Megan McDonald - Judy Moody Declares Independence!

HEAR YE! HEAR YE!

She, Judy Moody, was in Boston! Bean Town! As in Mas-sa-chu-setts. As in the Cradle of Liberty, Birthplace of Ben Famous Franklin and Paul Revere. Land of the Boston Tea Party and the Declaration of Independence.

Boston rules, said Judy.

Three best things about Boston so far were:

1. Freedom from two whole days of school (including one spelling test, two nights of homework, and a three-page book report)

2. Freedom from riding in the car next to Stink for ten million hours

3. Freedom from brushing hair every day

She, Judy Moody, Rider of the First Subway in America, was finally on her way to the real-and-actual Freedom Trail! The place where her country started. Where it all began.

The American Revolution! The Declaration of Independence! Freedom!

R A R E !

Judy and her family climbed up the stairs and out into the fresh air, heading for the information booth on Boston Common, where Dad bought a guide to the Freedom Trail.

Did you know there used to be cows right here in this park? asked Stink. It says so on that sign.

Welcome to MOO-sa-chu-setts! announced Judy. She cracked herself up. If Rocky or Frank Pearl were here, theyd crack up, too.

Just think, Judy told Stink. Right now, this very minute, while I am about to follow in the footsteps of freedom, Mr. Todd is probably giving Class 3T a spelling test back in Virginia. Nineteen number-two pencil erasers are being chewed right this very second.

Youre lucky. I had to miss Backwards Shirt Day today.

The trail starts right here at Boston Common, Dad said.

Can we go look at ducks? asked Stink. Or frogs? On the map theres a frog pond.

Stink, were going on the Freedom Trail. Not the Frog Trail.

What should we do first? asked Mom.

Tea Party! Boston Tea Party Ship! said Judy, jumping up and down.

We came all the way to Boston for a tea party? asked Stink.

Not that kind of tea party, Mom said.

The people here first came over from England, said Dad, because they wanted to have freedom from the king telling them what to do.

Dad, is this another LBS? Long Boring Story? asked Stink.

Its way NOT boring, Stink, said Judy. Its the beginning of our whole country. This wouldnt even be America if it werent for this giant tea party they had. See, the Americans wouldnt drink tea from over there in England. No way.

Not just tea, said Mom. The British made them pay unfair taxes on lots of things, like paper and sugar. They called it the Stamp Act and the Sugar Act. But the Americans didnt have any say about what all the tax money would be used for.

I dont get it, said Stink.

We didnt want some grumpy old king to be boss of us, said Judy.

America wanted to be grown-up and independent, said Mom. Free from England. Free to make up its own rules and laws.

So Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence, said Dad.

And a lot of important people signed it real fancy, said Judy, like John Hancock, First Signer of the Declaration. Right, Mom?

Right, said Mom.

Before we hit the Freedom Trail, lets go see the Liberty Tree, said Dad. Thats where people stood to make important speeches about freedom.

Like a town crier? asked Judy.

Thats right, said Dad. Here we are.

I dont see any tree, said Stink. All I see is some old sign on some old building.

The British cut it down, Dad said. But that didnt stop the Americans. They just called it the Liberty Stump and kept right on making speeches.

I dont see any tree stump, said Stink.

Hello! Use your imagination, Stink, said Judy.

Kids, stand together in front of the sign so Dad can take your picture.

I still dont see whats so big about the American Revolution, mumbled Stink.

Some of us like the American Revolution, Stink, said Judy. Let freedom ring! she shouted. Hair flew across her face.

Judy, I thought I asked you to use a brush this morning, Mom said.

I did use it, said Judy. On that pink fuzzy pillow in our hotel room! Mom poked at Judys hair, trying to smooth out the bumps. Judy squeezed her eyes shut, making an Ouch Face. Dad snapped the picture.

Hear ye! Hear ye! called Judy. I, Judy Moody, hereby declare freedom from brushing my hair!

Then I declare it from brushing my teeth! said Stink.

P.U. said Judy, squinching up her nose.

Dad snapped another picture.

Three worst things about Boston so far were:

1. Stink

2. Stink

3. Stink

Time to hit the Freedom Trail! said Dad.

Lets head up Park Street, Mom said, pointing to a line of red bricks in the sidewalk. Follow the red brick road!

Look! Judy cried, running up the hill. Look at that big fancy gold dome!

Thats the State House, said Mom. Where the governor works.

Judy! Dad called. No running ahead. Stick close to us.

Aw, said Judy. No fair. This is supposed to be the Freedom Trail.

Stay where Dad and I can keep an eye on you, said Mom.

Roar! said Judy.

After the State House, Mom and Dad led them to Park Street Church, where the song My Country Tis of Thee was sung for the very first time.

Stink looked for famous-people initials carved into a tree outside. PLOP! Something hit Stink on the head. YEE-UCK! Bird poo! said Stink. Judy cracked up. Mom wiped it off with a tissue.

Stink sang:

My country pooed on me

Right near the Pigeon Tree.

Of thee I sing....

Mom! Dad! said Judy, covering her ears. Make him stop!

Judy ran ahead. Hurry up, you guys! The church has an old graveyard!

Mom read the plaque at the entrance: May the youth of today... be inspired with the patriotism of Paul Revere.

Paul Reveres grave is here! Judy shouted. So is John Hancocks, First Signer of the Declaration. For real!

Judy saw gravestones with angel wings, skulls and bones, and a giant hand with one finger pointing to the sky.