The Road to Bunker Hill

by Shirley Barker

"The Road to Bunker Hill" by Shirley Barker is a historical novel written in the early 1960s. Set during the onset of the American Revolutionary War, the story introduces the lives of young characters experiencing the tumultuous changes brought about by the conflict. The narrative focuses on the friendships and romantic interests of a group of boys and girls from Newburyport, exploring both their youthful innocence and the looming reality of war. The opening of the book sets the scene in Newburyport, where teenagers Eben, Dick, Johnny, Sally Rose, and Kitty gather by the river. Their casual conversation reveals a longing for adventure, which juxtaposes the serious undertones of impending war that the girls have heard about from Johnny. The excitement builds with the return of Sally Rose and the fascination with new characters, particularly a mysterious stranger named Tom Trask. This blend of youthful escapism and the onset of conflict hints at the challenges the characters will face and sets the stage for their growth amidst the backdrop of the brewing revolution.