Journey to San Jacinto
Book Two in the Mr. Barrington’s Mysterious Trunk series opens when Hannah, a seventh grader, and her brother, Nick, return from a trip to the battle of the Alamo, taken by means of her history teacher’s magical trunk. When Mr. Barrington disappears, she, Nick, and friends all go back to the past to find him. Nick becomes separated from the rest of the time travelers, who link up with Sam Houston’s army. He finds refuge on the Mexican side, days before the Battle of San Jacinto, and meets the stern and noble General Castrillon, remembered by history for his principled attempt to save Alamo survivors from execution by Santa Ana. Readers see the battle from two perspectives.
This delightful story, laced with humor, will teach elementary school students about a pivotal event in Texas history. The author, a fourth grade teacher, adroitly treads an important line—giving war’s human cost due weight, without presenting the battle in excessive, graphic detail. We meet valiant soldiers on both sides. When, Nick, despite his Texan loyalties, mourns for the brave enemies slain, the reader shares his emotion. History comes alive in this magical book.