Private Captain: A Story of Gettysburg

by Marty Crisp

In 1863 Pennsylvania, twelve-year-old Ben and his dog Captain set off in search of Ben's brother Reuben, who is missing from the Union Army.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Civil War, Young Adult, Middle Grade, Fiction, Historical

293 pages, Hardcover

First published March 19, 2001

About the author

Marty Crisp lives in Ephrata, Pennsylvania a town about forty miles west of Harrisburg in Lancaster County where she writes as a correspondent for Lancaster Newspapers. She is married, has four grown children and is very fond of dogs, a primary subject in much of her writing. As a writer primarily for children, she has been the recipient of numerous awards including the Maxwell Medallion awarded by the Dog Writers Association of America.

Reviews

[Giles L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is about a war at Gettysburg. There were lots of dead bodies at Gettysburg. Ben, who is the brother of Reuben, who is at the war, went to look for him everywhere. He snuck out of his house in the night without asking his parents permission to go. He brought Captain, Reuben’s dog with him to bring it to Reuben. Danny, Ben’s cousin came to help Ben find Reuben at the war.

I would recommend this book to anyone because I like stories about battles and wars. My favorite part about the book was when Ben snuck out of his house to go look for Reuben. One part that was interesting in my opinion was when Captain lead Ben to a dead body that he thought was Reuben, but it wasn’t. Another part that I remember was when people went to Cousin Travis’ house, and it smelled bad because of the wounds of the soldiers.

[Maya K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the Historical Fiction adventure Private Captain by Marty Crisp, 13-year old protagonist Ben Reynolds finds himself in the pursuit of his brother, who has been forced to join the Union Army during the Civil War. He sneaks away from mother’s home in the middle of the night, making it quite some way, before he finds himself walking with his 11--year old cousin, Danny Seldomridge, his brother’s dog, Captain, and a cow named Mavis. This unlikely group dodges danger and trouble across rural Pennsylvania, as Ben desperately searches for his brother. I thought this book was very good, although the story moved too fast. Due to the way the chapters are set up. I enjoyed this book, although I was confused by the passage of time in the story. Crisp spends four chapters on the first day of Reynolds’ journey. As Chapter 8, which describes the events of June 30, ends, “Ben was already asleep, with one hand dangling down to rest on the dog’s back.” When Chapter 9 begins, “Ben didn’t remember closing his eyes. He woke with a start into faint daylight.” It is now July 1, which continues through Chapter 10. I wanted each day contained in its own chapter and was confused when some days felt longer than others. I especially enjoyed the use of the language of the time and place, which drew me into the story. On Page 151, and throughout, characters use the term “anyroad” and on Page 206 the scene is made real by the phrase, “Now don’t go gettin’ riled. I swan, boy, you’re as bad as a grown man.” By the end of Reynolds’ search, I felt I knew more about the US Civil War and what family life must have been like in this era. Marty Crisp did an amazing job of keeping me engaged and entertained. The style of writing the author uses is a powerful story that you won’t want to put down. I thought the author made clear that a theme was teamwork and friendship. The unlikely duo have to figure out how to travel and survive together in the hardest of times. I would definitely recommend this book to a friend. Especially if they like or enjoy reading historical fiction.

[Mitchell Lepley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Private Captain is a book set in 1863 Pennsylvania during the American Civil War. It's a story about a young Ben Renolds and his posse consisting of a dog, his cousin, and a milking cow he named after his aunt and their journey to save his older brother Reuben from dying in the war. I do have to criticize some of the writing styles of the book. I felt like the book could have gone into more depth about the background story of the Renolds family and how they got to where they are now. There were very little details about their family and, there were many gaps in their story leaving the reader to fill in the blanks like a crossword puzzle. I also think there could have been more of a story line for Reuben instead of olny see him once in the entire book. Private Captain's theme is all about caring for people not matter what they have done to you. I feel that the theme is a bit to literal because in the book a lot of what the main character does look after and care for people he doesn't want around him at all. The main character Ben is so rude but, he always cares for the people around him. The theme is good in today's society but, it's to literal for a book based in 1863. Some questions for the author are why does Danny have such a fast ending? He was part of the entire story and at the end his mom just said that they are going home and that was that. Why did't he have a more in-depth ending to his story? Also why did Captain go after he lost Ben? He just disappeared with no trace and then the reader didn't hear anything about him until the last 10 pages of the book. What happened to him in his time alone and what were some of the experiences he had on his own and, how did he know why to find Reuben based on the story Reuben told when he got home about the first thing he saw when he woke up after his injury? The book was good but, not suited for very young readers. Probably aimed for readers of 11-14 years of age. I recommend reading this book in middle school.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

When managing the family store proves too big of a challenge for young Ben and his mother to handle, he sets off on a quest to find his older brother Reuben, a frontline Union soldier, to relay the family's troubles and bring him back home to their town of Lancaster. With Reuben's hound, Captain, by his side, and his cousin Danny an Mavis the cow eventually joining him, Ben encounters gunfire, opposing Rebel forces, and many other physical obstructions in finding Reuben. With each challenge Ben conquers, his own strength in character becomes more empathetic and admirable. Every historical detail hits you not just with the truth of the times, but the idea that any war, regardless of its place in history is still a treacherous, offensive matter that despite perhaps some political justification, pits innocent men (and now women) against each other. I'd recommend this to older middle grade readers who are interested in the historical fiction genre.

[Nekochimachan (⁠｡⁠•̀⁠ᴗ⁠-⁠)⁠✧ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A special someone gave me this book, and I devoured it in three days. It's a historical fiction novel, specifically about the Civil War in the United States - Union vs. Confederate. Of course, our main character wants to find his older brother, Reuben. Things got complicated because Captain, Danny, and Mavis tag along. Now he is responsible for taking care of them, especially Danny. They travel far and wide, even to meet the rebels. I felt bad that this war led to many deaths and casualties. I knew it was for the greater good such as people's rights and to abolish slavery. It's a good book to read. Some words are archaic. I'm glad his older brother is alive, and they celebrate their first Thanksgiving.

[Tirzah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The week when I read this was insanely busy, so I feel like I can't review it fairly but I'll give it a go. Marty Crisp's story is well-researched and she writes as though you were alongside Ben and Danny during that dark time in history. I had the opportunity to visit Gettysburg a few years ago, so reading this brought back vivid memories of my visit. I recommend to history buffs and classroom teachers.

[Andrea Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book to read if you are interested in the history of Gettysburg. The parts of the battle were pretty terrifying, so much so that I didn't read a chapter or two at night, I saved it for the morning because I was worried about having nightmares. The book really captured what is would have been like for the community and the soldiers. I highly recommend.

[Spencer G · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story felt very slow. Many characters who were very interesting but get throw away in a few pages. The story made sense but gets sidetracked every so often. Personally I thought the main character was annoying in some parts.

[Regan Wimsatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book for a civil war lesson.

[Gig Wailgum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this story. Took me right back to the Civil War time period, I "swan". Great details.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story about the Battle of Gettysburg as told from a 12-year-old's perspective. Some funny parts, but some very sad parts, too.

[Terrence Spurlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slow build up. Fictional story, more gory than I thought.

[Robbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Private Captain: A Story of Gettysburg
by Martyt Crisp
304pgs.
Putnam Juvenile
069811969X

This story takes place during the civil war. The main character ben, is looking for his older brother, Reuben, who went out to war and was currently in the battle of Gettysburg. The only companion/help he has, is his brother's dog, captain. Together they go on their Odyssey to find him, fighting through the obstacles.

This book was alright. I liked it a little. It wasn't amazing though, but it wasn't bad. If i could have, i would have chosen a better book if i knew how it was going to end. All and all it was a decent book.

This is a great book if your learning about the civil war. If you didn't have some prior knowledge on it, and the battle of Gettysburg, you wouldn't understand the story line. I suggest this to any reader who just finished learning about the civil war, since it is a pretty easy read.

[Dotty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ben feels inadequate to help his mother after his Dad dies. His older brother, Reuben, is a Union soldier during the Civil War. Ben decides he to go find his brother, Reuben, and bring him home to help his mother. He takes Reuben’s dog, Captain, to help with the search but then there are a few unexpected fellow travelers, pesky cousin, Danny, and an old cow, Mavis.

I wanted to quit working and stay home and read this book. The dog, Captain, is a very independent spirit. I wanted to strangle Danny! Ben really grows in this story and the realities of war are shown without overwhelming the story.

[Miss Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

gr 4-8 293 pgs


1863, Lancaster and Gettysburg, Pa. 12 year old Ben along with his brother's dog Captain in search of his older brother Reuben a Union soldier. Now that their father has died, Ben knows that his family needs his brother more than the Union army. Ben imagines himself quickly finding his brother and returning home. Instead, his whiny younger cousin Danny, and a cow that Danny found and insisted they bring along. Along the way, they face soldiers from both sides until the find themselves at Gettysburg and right in the middle of the battle.

Great story with a slow start. I would recommend this story to readers who like stories with animals.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of a young boy who sets off to find his brother who is fighting for the North during the Civil War. Ben lives in rural Pennsylvania and when his father dies he decides he must bring his older brother home. On his trip, he is accompanied by his younger cousin Danny, and his brother's dog Captain. Written for the young adult audience, it nevertheless paints an accurate picture of this war that divided a nation. An informative and engaging story that I recommend to readers of all ages.

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great young adult book on the Civil War. Does not mince words on the horror of the killing of men and animals alike. Two young cousins grow up rapidly while searching for a brother that has enlisted and is now needed at home. Traveling with them is the faithful dog of the brother, Captain.

[Tommy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although it wasn't a book that I would have picked out for myself, I still enjoyed the story.

[Michelle White]

I liked this book and how it portrayed Gettysburg from a child's eyes. I think most students would find that interesting. I got it from the IUS Library.

[Austin Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

it was a great book it gave me examples of wars

[Zach Hollifield · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first chapter book I ever truly enjoyed.

[Mikell]

Pretty good, i liked it