Iron Scouts of the Confederacy

by Lee McGiffin, Michael McHugh

"Iron Scouts of the Confederacy" chronicles the true adventures of two teenage brothers who grew up during the War Between the States as orphans and as soldiers. These two young men were faced with the choice of fighting for their homeland against overwhelming odds or sitting out their teen years as poor and humble farmers. The decision that they make causes both of them to learn a great deal about themselves, the faithfulness of God, and the horrible price that the sons of the South had to pay to support their belief in State's rights. This is a book dedicated to the task of educating Americans about the personal trials and challenges that faced young people in the United States during the bloody Civil War. It is a story that should stir the heart of every American - North or South.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Civil War, Fiction, War, Childrens, Historical, American

157 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

Reviews

[Bridget Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks, Hannah, for the fabulous recommendation. It was spot-on for my research, plus I've found a new favorite novel. :D

[Susan Low · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this when we were reenacting. Two orphaned young brothers growing up during the War Between the States are faced with having to choose whether to fight for their homeland or sit out the war as poor farmers. Their decision will ultimately cause them to understand the faithfulness of God, the cost of the South to defend States Rights, and about themselves. Being a true account of these brothers makes this book even better for me.

[Jared Lovell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I supplement my middle school US History course with historical fiction. This is an outstanding book that I assign in my classes. I highly recommend it! Lee McGiffin provides an excellent and engaging plot while communicating a deep understanding of the social dynamics of the South during the war. Students will be introduced to a number of famous Civil War soldiers through the eyes of the protagonist throughout the book. This is not a partisan book in favor of one side or the other, but simply tells the story by relating the experiences of a teenage boy from the South. The book also does a good job of avoiding unnecessary graphic scenes and being discreet for young readers while at the same time communicating the sad realities of war.

[Roseanna Veredchanan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Mixed Bag - Heartwarming and Hilarious, but with a Troubling Slant

"Iron Scouts of the Confederacy" by Lee McGiffin is a book that left me with mixed feelings. On one hand, I found certain aspects of the story heartwarming and hilarious, making for a lighthearted read. The author's writing style is engaging, and the characters are well-developed.

However, I couldn't shake off the feeling that the book is tainted by Ofcourse it’s Confederate leaning, which is a troubling aspect for me as someone who would have sided with the Union wholeheartedly and backed the blue! Christian Liberty Press's publications often seem to be filtered through this perspective, which can be disturbing.

Despite my overall enjoyment of the book, I couldn't help but feel uneasy about the slant that permeates the narrative. If you're sensitive to historical biases or have strong feelings about the Civil War era, you might want to approach with caution- but as a light hearted read of a young man’s coming of age story kind of fun.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book to be boring for my taste, but I can see a 10-12 year-old enjoying it. It did show a balanced viewpoint of the war between the states, not coming from a political standpoint but more of a personal view. Wholesome.

[Catherine Lowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good coming-of-age story, especially for boys, set in the Civil War.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

War book with narrow escapes and specifically an escape from a brig!

[Dawn Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almost overlooked this gem, which was one of the minor recommendations on the Veritas list. Low-budget printing and uninspiring cover art on my edition, but I loved this fictionalized history of two brothers serving in the Confederate Army. It leaves out all of the politics of the Civil War, and just presents a great story of bravery and heroism, loyalty and redemption. Two thumbs up. Very satisfying.

[Rebecca Rash · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy reading about the Confederates, and loved this book. My brothers were also required to read it for school, and took it with the bored attitude they do most readers. But this was different. They loved it and wished for more! Highly recommended. Educational, and a great story!

[Micaiah Keough · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe 3.5 stars. It was an entertaining, informative read about the life of a young Confederate scout. I read it at the perfect time, too, as I'm currently in the middle of a school course on the Civil War!

[Abigail Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! Very interesting. My sister is reading it for history this upcoming school year. I think she's going to really enjoy it:)

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy read - written for tweens, I think. Great story that gives some insight into what is was like to be a boy during the Civil War.

[LadySnowAngel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story, very well written.

[Lydia Willcock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5 stars