I also can’t ever get behind books for teens where hatred or anger is really covering up for strong feelings of love. Even if none of that bothers you particularly (it might not – I don’t remember being bothered by Laura and Almanzo Wilder) there is something a bit off about how much of their relationship is about him teaching her how to behave. The age difference is significant (eight or nine years), she’s only 16 and of course, he’s her teacher.

I’m sure you can guess where this is going, and let me tell you, it was my one real objection to the book. Her parents resolve to send her to Philadelphia to live with her Tory grandfather and decorous older sister, but John Reid’s insistence that he can teach Jem manners and her lessons convince them to let her stay. She skips her lessons to learn how to shoot a musket she takes off on her horse without permission and she will not behave for her handsome Tory tutor, John Reid. Her parents despair of her ever acting like a young lady and with the war coming, her behavior is worse than usual. Jem Emerson is undisciplined, headstrong, impulsive and smart.

I don’t think I read this one as a teen, but I would have loved that it took place very close to where I grew up so I had no trouble picturing the locations. And of course, there’s the romance which is refreshingly innocent (at most intimate, there is some kissing). There are, of course, the requisite heart-rending deaths, but we aren’t treated to bloody details, something which came as quite a relief after my last revolutionary pick. Rinaldi’s wars are generally without gore. Although there were a few elements that kept this from being a top pick, I still could see the appeal. I have very fond memories of Ann Rinaldi books from my days as a historical fiction loving teenager.

Time enough for drums by ann rinaldi