The Year of the Hangman
Gary Blackwood
Primary Setting
The story takes place from 1776-1777.
Main Characters
Creighton Brown
The main character
Ben Franklin
The doctor Creighton lives with, and works for. He runs the printing press.
Gower
Creighton's uncle.
Main Conflict
Creighton didn't know where his loyalties lied.
Events From the Beginning of the Book
Kidnapped
In chapter 2, Creighton was kidnapped from home. His mother did not want him around anymore, so she sent him away. Creighton was taken on a boat, to the Americas, to find his uncle.
Captured
In chapter 5, Creighton and his uncle, Gower, are on a ship headed to Florida, when they are attacked by "pirates." Gower is taken as a prisoner to New Orleans, while Creighton has to pretend to be a bound servant.
Printing Press
Creighton meets Dr. Franklin, who takes him in. Dr. Franklin shows him how to work a printing press. Creighton decides that he likes the appeal of working, and being congratulated when he does something right.
Events From the Middle of the Book
The Liberty Tree
Creighton discovered The Liberty Tree. The Liberty Tree was a special newspaper, that was coded using the almanac. Dr. Franklin printed The Liberty Tree every night.
Escape
Creighton helped Hale, and Gower escape from jail. He wanted to come with them, but Gower thought that he would slow them down. Gower hurt Creighton in order to escape.
Ben's Death
Ben Franklin died, trying to save the textiles that were in the workshop. Gower had sent some people there to destroy the building. Creighton almost didn't make it out of the workshop, but Peter pulled him out.
Events from the end of the book
Finding George Washington
Creighton, Arnold, and Peter left New Orleans, to go find George Washington. When they got to Pensacola, Creighton was reunited with Gower.
Harry Brown
Creighton, Arnold, and Peter left Pensacola, to go get George Washington, but instead they found Creighton's father Harry Brown. While they were there, they found out that George Washington was dead.
Heading Home
Creighton, Arnold, Peter, and Harry headed back to New Orleans. Harry was ill, so he needed medicine.