Rebellion 1776 — Content Guide for Parents
Themes present
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Religious themes
PRESENTContains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.
About this book
From New York Times bestselling author Laurie Halse Anderson comes an eerily timely historical fiction middle grade adventure about a girl struggling to survive amid a smallpox epidemic, the public's fear of inoculation, and the seething Revolutionary War.
In the spring of 1776, thirteen-year-old Elsbeth Culpepper wakes to the sound of cannons. It's the Siege of Boston, the Patriots' massive drive to push the Loyalists out that turns the city into a chaotic war zone. Elsbeth's father--her only living relative--has gone missing, leaving her alone and adrift in a broken town while desperately seeking employment to avoid the orphanage.
Just when things couldn't feel worse, the smallpox epidemic sweeps across Boston. Now, Bostonians must fight for their lives against an invisible enemy in addition to the visible one. While a treatment is being frantically fine-tuned, thousands of people rush in from the countryside begging for inoculation. At the same time, others refuse protection, for the treatment is crude at best and at times more dangerous than the disease itself.
Elsbeth, who had smallpox as a small child and is now immune, finds work taking care of a large, wealthy family with discord of their own as they await a turn at inoculation, but as the epidemic and the revolution rage on, will she find her father?
"Frequently asked questions
Is Rebellion 1776 appropriate for a 7-year-old?
The narrative includes elements of violence related to the American Revolution, such as the Siege of Boston and the smallpox epidemic, which are depicted as chaotic and threatening. The book includes themes of fear related to the smallpox epidemic and the violence of the Revolutionary War, which may be unsettling for younger readers.
Does Rebellion 1776 have violence?
The narrative includes elements of violence related to the American Revolution, such as the Siege of Boston and the smallpox epidemic, which are depicted as chaotic and threatening.
Does Rebellion 1776 have scary content?
The book includes themes of fear related to the smallpox epidemic and the violence of the Revolutionary War, which may be unsettling for younger readers.
Does Rebellion 1776 have religious themes?
No religious content or practices mentioned in the narrative. The story is set during the American Revolution and does not focus on religious themes.
Does Rebellion 1776 have racial/cultural content?
No explicit themes of race or racism detected in the narrative. The focus is on the experiences of a young girl during the American Revolution.
Does Rebellion 1776 have profanity?
No profanity detected in the narrative. The content is suitable for a middle-grade audience.
Does Rebellion 1776 have climate change?
No climate themes detected in the narrative. The story focuses on historical events rather than environmental issues.
Does Rebellion 1776 have sexual identity?
Author is known for writing about sexual content, relationships, or abuse themes. No sexual content detected in the narrative. The story does not include romantic relationships, focusing instead on friendship.
Does Rebellion 1776 have gender roles?
The story features a strong female protagonist, Elsbeth, who navigates challenges in a male-dominated society. The narrative includes feminist themes, showcasing her resourcefulness and independence.
Does Rebellion 1776 have lgbtq+ themes?
No LGBTQ+ themes detected in the narrative. The story focuses on friendship without romantic elements.
