Why Don't You Get a Horse, Sam Adams?

One of my favorite childrens books. . .

What a guy! I know a few people from Boston and I can see some resemblance :-) Good, interesting history book with lots of fun details (especially loved hearing about his dog, Queue that bit the redcoats!) My 7 year old Revolutionary war nut loved it.

Fun way to read real history with your kids accurate and details exquisite

Jean Fritz has a wonderful storytelling ability. I love that we can cover historically accurate material in an entertaining way. I enjoy her whole series of books.

So much fun to learn about Sam Adams and this little, but extremely important, slice of American history; hurray for Jean Fritz-again!

A great way to teach history.

We thought it was 5.8 level book and it was more like a first grade picture book😕

This illustrated children’s book is about Sam Adams' dislike for riding horses, and his reluctance to get physically or philosophically comfortable with the expected Colonial mode of transportation. The book cleverly teaches kids American history as it presents a gentle message that conforming to social pressure does not mean losing one’s identity. Through bright, smart text and realistic hand-drawn illustrations by Trina Hyman, these lessons are presented as the reader literally and figuratively follows Sam Adams, on foot, through Boston. The book begins with the American Colonies still firmly under British rule, and quickly introduces Adams as a “walker and talker”; he argues with fellow classic figures of history against British rule, and their insistence that he get a horse. By the end of the book, Sam’s cousin, John Adams, gets him to begrudgingly agree ride a horse for the “good of his country” – an America on the verge of independence, whose hope for success finally becomes Adams’ motivation. Fritz’ book uses easy-to-understand language, informative colonial-style illustrations, and historical facts to make learning about an important American figure both fun and interesting. Why Don’t You Get a Horse’s text is easy to follow. It is also smart, relatable, and funny. In a tavern in Lexington, John Adams tries to convince his cousin to ride a horse: “It was a pity, [John] said, that early man had gone to such trouble to domesticate an animal, only to have Samuel Adams come along and reject it. Samuel Adams didn’t give two hoots for early man.” Fritz also uses Adams’ Newfoundland dog, Queue, to help children relate to the story: “Samuel would sit down and talk about American rights; Queue, blinking through the hair that fell over his eyes, would search the floor for crumbs.” Hyman’s illustrations give readers additional history lessons, and match the story in the way they are drawn. Each page features ink and watercolor drawings bordered by a dark rule, as colonial-style newspapers and posters were. (Examples of miniature lessons include a sign held aloft by a colonist says “Tories go home” – teaching readers a term for British sympathizers that is not in the text). Colonial architecture and fashion is portrayed throughout, allowing Fritz’ text to tell Adams’ story simply, but within a historically accurate context. Parents will appreciate the historic facts Fritz includes in the text beyond what the illustrations offer. (The author’s postscript says that the story is based on John Adams’ actual diaries.) Events such as the Boston Massacre, the Boston Tea Party, and Paul Revere’s ride are punctuated with details that keep the reader interested in Samuel Adams’ personal story at the same time they are learning about these important dates in American history. Children should read this book because it is fun and interesting, but also because it offers an important benefit: learning about American history. Its illustrations, writing style, and engaging facts about Sam Adams’ life offer an unusual way to experience colonial history. This matters because all too often, American history and its important figures are presented to children in a boring, unimaginative way. In addition to their children’s interest, parents will surely appreciate Fritz’ thoughtful lesson in maintaining individuality in the face of expected social norms. Why Don’t You Get a Horse, Sam Adams? is as entertaining as it is relevant to a young readers.