PREFACE
The main characters in this historical novel are from the author’s imagination. However, several characters briefly mentioned did actually exist during the late 18th century.
Those living in Pondtown (Winthrop and
Readfield) were Mr. Chandler, Mr. Stevens, Capt. Ichabod Howe, Mr. Carlton, Dr.
Hubbard, the surveyor Mr. Prescott, Deacon Johnson the tanner and his son Capt. Levi Johnson, the flax miller John
Lane, and the Whitcher (Whittier) and Hoit (Hoyt) families. John Edward Bean lived in Mount Vernon; and in
Hallowell there was Capt. James Howard at Fort Western, Amos Pollard the
Kennebec River ferryman and the early pioneer, Pease Clark.
Dr. Josiah Bartlett of Kingston, New Hampshire was among the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Paul Revere, John Adams and his cousin Sam Adams lived in Boston and played vital roles leading up to and during the American Revolution. The Adams cousins also signed the Declaration of Independence. General George Washington of Virginia was elected Commander of the Continental Army by the second Continental Congress on June 15, 1775.
The setting, challenges and daily lives were heavily researched for this book so to be representative of how settlers lived in the backcountry wilderness of central Maine 1767-1783. The glossary describes colonial terms, items, events, places, procedures, and actual people included in the storyline, and the names given to settlements and plantations when they became incorporated as towns.
150 pages includes a glossary of terms, places and the real people used in the storyline. Geared towards readers 9-12 years but would be of interest to folks of any age who enjoy historical fiction set in Maine during the Colonial era.
$8.99 + S&H To pre-order a copy email crossings4u@gmail.com with your request.
REVIEWS
I recommend “The
Declaration” to educators, families, and young readers seeking
historical fiction that combines a compelling story with a strong foundation of
research. Its portrayal of Revolutionary-era Maine makes it a valuable addition
to classrooms and libraries.
Sarah Blanchard Dyer, Fourth Grade Teacher
I LOVED IT! It has great character development which
kids love when they read. So often in kids’ books they introduce characters and
then they get lost which confuses the kids. They like to talk about their
heroes and there are certainly many in this book. As I was reading, I could not
help but identify some book talk questions that would make for perfect class
discussions. The glossary is a helpful addition as it actually answered some of
my own questions. The timing of this book could not be better timing with the
250th anniversary this year. It gives a very clear picture of what
it was like to live in this time period, as well as many serious and life-sustaining
decisions people had to make. “The Declaration” would make for a good movie!
Rick Wilson, Elementary School Administrator, retired
Dale
Potter-Clark brings local history into context with the story of the American
Revolution in “The Declaration.” The courage of an early Maine settler’s family
is revealed through descriptions of daily interactions, family chores, and the
meeting of unforetold hardships. With accurate details, an extensive glossary
and frequent illustrations, readers both young and old will appreciate learning
about people who lived nearby, and how they shaped the Maine towns we know
today.
Barbara D. Bourgoine, teacher/coach, retired and author of the children’s book, “Percy’s Patience: The Story of Governor Baxter and Baxter State Park”
