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I do NOT know my American History and yes, I am very disappointed in that fact (especially being a former Military Brat) so I need some help.

The history books we are using (I believe) are considered fiction, is that right? Are they based on actual people's accounts? Like today, in Boys and Girls of the Colonial Days, we read about "Richard, The Youngest Soldier". Was there a real "Richard" and is this his real story? It really meant a lot to me and so do most of the history stories we are reading but I'm wondering if they are actual accounts just written in fiction form to make them more appealing to children.

Have I confused everyone yet?

You have not confused me, however I share your lack of knowledge. So I need to post so can get notified when you get answers!

I'm pretty sure it is historical fiction the main characters are fictional but the events and historical people really did do those things.

Tansy wrote:I'm pretty sure it is historical fiction the main characters are fictional but the events and historical people really did do those things.

What does that mean? Like what we read today, Richard was 10 years and joined the army to play his fife for them, did that really happen but the name of the boy might be different? Sorry, I'm just still confused.

We know there were young drummer boys and fife boys. But do we know their names.. no not always, Richard might be his name but how he got there is a surmise. IMHO It is most likely a best guess as to what would have likely happened.

But what is true is on that date X number of soldiers left We also know they used boys for drumming and fifing. Children did go to war. Richard could just be a boys name on a manifiest with his age listed and no other facts or it could just be mentioned in a passing journal a boy fifed for this or that company.

so later on when you run into general washington he really was in that place. and Ben Franklin Did create a special stove. ect..

Thank you Tansy!!!