Smithsonian's History Explorer

Home ยป The Matchlock Gun
More Sharing Services Share Share on email Email this Page Share on print Print

The Matchlock Gun


By Walter Dean Edmonds

Reading Level: Late Elementary School, Middle School
Genre: Fiction
Awards: Newbery Medal
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile 1998

Find this book in a library near you, using WorldCat.org.

In 1756 New York state was still a British colony and the French and Indians were still a threat to those living there. This story is the tale of a young man's challenges when left home to protect his family.

Award Key

Caldecott Medal

Most distinguished American picture book for children (annually).

Coretta Scott King Award

Distinguished books by authors and illustrators of African descent which promote an understanding and appreciation of the American dream (annually).

Golden Kite Award

Outstanding examples of text, illustration, fiction and nonfiction (four awards annually).

Newbery Medal

Most distinguished contribution to American literature for children (annually).

Scott O'Dell Historical Fiction Award

Outstanding work of historical fiction published by a U.S. publisher set in the New World.

National Museum of American History

Verizon Foundation

Support for Smithsonian's History Explorer is provided by the Verizon Foundation