Subject

North Carolina -- History -- Revolution, 1775-1783 -- Juvenile fiction Books

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James Otis

Sarah Dillard's Ride: A Story of the Carolinas in 1780

"Sarah Dillard's Ride: A Story of the Carolinas in 1780" by James Otis is a historical fiction novel written in the late 19th century. The story is set during the tumultuous period of the American Revolutionary War, focusing on Sarah Dillard, a courageous woman, and two young boys, Nathan Shelby and Evan McDowells, as they navigate the dangers posed by British troops and the internal conflict of loyalty within their community. The plot centers around the impending threat to a group of American patriots and the desperate attempts of the characters to warn them and secure their safety. At the start of the novel, Nathan and Evan are introduced as they embark on a hunting trip in North Carolina but soon find themselves captured by British soldiers led by the menacing Major Ferguson. They overhear plans that would endanger their friends who are encamped at Greene's Spring. As they plot their escape from captivity, they learn of Sarah Dillard’s perilous ride to warn her husband and his men of the approaching British forces. The opening sets a tone of urgency and bravery, showcasing the young characters' determination to fight against the odds and protect their community, even as they face personal risks and unforeseen betrayals.

James Otis

The Boy Spies with the Regulators
 The Story of How the Boys Assisted the Carolina Patriots to Drive the British from That State

"The Boy Spies with the Regulators" by James Otis is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around two young protagonists, Sidney Hubbard and Clare Butler, who become involved in the pre-revolutionary conflict in the Carolinas as they join the Regulators in their fight against the oppressive policies of colonial authorities. The narrative explores themes of bravery, loyalty, and the struggle for justice during a tumultuous period in American history. At the start of the book, the narrative introduces Sidney and Clare, two boys aged sixteen, who are determined to stand against the unjust tax levies imposed by Governor William Tryon and his representatives. The boys resolve to join a group of Regulators who are rising to challenge these oppressions after hearing of their neighbors' wrongful imprisonment. They set off on a precarious journey that leads them to directly confront a sheriff's officer and ultimately join forces with men who have collectively vowed to resist the king's authority. As the tension escalates, the boys find themselves at the heart of the struggle for liberty, marking the beginning of their transformation from children into young men ready to defend their rights and those of their community.

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