story ending.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews