Description
After moving from Alabama to Texas in 1836, Jeff Byrd turns fourteen years old while fighting for Texas independence from Mexico and trying to sort out his friends from his enemies after a Hispanic family saves his life when the Mexican Army slaughters its prisoners during the Goliad Massacre.
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Thomas Jefferson Byrd is used to facing new challenges. Although only 13 years old, he has already left homes in South Carolina and Alabama. Now, he finds himself in the wilderness that is the Mexican territory of Texas. While his father serves as a volunteer in the Texas army, "Jeff" is left with the burden of helping his mother, brothers, and sister adapt to their new home at Columbia on the Brazos River. Having grown up in Charleston and Mobile, two busy seaports, the boy has a difficult time adapting to inland farm life. Fortunately, a young neighbor, Josh Sagler, befriends Jeff. Their fathers are both in the army, and they feel a strong urge to do something to help in the struggle for Texas independence. Their chance comes when Jeff and Josh join their fathers at Fort Defiance. In the months that follow, Jeff faces his greatest challenges yet, including struggling to decide the difference between his friends and his enemies.Jamestown’s American Portraits explores the growth of different generations and cultures through the lives of young boys and girls. These titles are told from a diverse group of boys and girls, coming from different and unique backgrounds that represent America’s own diverse population, spanning from the Jamestown Settlement to the Civil Rights Movement. Titles in this series: This Generation of Americans: A Story of the Civil Rights Movement, by Fredrick L. McKissack, Jr. The Road to Freedom: A Story of the Reconstruction, by Jabari Asim All For Texas: A Story of Texas Liberation, by G. Clifton Wisler The Worst of Times: A Story of the Great Depression, by James Lincoln Collier Wind on the River: A Story of the Civil War, by Laurie Lawlor When I Dream of Heaven: Angelina’s Story, by Steven Kroll (1895 Italian Immigrant in NYC) An Eye for an Eye: A Story of the Revolutionary War, by Peter and Connie Roop Sweet America: An Immigrant’s Story, by Steven Kroll The Corn Raid: A Story of the Jamestown Settlement, by James Lincoln Collier Revenge of the Aztecs: A Story of 1920s Hollywood, by Susan Beth Pfeffer To Touch the Stars: A Story of World War II, by Karen Zeinert
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