The Storm Before Atlanta

by Karen Schwabach

A perfect Common Core tie-in, Storm Before Atlanta includes backmatter with historical notes on slavery and underage soldiers in the Civil War, as well as a list of selected sources.

At a time when most people have grown weary of the war between the states, two young children are desperate to find their way to the battlefields. Jeremy DeGroot wants nothing more than to join a troop as a drummer boy. For Dulcie, a runaway slave, freedom means she must head directly toward the fighting in the hopes that she'll become "contraband," that is, property of the Union troops. Both Jeremy and Dulcie find a place with the 107th New York Volunteer Regiment and even start to forge a friendship. But all that is threatened when they keep crossing paths with the mysterious Charlie, a young Confederate soldier, who may look like the enemy but feels more like a friend.

Young readers who like their fiction filled with exciting historical details, rich characters, and action-packed adventures will be drawn to The Storm Before Atlanta.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Civil War, Historical, Childrens, School, Juvenile, Middle Grade

320 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Karen Schwabach grew up in upstate New York and lived for many years in Alaska, where she taught ESL in the Yup'ik village of Chefornak. She later taught in the education department at Salem College in North Carolina. She's the author of A Pickpocket's Tale, The Hope Chest, The Storm Before Atlanta, and Starting from Seneca Falls.

Also uses the pen name Sage Blackwood.

Reviews

[Katt Hansen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jeremy is eager to join the Civil War - and finally does as a drummer boy. His story is compelling, but not easy to read. I'm not sure what bothered me about this book except it seemed a little too pat. Of course there's a runaway slave. Of course there's a forbidden friendship with a boy on the other side of the conflict. Of course it all has to come to a head in a way which wants to beat us over the head with a lot of historical lesson at the cost of actual story.

I think some of my problem is there's such an agenda with this book, only entertaining the broadest lessons to be learned in the Civil War without a lot to explain the conflict outside of the most obvious.
That's probably on me. My degree is in American History, and my standards are perhaps a bit higher when it comes to historical fiction. Maybe if this hadn't been part of a recommended curriculum I was using while homeschooling my kids (which I wound up not using with them after reading it - instead substituting some nonfiction offerings and discussion which we all enjoyed more).

[Margo Tanenbaum · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's no shortage of historical fiction novels for children about the Civil War, but with the 150th anniversary of the outbreak of the conflict this year, this thought-provoking new novel by Karen Schwabach is a worthy addition to any school or public library's collection. The novel tells the story of ten year old Jeremy, who wants nothing more than to enlist in one of the New York regiments of the Union Army as a drummer boy and gloriously die for his country. Continually told he's too young to enlist, he goes off to find the war himself--to follow the army until they take him. Soon he joins up with the 107th New York Regiment from Elmira, takes his oath, and gets a uniform, a pair of shoes, the promise of $13 a month, and best of all, a glorious drum. Traveling to Georgia, Jeremy and the 107th become part of a new corp led by General Hooker, on the march. "They were not told where they were going or why. It wasn't a soldier's business to know that." But Jeremy can't wait to "see the elephant," as the soldiers called those who had seen action, but all they seem to do is march and wait.

We're also introduced to to two other key characters, whose lives will become intertwined with Jeremy's: Dulcie, a spunky and very bright slave girl who runs away from her cruel mistress to find the Union Army, and eventually becomes a medic for a Union field doctor, and a friendly young Confederate soldier, Charlie Jackson, just a bit older than Jeremy, who's looking to trade for coffee or anything else.

War isn't as black and white as Jeremy had imagined back home. Jeremy knows that Charlie shouldn't really be his friend, but he's hungry for company his own age. And Charlie, on the Confederate side, wonders why he's fighting a war started by a bunch of rich men who "Told us we had to stand by the South. Then they went home to their families, to watch their slaves makin' money for 'em." And both sides learn that war is more about rain and mud and staying alive than glory and being a hero.

Schwabach creates sympathetic characters in her three young protagonists, as well as a very convincing sense of place. The reader feels right there in the middle of the action, as 98,000 Union soldiers march into Georgia complete with hundreds of wagons, cattle to be butchered, ambulances, servants, contraband slaves, and even some dogs and a pet pig. We experience along with Jeremy and Dulcie the chaos, blood, and horrors of the battlefield and its aftermath. There's plenty of action, drama, and even a surprise ending (no spoilers here!) as Jeremy and his comrades in the First Division march closer to Atlanta.

The author includes a brief historical note with additional background information about the characters, many of whom were real people, and a bibliography of selected sources. To learn more about events across the country commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, see the website of the Civil War Trust.

[Christy Gould · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. Civil War historical fiction with a boy protagonist. Covers some of the same themes as Red Badge of Courage, but without being a depressing slog. Doesn’t shy away from the horror of war, but handles it gently for middle grade.

[Tracie D'angelo · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The Storm Before Atlanta" is a book of many tales as most war stories are. It begins with Jeremy who's father is in jail and his mother died from fever. He is bonded to a man he calls Old Silas. At 10, Jeremy sees the Civil War as a place where he could have a place in the world and folks to call friends just like the Little Drummer Boy of Shiloh which was a war song. After many failed attempts, Jeremy finally became a drummer boy for the 107th New York Volunteer Regiment.

Dulcie was a slave in Georgia. With the Civil War getting closer to the plantation where she lived, the greater the opportunity to escape to freedom. Slaves were escaping and running to Union camps where they were considered war contraband. They were given clothes, food and chances to work for money. More importantly, they were free.

Dulcie and Jeremy's story collide when Jeremy was secretly meeting with his new confederate friend and they both notice Dulcie in the river. After a quick fight, Jeremy is able to take Dulcie back to his camp where she begins to work for Dr. Flood. The two become friends as they share their experiences of a war that didn't meet their expectations in The Storm Before Atlanta.

I'm not a war story reader. I actually really don't like any kind of military stories, but this one was a little better than others. It started off slow and really didn't pick up any speed until they very end. What I loved about the book is watching Jeremy and Dulcie grow. Jeremy began as an energetic kid looking for war fame, but when he sees "the elephant" he realizes that there's no glory in war and dying. Even the meaning behind the war itself gets a little fuzzy. At one part of the book Jeremy, Dulcie, and Charlie find an old village and Dulcie and Charlie tell Jeremy the story behind it. It made Jeremy think that something once worth fighting over had become an old story with faded details that no one was sure of. It made me think that this was a slight reflection on the Civil War. Dulcie, who once is considered a lazy slave, is a diligent, tireless medical assistant as well as an old soul who seems to understand a lot more than Jeremy. There were also a few things about the Civil War that I thought were interesting like soldiers form both sides would interact. "The Storm Before Atlanta" is definitely worth reading.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jeremy DeGroot, a poor boy from Syracuse, New York, enlists in the Union Army, hoping to start a new life while seeing some battle action. Since he is so young, he is assigned to be a drummer boy for the 107th New York Volunteer regiment. Once he reaches the battlefields of Georgia, he realizes, like most idealistic soldiers, that war is a moment of terror between long bouts of waiting and marching. He also meets Charlie, a Rebel soldier, and Dulcie, a runaway slave girl from a nearby plantation.

Karen Schwabach has created rich, realistic characters that exist in a complex and changing world. This historical fiction novel is packed with authentic details and information about what a Civil War battle -- and its aftermath - were truly like. Some sensitive students might be upset by the descriptions of Dulcie's medic work, though the language is not too graphic or vivid.

SLJ recommends this title for grades 5 - 8 and I agree. It's a longer novel and though Schwabach does a wonderful job of building a plot and including important information, readers with background knowledge about the Civil War will read and enjoy this title much more than those with little prior exposure.

4 stars for being an excellent example of middle grade historical fiction and good characterization.

This is also a selection for the Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Grade 4-6 chapter book reading list. It's another long title and one that will take some selling to students.

Students who like this book will most like enjoy Laurie Halse Anderson's Chains, a historical fiction book about a runaway slave set during the Revolutionary War.

[Nathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jeremy DeGroot, a poor boy from Syracuse, New York, enlists in the Union Army, hoping to start a new life and also see some battle action. Since he is a rather young, he is assigned to be a drummer boy for the 107th New York Volunteer regiment. Once he reaches the battlefields of Georgia, he realizes, like most idealistic soldiers, that war is a moment of terror between long periods of waiting and marching. He also meets Charlie, a young Confederate soldier, and Dulcie, a runaway slave girl from a nearby plantation.

In my opinion, this book was a good one that I read. I liked how the book showed the character change of Jeremy, from being very arrogant and had feelings that he had figured it all out, to much more humble when he saw the realities of war. I also liked how the book took us through many different battles and stages of the war. One thing I did not enjoy so much was how the aftermath of the battle at Antietam seemed to drag on for a very long time, with the characters repeating the same tasks over and over.

I would recommend this book to age groups anywhere between the sixth or tenth grade. As long as you have somewhat of a background knowledge of the civil war, this book will be relatively easy to follow along to. It is a good alternative to learning about American history from a textbook. I believe any individual should find this historical fiction interesting to read.

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read The Storm Before Atlanta because it is a 2012 nominee on the Maryland Association of School Librarian's Black-Eyed Susan award list for grades 4-6. After reading it I think it is more for sixth grade and up. My daughter is starting fifth grade in the fall and she reads above grade level. I wouldn't recommend this book to her until she was starting sixth grade or maybe later in that school year. The passages with descriptive battle scene may slow down readers younger than twelve years old. These battle scenes are not gory although there are descriptions of soldiers losing limbs and dying. The details are more in terms of the over all confusion the main characters, a boy and a girl, feel while under fire. There is also good discussions about slavery, who is considered a slave (one supporting character, a boy with a white father and slave mother, passes as white), and indentured servants. Overall it is a well written civil war novel for middle school students.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jeremy decided that he wanted to die in the Civil War with honor like the boy in the "Little Drummer Boy of Shiloh" did. He couldn't wait to get to the war and was allowed to enlist even though he was underage. He found himself as a part of the 107th New York under the leadership of Sherman. They were slowly marching across Kentucky and Tennessee, heading for Atlanta, Georgia. At the same time, a young black girl by the name of Dulcie decided to run away. She ended up being saved by Jeremy and his newfound friend, Charlie, a southern rebel. The three had many encounters and they told the story of the battles and the march. While I found this book interesting, I have to admit that I enjoyed "Charlie Skedaddle" and "Red Cap" more. I do believe that this will give my students another historical novel with a different point of view which they will like to read.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

At a time when most people have grown weary of the war between the states, two young children are desperate to find their way to the battlefields. Jeremy DeGroot wants nothing more than to join a troop as a drummer boy. For Dulcie, a runaway slave, freedom means she must head directly toward the fighting in the hopes that she'll become "contraband," that is, property of the Union troops. Both Jeremy and Dulcie find a place with the 107th New York Volunteer Regiment and even start to forge a friendship. But all that is threatened when they cross paths with the mysterious Charlie, a young Confederate soldier, who may look like the enemy but feels more like a friend.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Jeremy hears a song about the valiant Drummer Boy of Shiloh and vows to die gloriously in battle, like the hero of the song. He runs away and joins the 107th New York Volunteer infantry which is headed down to Atlanta. Along the way, Jeremy meets and befriends Dulcie, and escaped slave girl, and Charlie, a Confederate soldier a little older than himself. The story telling isn't too bad, the plot is not too predictable, the characters are not cloying, although some are indeed stock characters. For all that, I just couldn't get into this book. Nothing wrong with it, just held no interest for me.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Storm" is a well-written Y/A historical fiction story about a 10-year-old boy who leaves his life of surviving on the streets alone in New York City to become a drummer boy for the Union army during the Civil War. His perspective changes as he realizes that being a drummer boy isn't as idealistic as described in poetry, but a tough, dirty, terrifying job. Schwabach's research is well done and she helps portray different mentalities of various characters on both sides of the conflict, although most are from the Union side. The result is an interesting narrative for Y/A readers on some of the final battles of the Civil War.

[Alana · Rating 4 out of 5]

the story was very well written and interesting. only reason it recieved 4 instead of 5 stars is because i felt it was written too much for those who know a lot about the civil war. also, the medics had access to way too much morphine and chloriform, which is not true especially those on the march to atlanta. but aside from that, the sory was great. loved charlie and dulcie. i didn't like the jeremy at first, due to his war is glorious attitude. but he redemeed himself after the first battle.

[Dolores · Rating 4 out of 5]

I often struggle with historical fiction--it's not exactly my favorite genre, but I read this in one sitting. I was very impressed with some of the details the author included in the book. I've never come across them in any other book about the Civil War. Schwabach does a great job of showing the "one hundred sides of every story" and of making us care about her characters. Her descriptions of the battles are very evocative. I liked the way the book ended, it let us make our own decisions for the characters. Nicely done.

[Judi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was not a book I would have normally chose to read. However, I'm glad I read it! This was an excellent read! It does jump between the two main characters quite a bit but it wraps up nicely. This book was an amazing journey thru the civil war from several points of views. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a new author to try. Even though this was a historical fiction book it had enough truth in it to make you feel like you were really experiencing the war yet at the same time, it has enough fiction in it to keep the story line moving.

[Addison Children's Services · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is great historical fiction, a great war story, a great boy book. Jeremy, 10, is desperate to get into the American Civil War. He has escaped the cruel man who held his bond and is rather successful living on his own as a paperboy. But the war has been going for over two years now and he needs to get into the action or it might end. He is actually planning to die in it so he will be immortalized in song. Well, he does get to the war and talk his way in as a drummer boy. As we go with him we get a fairly accurate glimpse of the boredom, uncomfortableness, and deadliness of war.

[Beth Kakuma-Depew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Civil War historical fiction about a 10 year old boy who runs off to die gloriously in the Union army. Only he discovers war and dying isn't glorious. Also about a runaway slave girl who gets her first taste of freedom working for an army doctor. And the mysterious confederate boy who looks like a enemy, but acts like a friend.

This book is much better than the boring cover, with well-developed characters and plently of suspense and gore.

[Sarah Tilatitsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is good, and it captures your attention. UMMM, it seems to me that there's something missing. Maybe there is some kind of a deadline, so it was done in a hurry, but I don't exactly read passion or love that is usually given into a book. I don't know. Anyhow, the plot is great and all of that. Read and enjoy. It's just that I feel that something's missing. Just saying, but the book, in words, is great. ☺

[Ms. B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Those looking for a story about war and/or fans of historical fiction will enjoy the story of ten-year-old Jeremy who runs away to join the Union army as a drummer boy during the Civil War. His goal is to die gloriously for his country. He becomes a member of New York’s 107th. As a member of the 107th, will Jeremy discover that some things are worth living for?

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pretty good historical fiction read for kids. I thought that some of the plot tied together too easily -- some of the coincidences were a little much. Other than that, I enjoyed the two main characters, and the uncertainty of whether one of the other characters was actually a spy or not.

[Kailey (Luminous Libro) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure what to think about this book. There were parts that I really loved, and other bits that I wasn't too happy with. The writing is excellent, the plot moves forward beautifully, the characters are varied and engaging. I love the historical bits, but somehow... It's just not my cup of tea. A boy would love this book! Too gory for me though.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book about a 10 year old drummer boy during the Civil War. It is a must read for a child interested in the Civil War or for a kid that thinks war is cool, and needs to learn a thing or two.

[LibraryLaur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to come for LMC.

[Kate Hastings]

RL 730

[Lynda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great boy read! Historical fiction book about a ten year old boy during the Civil War. Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Book Nominee for 2012 - 2013 for grades 4-6.

[Dona · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as a twin fiction book for Abraham Lincoln & Frederick Douglass The Story Behind an American Friendship.

audience: grades 4-12
genre: historical fiction

[Sharon Buxton · Rating 3 out of 5]

B+. YA, historical fiction, Civil War, human interest

[Hanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This reminded me of 'The Red Badge of Courage'. The plotlines seemed similar, but it was definitely easier to understand. And the storyline, friendship, struggling, was amazing. :3

[Carrie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really liked the historical detail that I think will help young readers to understand more about the time period. However, I was disappointed by the lack of an ending. It seemed like the author spent so much time setting up the story that she ran out of time to finish and so there is a very abrupt ending and you were left feeling like there really hadn't been much of a plot (which didn't bother me too much until it was suddenly over and I never quite figured out where the story was going). It would be like if I ended this review by

[Burt]

Awesome