Revolutionary Rats

Many years ago, a family of rats lived in the cellar of a family of Americans. This rat family was called the Gnawingtons. Mama and Papa Gnawington came first, then Rebecca, Eleanor, Freddie, and finally little Robby and Susie, who were twins. The Gnawingtons always started the day the same way: Papa Gnawington scampered out to collect some scraps for breakfast, and Mama Gnawington shook the children awake so they could put on their clothes before Papa returned. The family’s great, great, great, great, great, great,-well you get the idea- grandparents had sailed the Mayflower with the Pilgrims in 1620, and the year was now 1773. Rebecca’s best friend, Brianna, came over often to help out, and Rebecca sometimes returned the favor. All the family shared the same trademark Gnawington black eyes that gleamed when they felt mischievous or inspired, light gray fur, and enormous appetites. Sometimes Rebecca, Eleanor, and Freddie anonymously helped the American children pick corn. Sometimes Papa anonymously helped the American fathers cut down trees. Sometimes Mama anonymously helped American mothers cook and clean. Sometimes Robbie and Susie anonymously helped American toddlers and babies make a mess. Life was always the same, until…