Joseph: 1861 - A Rumble of War

American Adventures

by Bonnie Pryor, Bert Dodson (Illustrator)

When Joseph Byers tumbles down a steep riverbank and is almost drowned, he discovers a cave that becomes a refuge for him and his friends, Zachary and David. Here they can escape the bitter divisions in their small town of Branson Mills, Kentucky. The nation is on the brink of Civil War, and in Branson Mills, most people favor the South. But Joseph's new stepfather, Henry Byers, is an abolitionist, and his stand against slavery causes trouble for Joseph. His beloved father owned slaves, but even that doesn't keep him from being an outcast at school.

As the tensions in Branson Mills grow, Joseph finds it harder to deny the rightness of his stepfather's views. Finally he is forced to choose which side he's on. This gripping page-turner, set during one of the most turbulent times in our nation's history, makes for a powerful American Adventure.

Genres: Historical Fiction

176 pages, Hardcover

First published June 23, 1999

Reviews

[Dan C! · Rating 3 out of 5]

This historical fiction takes place in Kentucky in 1861. Joseph must decide who is right, his stepdad who is an abolitionist or his mother who is pro-slavery.

This book's strength was showing the scene, not telling it. I had a picture in my head throughout the story. A good example of this is when Joseph and his friends described the gear they needed for the cave.

This book's weakness was that there were a lot of minor conflicts in each chapter rather than one big conflict.

I liked this book because the author made me feel like I was actually in Kentucky, 1861. I thought that this was a pretty good book.

[Miss Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

gr 3-7 170pgs


1861 Branson Mills, Kentucky. 11 year old Joseph misses his father and can't stand his new stepfather. His new stepfather is an outspoken abolitionist and now the whole town hates him and Joseph too! Joseph's father owned slaves and Joseph can't see what's wrong about it. But after Joseph sees a slave auction first hand, he wonders could his stepfather be right?

Great book set in a border state just before the start of the Civil War (war is declared toward the end of the story). Shows how the issues of slavery and states' rights divided neighbors and even family members.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a homeschool mom, I am always looking for books that will help my (older elementary & middle school) children learn about historical events/time periods in a way that is interesting and relatable. For this reason, I really appreciate well-researched and well-written historical fiction. This book certainly won't teach you everything you might need or care to know about the Civil War, but it does shed a light and would give an interesting perspective of the time leading up to the war. Very enjoyable & a reasonably easy read.

[David K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about a kid named Joseph who is at the time when the U.S.A. (United States of America) and C.S.A. (Confederate States of America) are at the brink of war. When he discovers a cave by the river that almost took his life, he finds a paradise he and his friends, Zachery and David. But soon, his little Kentucky town is divided by the near war. I like this book because I like reading about the Civil War times. Read the book to find out more! 
David K.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical fiction book about a young boy who is faced with having to decide which side of the civil war that he supports. This is done by showing him why the civil war is happening and learning about the life of a slave. Easy read and gives an insight from s child's perspective about this time period.