From Slave to Soldier: Based on a True Civil War Story

by Deborah Hopkinson, Brian Floca (Illustrator)

Johnny loves his uncle and his master's mule, but he hates being a slave. So when he's asked to join the Union army, he accepts. Being a soldier is hard work, and Johnny wonders if he made the right choice. But when the army needs him, Johnny knows it's up to him to come to the rescue!

Genres: Historical Fiction, Civil War, Picture Books, Childrens

48 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

I write nonfiction and historical fiction, picture books, and Golden Books. I speak at school, libraries, and conferences. I also love to garden and offer manuscript critiques. (Deborahhopkinson@yahoo.com)

NEW books in 2024 include DETERMINED DREAMER: THE STORY OF MARIE CURIE, illus by Jen Hill, ON A SUMMER NIGHT, illus by Kenard Pak, TRIM HELPS OUT and TRIM SAILS the STORM, illus by Kristy Caldwell, EVIDENCE! illustrated by Nik Henderson, and a nonfiction work called THEY SAVED THE STALLIONS. I'm delighted to say that Trim Helps Out, Trim Sails the Storm, On a Summer Night and Evidence! are all Junior Library Guild selections.

I live and work in Oregon and travel all over to speak to young readers and writers.

Reviews

[Dora · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book retells the life full of decisions and smart moves of Johnny during the Civil War. Johnny is a 12 year old, experiencing the life of a slave. After work hours, he often talks with his Uncle Silas and the concept of freedom. One day, Johnny witnesses soldiers with blue uniforms, which he comes to know as Union soldiers. Johnny struggles with the decision of leaving his family behind, but ultimately is encouraged to fight for what is right. In the end, Johnny earns his respect and freedom within the Union army.

Reviewed by Booklist and Kirkus, this book is a "Ready to Read" chapter book, which means that there is more simple, decodable text. However, there is sufficient details and illustrations for the reader to understand Johnny and his decision in leaving the plantation and becoming a soldier, in addition to how he helped this army. Suitable for your more developing readers in the intermediate grades.

[RLL22017_Miguel Rojano · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book written by Deborah Hopkinson talked about a 12 years old boy named Johny, who decided to join the army, left his family behind to fight for what he thinks is right and earns his respect and freedom. This book is appropriate for children 8 and up

[Susan A Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remembering history is important. I love seeing the success stories of real people that have survived and prospered in-spite of difficult beginnings.

[Miriam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on John McCline's true story "Slavery in the Clover Bottoms: John McCline's Narrative of His Life During Salavery and the Civil War"

[Jaclyn Giordano · Rating 3 out of 5]

From Slave to Soldier: Based on a True Civil War Story by Deborah Hopkinson is a chapter book intended for readers in grades two through four. I gave it three stars. This is the story of Johnny, a twelve-year-old slave who leaves his plantation as a slave and joins the Union Army during the Civil War as a mule cart driver. He acts bravely on his first night handling the mule cart all on his own, as he successfully drives the cart over a bridge, even though the cart’s wheel breaks and gets caught in the bridge. He becomes a real Civil War soldier then, with a blue uniform, and all of his worries, fears of leaving home, and doubts are calmed as he begins his part to help fight for freedom. The illustrations help detail Johnny’s journey from slave to soldier and the illustrations capture all of Johnny’s emotions, from fear and uncertainty about leaving the plantation and his uncle to pride and determination as he bravely drives over the bridge as the driver of the mule cart. The theme of young people being able to do important and courageous acts will connect to young readers as they learn that even though they are small, their impact can be large! This simple story does not focus on the fighting aspect of the Civil War, so some readers may see it as oversimplified or unrealistic. However, the Author’s Note details the factual information behind this character and his courageous story as told through his very own notes. This is a simple story of bravery and strong-will of children, even in the face of war.

[Robyn Simmons · Rating 2 out of 5]

A samll black boy loves to roam in the fields on his plantation. He often gets beatings for his wrong doings. He talks to his uncle about freedom and escaping. The young boy is encouraged by his uncle to join the union soldiers. The next day, the boy sees the union soldiers and expresses his interest to join. At the end of the story, the boy is happy to reach freedom, but saddened about leaving his uncle and cattle behind on the plantation. This book could be used as a read aloud for a social studies lesson. It will help the students to understand about the Civil War and the Emanicipation Proclaimation. Students will be able to learn about the life of a slave on a plantation and the harddships that slaves had to face.

[Allie 2]

Slave boy learns from his uncle that the Union soldiers are fighting for his freedom. When Union soldiers come to his area he leave behind his horse and uncle to fight in the war. Missed his uncle and wondered if he did the right thing. He meets the captain, he's a little young but hes going to try to help with the supply wagon. One night he goes to bring supplies to some hungry soldiers alone- one of the wheels got stuck on the bridge. He got the wheel free and made it to the soldiers who were very thankful. Next day they gave him a union uniform. He was so happy to fit in even though he missed his family and he was happy to be free

[Terry]

"Wow, that's sad ... but good, too." I thought the book would be too young for our daughter, but she looked beyond the easy words to the story.

I am really glad I found this book. It focuses less on the issue of slavery and more on Johnny McCline's life and character. As an adult, and having read other accounts, it seems a little Pollyanna-ish, but I liked it for its focus on personal responsibility and perseverance.

[Mary Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seth read this when he was in first grade with me. He loved it. I believe he read it more than once!