Susanna of the Alamo: A True Story

by John Jakes, Paul Bacon (Illustrator)

“Remember the Alamo!” is one of the most familiar battle cries in American history, yet few know about the brave woman who inspired it. Susanna Dickinson’s story reveals the crucial role she played during that turbulent period in Texas-American history.

Genres: History, Childrens, Biography, Picture Books, Nonfiction, American History, Westerns

40 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1986

About the author

John William Jakes, the author of more than a dozen novels, is regarded as one of today’s most distinguished writers of historical fiction. His work includes the highly acclaimed Kent Family Chronicles series and the North and South Trilogy. Jakes’s commitment to historical accuracy and evocative storytelling earned him the title of “the godfather of historical novelists” from the Los Angeles Times and led to a streak of sixteen consecutive New York Times bestsellers. Jakes has received several awards for his work and is a member of the Authors Guild and the PEN American Center. He and his wife, Rachel, live on the west coast of Florida.

Also writes under pseudonyms Jay Scotland, Alan Payne, Rachel Ann Payne, Robert Hart Davis, Darius John Granger, John Lee Gray. Has ghost written as William Ard.

Reviews

[Anna]

This was a good historical fiction book for older (middle-grade) children. It tells the story of the Alamo through the eyes of a witness - the wife of one of the soldiers who died there. It's not gory, but it is straightforward and sad about what happened there, and the courage of the men who faced an enemy force much greater than theirs with great courage. Susanna and her baby are allowed to leave the Alamo, but are forced to be presented to General Santa Anna, who wants to use them to send a message to General Sam Houston. Because Houston listens to Susanna's story and is inspired by her words, the losses from the Alamo are avenged.

This would be a great aid to homeschoolers studying Texas history, and the more general history of the southwestern states of our country.

[Lynn]

This is a highly researched realistic account of the Battle of the Alamo. It is written by an award-winning writer of history books and historical novels. This is one of his few books for children.

[booklady]

We picked this book up years ago on a trip to San Antonio with our daughters. Susanna Dickinson was the wife of Almeron, a blacksmith, one of the men who died in the battle of the Alamo. She and her 18-month-old daughter, Elizabeth Angelina, were the only two white survivors of the battle. She met the prideful general, Santa Anna, after the battle and tells how he tried to intimidate her into coming with him to Mexico. Instead, she carried his threatening message to the American General Sam Houston who later captured Santa Anna dressed up in stolen slave clothes. His own troops gave him away.

A well-told story and the artwork is first rate as well!

[Cathi]

Great little book based on the true story about Susanna Dickinson, who survived the Alamo massacre. She was spared by General Santa Anna so that she could bear witness of his strength to Sam Houston's army. This is great for upper elementary students or possibly even middle school students. Oh, the memories we have of our older kids' Texas history classes while they were growing up in Houston!

[Cala]

“Remember the Alamo!” This is a great children’s book telling the true story of the Alamo. It is a little bit graphic in a war sense, but T(7) was fine with it.

I would recommend for ages 7/8 through adult. I learned more about the account than I previously knew.

[Liz E]

This is the kind of book the makes even a grownups heart swell with pride. Read it for homeschool with my 7 and 4.5 year old in two sittings, though you could easily stretch it to three. Highly recommend looking up the deguello song on youtube to listen to.

[Karen]

Great book to read before going to see the Alamo...krb 8/18/17

[Dave]

A great book to get historical facts about the Alamo and Texas’ defeating Santa Ana.

[Annie]

What the fuck is this colonial bullshit

[Rachel]

True story of Susanna Dickinson, who survived the Alamo massacre with her daughter.

[Ebookwormy1]

Years ago, John Jakes "North & South" was made in a miniseries for television. Years after that, I read the books that inspired the production. Today, I read another book by John Jakes, a non-fiction book for children about the Alamo. Who knew!?

Susanna of the Alamo: A True Story is everything I'd love to see in every book I purchase for homeschool study. Thoroughly researched with care to sorting history from legend, brilliantly illustrated in period drawings, and engagingly told. Worth the $8 and highly recommended.

[Jeri]

We went to the Alamo. My kids ran through it. I bought this book in a gift shop and read it to them at naptime. They wanted to go back. We spent two hours spell-bound at the Alamo the next day. They still talk about it!

[Paula]

I thought this was a very well done YA book based on a real person who was at the Alamo.

[Laura The Book Reader]

I love this children's level book that explains the sequence of events of what happened at the Alamo. I have read this book 3 times.

[Sue]

Biased and very one-sided. This sure isn't how the Mexicans tell it.