Lydia The Patriot

“No matter what any of us thinks, we all have to face that question. If a deadly deed is done in the name of patriotism or loyalty is it noble? If a good deed is done out of fear, does it lack all virtue?

“I’m not sure I understand, Uncle Cuyler.”

“I’m not sure I do either, Stephen. But this is my point: You can listen to me, you can listen to William, and you can even listen to Lydia. But in the end, you must find your own answers. And only God can give you the answers.”

“But you and William both believe in God. You both go to church; you both pray. Why doesn’t God tell you the same thing?”

Cuyler nodded. “That is one of the great mysteries of our time, Stephen. And I struggle with that question ever day.”

Book: Lydia the Patriot: The Boston Massacre (Sisters in Time Book 5) by by Susan Martins Miller, Barbour Publishers, 2004

Genre: Historical Fiction

Target Audience: Girls 9-15

Subjects: Fear, Family Relationships, Growing up/Coming of Age, Politics, Patriotism, Bullying, Showing Love, God’s Will

Summary: WHAM! The snowball hit the solider right on the forehead! Stephen is horrified by his older sister yet again. It seems she is determined to follow in the footsteps of the most worked up of any of the patriots. She acts angry and defiant. Stephen himself isn’t sure who is right and who is wrong. He understands the arguments of the Sons of Liberty and he understands the arguments of those loyal to King George. What he doesn’t understand is the need for all the violence and anger. Thankfully his uncle always allows him to come seek refuge at his medical clinic when he’s upset and confused. His place of refuge won’t be a calm place for long though. When tensions get high and angry men demand their rights, weapons are raised and people are hurt. Each side says the other one is to blame and the victim lies right here in his uncle’s clinic!

Notes: Lydia the Patriot is the fifth in the Sisters-In-Time series. This series features young girls living at various key points in American history, particularly around the wars. It always places the girls right at the edge of the teen years, coming of age.  The concept of the series it to not only show a glimpse of history, but to help young girls feel that the people back then weren’t that different than the people today.

Lydia the Patriot is quite different from the other books in the series in that the main character is not the girl, but her brother. This book takes place in 1770 and the historical event featured is the Boston Massacre as well as continuing tensions leading to the Revolutionary War. This book focuses a lot on how someone can figure out which side of the debate to be on. Stephen has people he likes and greatly respects on both sides of the issue and isn’t sure who to listen to and agree with. His uncle encourages him to turn to God for his answers. Stephen also realizes and helps his family realize, the importance of continuing to love and care for one another even when they don’t share the same political views.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Romans 12:2 – Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.