The Fifth of March By Ann Rinaldi Book Review
It’s 1770 in Boston Massachusetts. The blood of the people are starting to boil, they have had enough of the British and the King. People didn’t want to be part of the British because they aren’t British, they are American. The Americans were mean to the British soldiers that came to put the Americans back in their place. One day things got out of hand, people yelling and throwing rocks at the British Soldiers. In panic and confusion the soldiers shot in to the crowd and killed five people in what is known as the Boston Massacre. This event changed Rachel’s life in a big way, this neutral fourteen year old year will have to stand up, get a voice and say what she thinks. Rachel Marsh learns that being your own person requires some difficult choices.

Rachel works for the Adams family as a care taker for their children. The Adams are nice and fair to Rachel who is extremely loyal to them in return. But, this may all change when Rachel’s last family member comes to visit her. Uncle Eb is an innocent looking man who cons his way to get what he wants. He appears one day with a favor; he wants Rachel to spy on Mr. Adams. Rachel is in shock, she wouldn't just turn her back on the Adams like that especially for an uncle who is evil. But, he is family and he threatens to tell the Adams about Rachel’s only friend, Jane. Rachel knew the right choice; she would go with her gut. The next time Rachel saw Uncle Eb she told him her decision, “I won’t be your spy Uncle Eb” (27) Uncle Eb is outraged, how could she pick them over family and he disowns her. Even when he disowns her, Rachel is proud with her choice, it would have been wrong to spy on the Addams for Uncle Eb, they trust her and you shouldn't turn on someone that trusts you.

When Boston was having riots against the Crown, Britain sent many troops to remind them who they are messing with, the greatest army in the world. Every one refused quarter the soldiers, they said against the Magna Carta. The soldiers went with little food and little warmth over the winter. One soldier was stationed in front of the Adams house was a half starved solider named, Matthew Kilroy. “I felt almost sorry that I hadn't offered him a cinnamon bun.” (101) Rachel thinks this and about next time, if she should give him food. She doesn't know how Mr. and Mrs. Adams would think about this; they are not loyalists that support the Britain. She couldn't help but think, is it right to let a boy starve just because he is a red coat? She finally gave in and brought him food during the night. It soon became an everyday thing for her to do. She was happy of her choice because it doesn’t matter who they are, you shouldn’t just watch them starve while you have food.

Rachel had finally realized that she is a plain and true American. So when she hears that something big is happening she wants to go and support the American cause. When she hears Matthew is there she wants to go even more to make sure he is ok. But, what about the Adams, they surly wouldn't approve. They wouldn't let a street urchin take care of their children. However, Rachel must go “I know it was right for me to go. I could not have stopped myself if I wanted to, and I did not want to.”(197) Rachel finally feels a part of something and doesn’t feel any regret going to join it. Even when the Adams learns she was there she was that night. She is proud to be part of something.

Rachel learned a lot throughout the book with her choices. I think that what the author, Ann Rinaldi was trying to tell us is that is takes a lot of tough choices to become your own person. She sends this message with Rachel who goes against the crowed to do what she believes is right. This idea also parallels with America during this time. America had to decide if is going to stay British or turn completely American. Everyone thought it was imposable for them to fight against the British army. Americans went with what they believed in; they made a difficult choice that has shaped modern day America. If they didn't make this choice we would still be a part of Britain, more of a copy then our own original country.