First published 1965
Edward lives with his family in New York colony in 1756, when French forces and Indian raiders threaten settlers from the north. His father must leave to watch for attacks, placing Edward in charge of protecting Mama and his little sister Trudy. Before departing, his father teaches him to operate their massive matchlock gun, a Spanish weapon twice Edward's height. The boy struggles with the enormous firearm, uncertain whether he can manage such a formidable tool. When danger finally arrives at their door, Edward faces the ultimate test. He must overcome his fears and physical limitations to use the great gun effectively. The survival of his mother and sister depends entirely on his courage and skill with the unwieldy weapon. This Newbery Medal winner captures a young boy's transformation from uncertainty to decisive action during a moment of crisis.
Genres: american-fiction, historical-fiction, adventure, young-adult
Vibes: emotional, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: coming-of-age, found-family
Setting: New York
Period: 1756
Hardcover · Putnam Publishing Group