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Kid Soldier
Kid Soldier has been nominated for the 2015 Rocky Mountain Book Award
Fatherless and penniless, fifteen-year-old Richard Fuller wants a bike, so Mr. Black, the baker hires him to help with deliveries. Mr. Black entertains him with army stories and teaches him Morse code. He invites Richard to attend the opening ceremonies of the local 1939 military camp. Infatuated with army life, Richard takes part in Army training camp under an assumed name. When war looms, he makes the most impulsive decision in his life and enlists.
He travels to England, witnesses the terror of the Battle of Britain, the horrible death of a German pilot, is caught in the London Blitzkrieg, and is wounded himself. When his true age is discovered, Richard faces a possible court-martial.
Will Richard's desire for adventure lead to disaster so early in his life?
Fatherless and penniless, fifteen-year-old Richard Fuller wants a bike, so Mr. Black, the baker hires him to help with deliveries. Mr. Black entertains him with army stories and teaches him Morse code. He invites Richard to attend the opening ceremonies of the local 1939 military camp. Infatuated with army life, Richard takes part in Army training camp under an assumed name. When war looms, he makes the most impulsive decision in his life and enlists.
He travels to England, witnesses the terror of the Battle of Britain, the horrible death of a German pilot, is caught in the London Blitzkrieg, and is wounded himself. When his true age is discovered, Richard faces a possible court-martial.
Will Richard's desire for adventure lead to disaster so early in his life?
- GenresHistorical
208 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
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16 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 9, 2013
It all begins with a bicycle in a store window. Richard Fuller, 15, decides that is what he wants but knowing his laundress mother could never afford to buy it for him, he is determined to earn the money himself.
Richard begins with a job picking fruit and generally helping out an elderly farmer, than moves on to delivering bread with Mr. Black, the baker in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Both men take Richard under their wing, so to speak, but it is Mr. Black who initiates Richard into the life of a soldier. Mr. Black invites Richard to the opening ceremonies at a Canadian Army Summer Camp where he is the cook. Later, knowing that Richard is underage, Mr. Black uses his influence to get Richard into the camp under the name of someone who couldn't make it.
It turns out that Richard is quite good at signaling and enjoys his two weeks of playing soldier, taking much of what is thrown at him in stride, and not being terribly bothered that the other men, who smoke, drink and gamble. are older than he is.
Not long after he returns home, Canada finds itself at war with Germany and Richard, still under the influence of Mr. Black, decides to enlist, but under his own name not the assumed name of summer army camp. And because he is a known face at the enlistment office, Richard manages to enlist using just his library card. Unfortunately, his actions lead to an estrangement with his mother.
Eventually, Richard is shipped overseas, but that first year of war was a quiet one, earning the name the phony war. But again, Richard takes it all in his stride, and excels at what he does. Though he misses his mother, his spirits are buoyed by the support he gets from Mr. and Mrs. Black and from Amy, his next store neighbor who provides a humours bit to the novel. Amy keeps knitting socks for Richard, but they always seem to get lost along the way. She finally comes up with a great plan for definitely getting the next pair of socks to him - it is such a good plan, even Richard is afraid to open the package.
But eventually the phony war ends and the Blitzkrieg begins and the reality of war really hits very close to home for Richard.
In her Author's Note, Maruno explains that many of the episodes and incidents she includes in Kid Soldier were based on details gotten from her father's diary, which give the novel a very tangible sense of historical reality. Her father, like Richard, also participated in the army's summer camp under the same name as Richard - Chester Lee Huston. It is hard to believe that a 15 year old boy could get away with enlisting, but it did happen, even in WWII.
I found Kid Soldier to be an interesting novel. The fact that a boy as young as 15 could be accepted into the army so easily is a very scary thought, but the idea of child soldiers always is and is something that still occurs in some parts of the world. This was also an especially interesting novel because it was about a Canadian boy's experience of the war and books about that aren't as numerous as American or British books, even though the Canadians fought just as hard and suffered so many causalities.
The novel is well-written with well defined characters. Written in the third person, the voice of the narrator is engaging, and the character of Richard is very likable, making this an very readable novel.
This book is recommended for readers age 13+
This book was an E-ARC from Netgalley.com
This review was originally published at The Children's War
Richard begins with a job picking fruit and generally helping out an elderly farmer, than moves on to delivering bread with Mr. Black, the baker in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Both men take Richard under their wing, so to speak, but it is Mr. Black who initiates Richard into the life of a soldier. Mr. Black invites Richard to the opening ceremonies at a Canadian Army Summer Camp where he is the cook. Later, knowing that Richard is underage, Mr. Black uses his influence to get Richard into the camp under the name of someone who couldn't make it.
It turns out that Richard is quite good at signaling and enjoys his two weeks of playing soldier, taking much of what is thrown at him in stride, and not being terribly bothered that the other men, who smoke, drink and gamble. are older than he is.
Not long after he returns home, Canada finds itself at war with Germany and Richard, still under the influence of Mr. Black, decides to enlist, but under his own name not the assumed name of summer army camp. And because he is a known face at the enlistment office, Richard manages to enlist using just his library card. Unfortunately, his actions lead to an estrangement with his mother.
Eventually, Richard is shipped overseas, but that first year of war was a quiet one, earning the name the phony war. But again, Richard takes it all in his stride, and excels at what he does. Though he misses his mother, his spirits are buoyed by the support he gets from Mr. and Mrs. Black and from Amy, his next store neighbor who provides a humours bit to the novel. Amy keeps knitting socks for Richard, but they always seem to get lost along the way. She finally comes up with a great plan for definitely getting the next pair of socks to him - it is such a good plan, even Richard is afraid to open the package.
But eventually the phony war ends and the Blitzkrieg begins and the reality of war really hits very close to home for Richard.
In her Author's Note, Maruno explains that many of the episodes and incidents she includes in Kid Soldier were based on details gotten from her father's diary, which give the novel a very tangible sense of historical reality. Her father, like Richard, also participated in the army's summer camp under the same name as Richard - Chester Lee Huston. It is hard to believe that a 15 year old boy could get away with enlisting, but it did happen, even in WWII.
I found Kid Soldier to be an interesting novel. The fact that a boy as young as 15 could be accepted into the army so easily is a very scary thought, but the idea of child soldiers always is and is something that still occurs in some parts of the world. This was also an especially interesting novel because it was about a Canadian boy's experience of the war and books about that aren't as numerous as American or British books, even though the Canadians fought just as hard and suffered so many causalities.
The novel is well-written with well defined characters. Written in the third person, the voice of the narrator is engaging, and the character of Richard is very likable, making this an very readable novel.
This book is recommended for readers age 13+
This book was an E-ARC from Netgalley.com
This review was originally published at The Children's War
August 31, 2013
Experience World War II through plucky hardworking Richard Fuller's eyes. He bluffed his way into Signalling Camp even though he was underage (15). Enlisting with his newly acquired skill was a cinch even though his mother wouldn't speak to him. Richard writes home to everyone but her. (Dear Mr. Black) "Now I know what you meant when you used to say how a blanket and a pair of dry socks felt like heaven. Last night we slept in full battledresss just to stay warm. Tell Amy I'm looking forward to my new wool socks." Adventure, camaraderie, marching, drills, the absurdity of army life (he never does get those socks until a parcel is labelled DEAD CANARY), the humour, the sadness and loss is all conveyed with a gentle warmth. Richard comes to understand Mom's point of view. A good read for young history buffs especially boys between the ages of 10 and 12.
September 12, 2013
I found this a very enjoyable novel, even though I'm not a young adult. I'd venture to say that this book would appeal to any adult with an interest in the Second World War at the grassroots level. The characters are very engaging, as is the depiction of life in Canada and Great Britain as they moved out of the Great Depression. It was interesting right to the end.
September 10, 2015
I read this book for ELA and I think that lessened the possibility of me liking it. I actually give this book 2.5 stars. It was really hard to understand the war talk because I know nothing about the war. I did, however, love the characters. They had great personalties, but I think we could have seen a bit more of them. I think when I reread this book in the future, I'll enjoy it more
April 3, 2013
i recieved this novel from NetGalley
this short but sweet novel is a wonderful read. its a novel of courage and honour and is something every reader will enjoy. well written and insightful. great novel
this short but sweet novel is a wonderful read. its a novel of courage and honour and is something every reader will enjoy. well written and insightful. great novel
November 23, 2013
Jennifer Maruno is an accomplished Canadian historical fiction YA novelist who took an early retirement as an educator to write. Something, Maruno claims, she has wanted to do since childhood. On her website, she categorizes her writing path as having three distinct components: dabbler, dreamer and, in this current phase, determined author. Determined? Relentless is more like it. The woman doesn’t let up. Her range of topics and characters is vast. Perhaps that’s why one fascinating book after another has been published.
Warbird, explores life at Sainte- Marie, a French Jesuit settlement near modern-day Midland, Ontario, from the perspective of Etienne and a Christian Huron youth, Thomas. Her Cherry Blossom books, When Cherry Blossoms Fell and Cherry Blossom Winter, follow Michiko Minagawa, a young Japanese-Canadian girl from British Columbia through the turmoil of WWII, internment and relocation to Ontario. A third book, currently in the works, will complete the Cherry Blossom Trilogy. Totem, the story of an orphaned white boy in a residential school for native children, is due to be released soon and is available for pre-order from Amazon.ca and Amazon.com. Kid Soldier is Maruno’s latest publication.
A Brief Synopsis of Kid Soldier
It’s 1939, war looms and Richard Fuller is infatuated with the army. Against his mother’s wishes, he enlists. The catch? At fifteen Richard is underage and uses an assumed name to sign up. Under his pseudonym, Richard travels to England and takes up the position of signalman. He witnesses the Battle of Britain, the death of a German pilot, and is wounded in the London Blitz. Amidst all of this, Richard connects with his widowed mother’s family who live at train’s ride to where he is stationed. When Richard’s true age is discovered, he faces possible court-martial.
My Thoughts on Kid Soldier
I attended the Kid Soldier’s launch at a Different Drummer Books in nearby Burlington, Ontario, where Maruno introduced the novel and her impetus for writing it. Before her father died, he gave her a binder that contained his “life story.” Kid Soldier, while a work of fiction, is based on the facts gleaned from her father’s treasured binder.
To her credit, Maruno has transformed the pivotal facts of her father’s life into an engaging narrative. Letters to and from Richard’s friends in Niagara Falls, Ontario, are scattered throughout the book. What Richard shares with those at home, and what he omits, offers a touching, but realistic, glimpse into the heart and mind of boy far from home and heading toward the dangers of war.
CM Magazine highly recommends Kid Soldier claiming, “ Maruno excels at presenting scenes, rather than telling readers what to think.” Concluding that, “Readers like to intuit things without having everything spelled out, and Maruno allows readers to do that.”
I would heartily agree with this assessment. Kid Soldier is not a simplistic, linear story. Nor is it predictable. One particular poignant but disturbing event, which takes place near Stonehenge, alters Richard’s idealistic view army life. Unfortunately for me, I read this section just before bed and, thinking of Richard, tossed and turned for quite a while. Only a gifted storyteller can move me like that!
My Final Word
Kid Soldier is a well-crafted YA novel. Although the book is meant for a younger audience, it will still appeal to the more mature reader. In her touching portrayal of Richard, the character, Jennifer Maruno has done her father, and other WWII servicemen, proud.
Warbird, explores life at Sainte- Marie, a French Jesuit settlement near modern-day Midland, Ontario, from the perspective of Etienne and a Christian Huron youth, Thomas. Her Cherry Blossom books, When Cherry Blossoms Fell and Cherry Blossom Winter, follow Michiko Minagawa, a young Japanese-Canadian girl from British Columbia through the turmoil of WWII, internment and relocation to Ontario. A third book, currently in the works, will complete the Cherry Blossom Trilogy. Totem, the story of an orphaned white boy in a residential school for native children, is due to be released soon and is available for pre-order from Amazon.ca and Amazon.com. Kid Soldier is Maruno’s latest publication.
A Brief Synopsis of Kid Soldier
It’s 1939, war looms and Richard Fuller is infatuated with the army. Against his mother’s wishes, he enlists. The catch? At fifteen Richard is underage and uses an assumed name to sign up. Under his pseudonym, Richard travels to England and takes up the position of signalman. He witnesses the Battle of Britain, the death of a German pilot, and is wounded in the London Blitz. Amidst all of this, Richard connects with his widowed mother’s family who live at train’s ride to where he is stationed. When Richard’s true age is discovered, he faces possible court-martial.
My Thoughts on Kid Soldier
I attended the Kid Soldier’s launch at a Different Drummer Books in nearby Burlington, Ontario, where Maruno introduced the novel and her impetus for writing it. Before her father died, he gave her a binder that contained his “life story.” Kid Soldier, while a work of fiction, is based on the facts gleaned from her father’s treasured binder.
To her credit, Maruno has transformed the pivotal facts of her father’s life into an engaging narrative. Letters to and from Richard’s friends in Niagara Falls, Ontario, are scattered throughout the book. What Richard shares with those at home, and what he omits, offers a touching, but realistic, glimpse into the heart and mind of boy far from home and heading toward the dangers of war.
CM Magazine highly recommends Kid Soldier claiming, “ Maruno excels at presenting scenes, rather than telling readers what to think.” Concluding that, “Readers like to intuit things without having everything spelled out, and Maruno allows readers to do that.”
I would heartily agree with this assessment. Kid Soldier is not a simplistic, linear story. Nor is it predictable. One particular poignant but disturbing event, which takes place near Stonehenge, alters Richard’s idealistic view army life. Unfortunately for me, I read this section just before bed and, thinking of Richard, tossed and turned for quite a while. Only a gifted storyteller can move me like that!
My Final Word
Kid Soldier is a well-crafted YA novel. Although the book is meant for a younger audience, it will still appeal to the more mature reader. In her touching portrayal of Richard, the character, Jennifer Maruno has done her father, and other WWII servicemen, proud.
May 7, 2013
I have a slight obsession with historical fiction and by slight I mean massive. I can't get enough of it. Like almost all of my favourite books take place in another era. I was a history major, focused on Canadian history. That having been said, I don't love every piece of historical fiction that I read. I still appreciate strong character development and narrative as I do with any other book. I think that's where Jennifer Maruno's Kid Soldier fell short for me. It wasn't a terrible book my any means. It just didn't tick all of the boxes.
For Full Review
http://backstagebooklover.blogspot.co...
Please Note This Link Will Not Go Live Until August 20, 2013
For Full Review
http://backstagebooklover.blogspot.co...
Please Note This Link Will Not Go Live Until August 20, 2013
September 29, 2014
I have to admit, it was a bit of a cliffhanger...
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April 16, 2015I personally think that this book was dull and slow moving and I hate to say this about but this book only gets 1 star
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews