The War of 1812 Diary of Susanna Merritt
Niagara, Upper Canada, 1812
by Kit Pearson
ISBN: 0-439-98836-5 Hardcover
224 pages
Ages 9-12
5 3/8" x 7 5/8"
In the summer of 1812, as rumours of a looming war become reality, Susanna, her mother and her sister are surviving as best they can while the men are fighting. As news of various battles reach them, Susanna becomes even more concerned for the safety and well-being of her beloved brother and father. She is torn between the loyalties of her best friend and her mother, who are both Americans living in Upper Canada, and her father's and brother's allegiance to General Brock and the King. But on on the night of the Battle of Queenston Heights, Susanna's main concern is for survival.
An Excerpt from Susanna's Diary
11 May 1812
Every evening after supper I sit on my stool in the parlour with the rest of the family until we all retire. Tonight Mama and Maria and I sewed while Hamilton told us more stories about Kingston. Then he brought up the subject I dread. “Everyone in Kingston believes there will be a war," he said.
Mama covered her eyes, even though her headache had gone. “Pray that there is not," she said. “Oh, please pray that there is not! We have had too much war. I cannot bear the thought of another."
My heart leapt in my throat. All my life, it seems, I have sat on my stool and listened to the adults talk about war. Mama’s older brother, Richard, fought in Papa’s regiment against the rebels and was killed by them in Virginia. Mama was as devoted to Richard as I am to Hamilton. She often tells me about the terrible day when she found out he was dead.
Papa has also told me about his brother, Shubal, who was shot when he returned to New York from New Brunswick after the war. Two uncles I will never know, all because of the war.
Mama began to weep, and Hamilton soothed her by reading poems from the book he had brought her. I leaned against her and no one knew how violently my heart was beating.
Will there really be a war? The adults have been talking about it for months, but I do not entirely understand it. When I think of war I feel the same icy dread as when Mama talks about Richard. What if my brother had to fight? Perhaps Papa would as well, although I hope he would be considered too old.
I cannot bear the prospect. I will do as Mama asks and pray tonight that God will spare us such a calamity.
From Dear Canada: Whispers of War, text copyright © 2002 by Kit Pearson.
"This book brought tears to my eyes. Kit Pearson's my favourite author, and if she didn't write this book I would have never read this book. Thanks to her, I love Dear Canada and I realized how much history Canada has!"
Cynthia-Monique H., Age 11, Quebec, Rating: 9
"I absolutely loved your story Whispers of War. I would read it again and again. You made me feel like I was in the story, and only talented authors can do that. My favourite part was when Susanna got Queen. I was so happy she finally got a real horse. I actually cried when I read that General Brock was slain. I was devastated because he was my hero. Your book was so good that I got in trouble for staying up too late to read it. I wrote a book report on this book and I got an A+. I can’t wait to read the book again."
Paxton Q., Age 11, Nova Scotia, Rating: 10
"I love this book because I love sad books and this book was sad and I love reading people's diaries!!!!! I love all your books. They are great!!!"
Marisha S., Age 10, Ontario, Rating: 10
"I think she is a very good writer. I love this book!!!!!!! When I started reading it, I felt that I was in the story, sometimes I wanted to cry over the happenings in the diary. Thanks to her I know more about Canada, and now I love the books of Dear Canada too."
Melanie D., Age 11, Ontario, Rating: 10
"This was the first Dear Canada book I read. It was really sad but also really good!"
Joy A., Age 12, Nova Scotia, Rating: 8
"I could read this book over and over, and I have. This book is so good the way she is so small and so brave. How Susanna did all she could, how she saw all that, and is still alive… I am proud to say I read this book, and I made my friends read it too, and they would say the same."
Jillian, Age 12, Quebec, Rating: 10
"This book was very sad, and it made me cry. It’s my most favourite book!"
Kate A., Age 7, Ontario, Rating: 10
"I love Dear Canada books, and now I want to read the whole entire series. I like to learn about what it was like back then!"
Kelsey C., Age 19, Quebec, Rating: 10
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