Hot Iron: The Adventures of a Civil War Powder Boy

by Michael Burgan, Pedro Rodriquez (Illustrator)

Hoping to eventually find his brother, twelve-year old Charlie O'Leary joins the crew of the USS Varuna, as the ship steams its way toward the mouth of the Mississippi River to fight the Confederate Navy. Written in graphic-novel format.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Graphic Novels

47 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Dawn Draper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twelve year old Charlie O'Leary wants to follow in his big brother's footsteps and join the Union Navy in New York. He finds a spot on the Varunas as a Powder Boy. The boat steamed southward to join the Union Navy on the attack on New Orleans and Charlie hopes to find his brothers ship. The Governor Moore from the South has begun the battle and hit the Varunas. Charlie along with a wounded Gunner manage to get another shot off at the Moore before the Varunas sinks. Having escaped and swum to shore Charlie along with the other crew members of the Varunas see that Charlie's shot has sunk the Governor Moore! As the remaining crew of the Varunas sail away on a a rescue ship Captain Boggs tells Charlie that he has heard what a great job he did and that he is putting him in for a Medal of Honor. Charlie is so excited but is still wondering about his brother and if he will ever find him.

What a great book for an middle elementary teacher! The Powder Boy is typically not someone who makes the history books and it will certainly please the boys in your class to read this book. Along with engaging writing the illustrations are exciting and will keep your students reading until the end. As an added bonus the end of the book contains the following sections: A glossary, a section on the history of "The Civil War at Sea", discussion questions and writing prompts. This book will go on my must have shelf as well.

[Katy Lovejoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like learning about history

[Ethan24]

i think that this book is going to sound good