Johnny Reb

by Merritt Parmelee Allen

A young adult novel set in the Civil War, and told from the Southern side.

Genres: Young Adult

250 pages, Hardback

First published January 1, 1952

About the author

Prolific and popular author of "boy's fiction" in the 1930's, 40's and 50's. Most of his books were historical fiction, the Civil War, the opening of the west, a few about the American Revolution.

Reviews

[Rodney Haydon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely a product of its times, this is an enjoyable juvenile fiction of the Civil War written in the early 50's. Struck an interesting balance for both sides.

I agree with what Marjorie Burger of the New York Times review wrote back on March 9, 1952:

A VERMONTER himself, Mr. Allen has written his story of South Carolina's Wade Hampton and his Confederate legion with justice and fairness to North and South. Stressing the decency and courage of the soldiers of both sides, he tells a well-paced story of the Brothers' War.

[Naomi McCullough · Rating 4 out of 5]

Parmalee's Civil War stories usually follow an orphan raised by horrible folks who only wanted them for their labor on the farm. Johnny ventures into the Confederacy after being shown kindness by a well-to do family in the neighborhood, and rides with the new friends on many adventures. I like the way Allen portrays history in among the adventure, and the best-friends the boys make, often fill the pages with humorous dialogue.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

A childhood favorite!

[Debby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ezra Todd's parents moved south when he was a child. Orphaned at ten, he was brought up by the Sears' - an uncultured and bitter, poor family. Because of a bear clawing, he comes in contact with the local plantation family. When the Civil War begins, he joins the Confederacy out of loyalty to this family, not because of the national issues. He finds family fighting on the Union side. The book questions the reasons for the war and showed that many did not know or care what the larger issues were.

Good book with a point of view not usually seen.

[Charles · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this a long time ago but I remember it as a fun book.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very good book and well worth reading. Some of the southern language might be hard to understand for kids, but it is still a good book for kids to read.