Scapegoat: The Price of Freedom

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Scapegoat is the story of fourteen-year-old Gilbert Evans (Gib). Gib is caught in the anti-communist hysteria of 1953 when he writes an essay for his English class calling for loyalty oaths. His essay by a “concerned student” is printed in the local newspaper, and becomes a catalyst in the decision to require all teachers to sign loyalty oaths.  Such oaths are known to be a trap for future perjury accusations.

Local leaders use threatening tactics to force the use of the oath.

Gib's favorite teacher and his Quaker parents refuse to sign the oath.  Gilbert struggles to understand the manipulation of emotions that the powerful use to create public fear. Together, Gilbert and friends work to undo the disaster he has helped set in motion.

Panic about communism grows into hatred and rage.  Gilbert learns that turning off, or even deflecting mass hysteria has become nearly impossible, and very dangerous.

Scapegoat

About the author

Rae Richen

​​​​​​​Rae Richen’s short stories, poetry and articles have appeared in anthologies of Northwest authors, in Pacific Northwest newspapers and in Writers’ Northwest Handbook. She has taught junior high, high school students and adults since the ice age, and has always been impressed with the wide-ranging curiosity and the persistent search for answers among her students.

​​​​​​​ Her young adult novels, Uncharted Territory, and the Scapegoat series: The Price of Freedom and The Hounded, are written for young adults and adults who enjoy a triumph of life over fear. Her Historical Romance novels, Sentinels of Solitude, In Concert, Frozen Trust and A Fool’s Gold are adult novels of adventure and suspense. ​

​​​​​​​ Rae Richen lives with her family, and teaches in Portland, Oregon. She recently served as president of Oregon Writers Colony, a regional organization supporting writers. Rae Richen teaches writing to adults and, with mystery author Bill Cameron, has taught short story writing to middle school writers. She also has taught classes in how to create an effective and supportive critique group. ​

​​​​​​​ Look for Rae Richen’s  next book, a mystery featuring Glyn Jones and Grandma Willie as they try to locate Trace Gowen, the drummer missing from  Glyn’s band. They discover a lot more is at stake than they ever imagined.