Response Question: Sam returns (p. 113-164)

After visiting with Sam, Tim realizes that they have both changed. "I had a funny feeling about seeing Sam. It wasn't just that he was more grown-up or that I was more grown-up. It was something else. For the first time in my life I knew that Sam was wrong about something; I knew that I understood something better than he did." What does Tim understand better? Do you agree with Tim? Are his feelings more accurate than Sam's opinions?

Response Question: the Redcoats arrive (p. 113-164)

Tim says to a British solider, "We're mostly Tories here." He then continues to himself, "Suddenly I realized that I was. Father's capture had done that." Why do you think Tim's opinion about the war has changed? By the next page (p. 140), Tim says he is full of mixed emotions. What are some of the things that Tim sees that make him feel so confused?

Response Question: Life in Redding (p. 113-164)

Tim talks about his family's store, and he says that it was illegal to raise prices. Why would the Connecticut General Assembly want to control prices? Why is money becoming such an issue? What is a commissary note?

Response Question: Heading Home in the Snow (p. 113-164)

On p. 119, Tim says, "There it was written out for me to see as plain as if I were reading it in a book." What is plain to see? What does Time assume has happenend?

Response Question: Trust and suspicion (pages 61-113)

Tim lies to his father about running errands for Mr. Heron. He is also confused about the information Mr. Heron shared with Betsy. Ultimately, Mr. Heron's message was just a way to test Tim, and this also frustrates Tim. Why is Tim confused? Why didn't Mr. Heron trust Tim from the beginning? Why are the people of Redding growing distrustful? Mr. Meeker is trying to keep his family out of the war. Is remaining neutral going to be an option for Mr. Meeker or anyone in Redding?

Response Question: Johnny cake (pages 61-113)

Johnny Cake is mentioned as a staple of Tim's diet. Find a recipe for Johnny cake and post it on our blog. Does this sound like something you would like to eat? Would you like to eat it on a regular basis? Why do you think Johnny cake was a staple of Tim's diet?

Response Question: Trip to Verplancks Point (pages 61-113)

Tim is very excited about making the trip to Verplancks Point with his father. Why is this trip symbolic for Tim? The trip does change Tim, but not in the ways he expected. How is Tim different after this experience?

Response Question: Tom Warrups (pages 61-113)

Tim is not sure what side of the Tom Warrups supports. Tim says, "He lived on
Mr. Read's land, and Mr. Read was a patriot. But he ran messages for Mr. Heron, and Mr. Heron was a Tory." Who does Tim assume that Tom Warrups agrees with either of these men? Why wouldn't Tom Warrups have his own opinion of the war? What do Tom Warrups' actions tell us about his opinion of the war?

Response Question: Sins and Fun (pages 1-61)

Sam's family seems to be very concerned with avoiding sin and treason, and sometimes Sam gets in trouble for being less than "perfect" in his family's eyes. What are some of the things that Sam does that his father might not approve of? Give one specific example. Do you think Sam is right in doing and thinking what he does, or should he be more loyal to his family's values? Why or why not?