J. L. BELL is a Massachusetts writer who specializes in (among other things) the start of the American Revolution in and around Boston. He is particularly interested in the experiences of children in 1765-75. He has published scholarly papers and popular articles for both children and adults. He was consultant for an episode of History Detectives, and contributed to a display at Minute Man National Historic Park.

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Friday, December 26, 2008

The Irregular Spellings Actually Fit the Historical Setting

I can’t believe this corner of the web came as a surprise to me: Johnny Tremain fanfiction.

Once one gets beyond the school assignments, there’s a lot of Johnny x Rab slash—no surprise there. But one writer asks, “Now that Johnny is back in Boston and reunited with Cilla will the war with Britain escalate and force them apart again?” And another: “Suppose Johnny’s hand was examined and healed by a doctor soon after his accident. Would this lead him off to take the path of a Tory, loyal to the king?”

And then there’s: “When a girl from a family who despratly needs money finds a job for the Boston Observer, things will start to happen.” I suspect that girl’s name might be Mary Sue.

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