March Toward the Thunder

by Joseph Bruchac

From the multi-award-winning author of Code Talker comes a Native American perspective on the Civil War.Louis Nolette, a fifteen-year-old Abenaki Indian from Canada, is recruited to fight in the northern Irish Brigade in the Civil War. Though he is too young, and neither American nor Irish, he finds the promise of good wages and the fight to end slavery persuasive enough to join up. But war is never what you expect, and as Louis fights his way through battles, he encounters prejudice and acceptance, courage and cowardice, and strong and weak leadership in the most unexpected places.This paperback edition includes an author's note, discussion guide, and selected bibliography for further reading."A fine choice for readers who want war stories that include plenty of action, as well as reflection." —Booklist

Genres: Historical Fiction, Civil War, Young Adult, War, Historical, Native American, American Civil War

266 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2008

About the author

Joseph Bruchac lives with his wife, Carol, in the Adirondack mountain foothills town of Greenfield Center, New York, in the same house where his maternal grandparents raised him. Much of his writing draws on that land and his Abenaki ancestry. Although his American Indian heritage is only one part of an ethnic background that includes Slovak and English blood, those Native roots are the ones by which he has been most nourished. He, his younger sister Margaret, and his two grown sons, James and Jesse, continue to work extensively in projects involving the preservation of Abenaki culture, language and traditional Native skills, including performing traditional and contemporary Abenaki music with the Dawnland Singers.

He holds a B.A. from Cornell University, an M.A. in Literature and Creative Writing from Syracuse and a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from the Union Institute of Ohio. His work as a educator includes eight years of directing a college program for Skidmore College inside a maximum security prison. With his wife, Carol, he is the founder and Co-Director of the Greenfield Review Literary Center and The Greenfield Review Press. He has edited a number of highly praised anthologies of contemporary poetry and fiction, including Songs from this Earth on Turtle's Back, Breaking Silence (winner of an American Book Award) and Returning the Gift. His poems, articles and stories have appeared in over 500 publications, from American Poetry Review, Cricket and Aboriginal Voices to National Geographic, Parabola and Smithsonian Magazine. He has authored more than 70 books for adults and children, including The First Strawberries, Keepers of the Earth (co-authored with Michael Caduto), Tell Me a Tale, When the Chenoo Howls (co-authored with his son, James), his autobiography Bowman's Store and such novels as Dawn Land, The Waters Between, Arrow Over the Door and The Heart of a Chief. Forthcoming titles include Squanto's Journey (Harcourt), a picture book, Sacajawea (Harcourt), an historical novel, Crazy Horse's Vision (Lee & Low), a picture book, and Pushing Up The Sky (Dial), a collection of plays for children. His honors include a Rockefeller Humanities fellowship, a National Endowment for the Arts Writing Fellowship for Poetry, the Cherokee Nation Prose Award, the Knickerbocker Award, the Hope S. Dean Award for Notable Achievement in Children's Literature and both the 1998 Writer of the Year Award and the 1998 Storyteller of the Year Award from the Wordcraft Circle of Native Writers and Storytellers. In 1999, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Native Writers Circle of the Americas.

As a professional teller of the traditional tales of the Adirondacks and the Native peoples of the Northeastern Woodlands, Joe Bruchac has performed widely in Europe and throughout the United States from Florida to Hawaii and has been featured at such events as the British Storytelling Festival and the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesboro, Tennessee. He has been a storyteller-in-residence for Native American organizations and schools throughout the continent, including the Institute of Alaska Native Arts and the Onondaga Nation School. He discusses Native culture and his books and does storytelling programs at dozens of elementary and secondary schools each year as a visiting author.

Reviews

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will readily admit that The Civil War is not my favorite time period in history. However, after having created a thorough unit on The Holocaust teaching solely through literature, I came to realize how much more interested my students were about learning about historical events. To that end, I am in the process of creating a literature unit for early American History. March Toward The Thunder is a story about The Civil War from a Canadian Indian boy's point of view.


Louis is barely 15, but he looks far older. A member of the Abenaki tribe, he works with his mother selling hand-made baskets. He is approached by an army recruiter and convinced to join up. This is how Louis's army career begins. He is a member of the 69th Irish Brigade. At first he meets with a bit of resistance and teasing from his fellow soldiers; however, once others realize that he won't be bothered by their ribbing, he is accepted.


The story follows the brigade for no more than six months, although through Louis's eyes the battles seem to go on for so much longer. Famous places like Andersonville are mentioned, as are famous people: General Lee, General Grant, President Lincoln and even the famous poet Walt Whitman. Author Joseph Bruchac carefully and extensively researched every aspect of his novel. He stated that although Louis is not a real character (although based a bit on his great grandfather), every character is rooted in factual information.


While the book dragged for me at times, there were enough surprises to keep me reading. I obviously won't divulge them, but Bruchac definitely has an art for keeping a reader on her toes! This book would be an interesting addition to my early American history unit for many reasons. I like the fact that there is information regarding the Colored Divisions of the northern army, as well as the fact that Louis is a Native American character. The fact that Native Americans and African-Americans served in the Civil War may be new to many of my students and this novel introduces their stories quite well. Overall, March Toward the Thunder will provide a great introduction to The War Between the States.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

BBYA
Bruchac is one of the best in writing native american Indian fiction. During the Civil War the fighting 69th(Irish brigade) were known as fierce fighters but they also lost more men than most. late in the war the military began recruiting anyone so indians young and old were allowed to fight in the white man's war. great detail of the battles.

[Ryker · Rating 1 out of 5]

Technically I didn't even read this. but. what I. did. read was /waaaaaaaaay. boring

[Kevin Hogg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of Louis, a 15-year-old from the Abenaki tribe, and his service in the U.S. Civil War. I enjoyed the story of isolation within a large group and the new perspective Louis brings to the conflict. He is about as out-of-place as you can get, too young to fight in another country's civil war while serving alongside a group of Irishmen.

The discrimination based on his race, and the skepticism of his abilities, is both overt and subtle, which was a nice balance that allows the reader to see the bigger picture. At the same time, the skills and knowledge he brings are invaluable to those around him, placing him in a complicated role.

There were times when I wished for more description of the fighting, and the climax didn't peak as high as I was hoping. Still, I liked having a new way of looking at a historical event, and it's a good way of considering the individuals who fought in the war rather than just thinking of them as 3 million soldiers. Louis's connection with other Aboriginals was a highlight of the story, and I really liked seeing how different parts of his personality were revealed when he was with people who understood him.

[Mrs. Hassig · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this Native American author. I have several of his books in my library. I am a major Civil War buff so this book struck my fancy. A really strong and spiritualistic main character, Louis, grabbed my heart strings from the start. He joined the Union at 15, and yes they took him in knowing that but not admitting it. I can't imagine my 8th grade boys going to war! His experiences at some of the worst battles of the Civil War will make you sick to the stomach as well as the heart. Our leaders and generals willingness to send tens of thousands to their deaths knowing that the cause was fruitless was disparaging and aggravating. What I loved most about this book though were the meetings between Louis and his Mohawk friend Artis, with General Parker, Clara Barton, and President Lincoln himself. Awesome!

[Dotty · Rating 4 out of 5]

As he lay in the stinking mud of the trench, Louis reloaded. Minie balls were whizzing past them from all sides. This Irish Brigade seemed an odd place for Louis, an Abenaki Indian. But they had one thing in common. Defeat the South and free the slaves. Would they be able to outlast the Rebs?

[ENID IS A CONEHEAD · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. It gave me a new perspective on the civil war that I never thought of. I would not have read this on my own accord, but my mom told me to read it and I loved it. !WARNING SPOILERS AHEAD! Lewis is a Native American Abenaki that joins the 69th Irish brigade for the pay roll, but finds much more than money. In this story of friendship, history, and adventure, Lewis learns what true pain, loss, and joy really is. My personal favorite part is when we learn that Private Merry is actually a girl, and because I am a HUGE Heartstopper and Twilight fan, I love that she joined the army just to see her husband. *sniff* Ahh, romance. I did have some trouble getting into it, and I was disappointed by Lewis's choice to go back to the army. But I am a Hobbit at heart, and I only like reading about adventure, and not going on adventures. So who am I to talk. I hope this helps with your decision to read this amazing and heartfelt book.
-Enid Till A.K.A Book Nerd, age 11, Oct. 7, 2024

[Penny Louks · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was really slow at first, and I thought that maybe I had not selected wisely as this book is one that will become part of a Civil War unit for my students. However, once it got going, I really enjoyed it! Life entered into the mix, so I had to put it down for a time, but in the end, I had to just sit for a few hours finishing it! This is a well-researched book from a Native American perspective, and it includes great details of battles and camp life. I cannot wait to see the reactions and comments and questions from my students who will read it. It has a unique third/first person take with the regular text being third person, almost like a documentary, and then the italics being first person, following Louis Nolette's inner thoughts. This was a unique way to present historical fiction, just enough first person to make you truly invested with solid third person narrative to educate you on the Civil War.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historically accurate, well developed and love-able characters, and amazing setting descriptions, this book really helped me see and appreciate these soldiers, based off of soldiers who really did live and fight during the Civil War. The characters seem so real! There are many funny jokes and stories that balance out the sadness and brutality of war, without diminishing the seriousness of war.

Joseph Bruchac really has a way of making fantastic imagery in his books. You can sense, feel, see, hear, and connect with everything!

I've always been the most interested in Native American and Irish history and culture (go figure!) so putting these two groups, along with others, together made it an invigorating read.

[Tory Riley]

*Speak, 2009
*Reviews & Awards
Booklist, 04/15/08
Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, 06/01/08
Horn Book Magazine, 10/01/08
Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, 02/01/09
Kirkus Reviews, 04/15/08
Kliatt starred, 05/01/08
Library Media Connection starred, 01/01/09
Multicultural Review, 12/01/08
Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA), 10/01/08
Wilson's Junior High School, 11/01/08

Canadian Abenaki Louis Nolette joins the Union Army's Irish Brigade to fight slavery. The book details life in the regiment and Louis meets many Civil War era luminaries along the way in this historical novel.

[Kate McCartney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I admit I don't know much about the Civil War, so I was uncertain about this book. I can't believe all the blunders and mess ups by the leaders of the Union Army! It is pretty amazing that they won. This is based on Bruchac's great grandfathers service in the Civil War. This is another one I can be thankful to the Book Riot Read Harder Challenge, I doubt I would have read it if not for needing a book about War.

2017 Read Harder Challenge- book about War

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Young Adult book but I think anyone with an interest in the Civil War or American Indians would enjoy it. Bruchac tells the story of young Louis Nolette, an Abenaki Indian from Canada, who joins the Union Army in 1864. He based the character on his great-grandfather. Louis goes on to fight in some of the most horrific battles of the war--the Wilderness, Spotsylvania Court House, Cold Harbor..

[Charity · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book, Bruchac crafts a story about the US Civil War that's suitable for children but that pulls no (well, few) punches. His characters travel through the story despising their circumstances but still finding beauty and hope in life and the landscape around them. Through the perspective of French Canadian Abenaki Louis Nolette, this novel addresses race, prejudice, nationhood, and what it means to be a leader.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was meant to be read independently by my 6th grader but she pushed back a little so I decided to read it aloud together. I'm glad to have read the book but it is definitely a long read aloud! We were cheering for the main character throughout the book and also picked up a lot of facts about the civil war that we had already read in our history books. There was a lot of opportunity to stop for discussion throughout.

[Cassie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just couldn’t get interested in this. Someone much more interested in war-fiction would probably eat it up. Still, it was interesting to get a Native American perspective on the civil war. I love the part where his fellow soldiers bring him another Native American (Iroquois? I can’t remember exactly which nation) and they pretend to act on some intertribal blood feud to mess with the other soldiers.

This was a buddy read with my 12yo for homeschool, and she wasn’t crazy about it either.

[Maggie Shanley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joseph Bruchac is an excellent author for people of any age. In this story, based upon the civil war record of his great grandfather, Bruchac tells the story of a 15 year old Abenaki boy who is recruited to be a union soldier because of his size. Nolette signs up in Troy, NY in the hopes that the money will allow his mother to buy them some land. He is with the Irish Brigade in the Army of the Potomac and in one year he feels like he has lived 60 years, this is his story.

[Shelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a fan of Joseph Bruchac but this book was disappointing. 3 points because this is a well researched story based on a family member. Otherwise it would be 2. The book seems to use clichés and stereotypes, and lacks character development.
Bruchac has written many fantastic books. This was not one.

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A civil war story from the perspective of a Native American soldier. It's a solid story, engaging and well written. But there's not much of a plot. It's mostly just following the solider through the battles and the lulls, without a real sense of climax.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a really good book. But it could have been a lot better. It was good for the time being but I would not read it again. If you like Civil war books in and on the battlefield then this is the book for you!

[Elsa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my usual type of historical fiction, with all its discussion of battles. Still, March Toward the Thunder lined up nicely with our homeschool Civil War studies from Build Your Library. Louis Nolette, an Abenaki teen, joins the Union army and forms tight bonds within his Irish brigade.

[Mr. Skipper's GT Cafe]

one copy

[Lucy_books · Rating 2 out of 5]

I DNF’d it. Too slow, no climax really. It was hard to read too. The main character was cool, ig but idk!

[Stuart Levy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting perspective on the Civil War from a Native American fighting with the Irish brigade.

[Jeanette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joseph Bruchec is a wonderful author for kids to get a different perspective on Ameriican history. I highly recommend all of his books. It is important that our children read all sides of history.

[MohammadUmar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book seemed interesting to me while I read it. The main character is Louis Nolette, who is an Abenaki Indian from Canada. Louis and his mother were very poor and sold baskets for a living when his father died. Later in the book, he becomes a soldier and becomes a part of the Irish brigades. He gets discriminated as he was an Indian and was nicknamed "chief." In the battles, the author does a great, fantastic job explaining the setting. I also love this book because it shows the war through a common soldier. This book shows the hardships they had to endure like bugs, ripped clothes, the weather, travelling, and being shot. I also liked the ending as it had humour and ends up reuniting with his mother

[Jack · Rating 3 out of 5]

I should've actually updated this book more but I kept forgetting but I swear next book will be different. I enjoyed this book but the reading level was definitely below what I should've read. It was pretty simplistic and for a war book it didn't make me do a lot of thinking. It was mostly just saying what happened and didn't go into the horrors that they felt with war. For my next book I will certainly have a more Senior level book.

[Brigid Armbrust · Rating 2 out of 5]

To be clear: I usually love Joseph Bruchac books. I was in 4th grade when I read my first book of his, The Winter People, and was enraptured by the storyline, characters, and vivid retelling of a historic event from a point of view that is often neglected in history books. Since then, I have read many of his other novels, including The Arrow Over the Door, Code Talker, and Hidden Roots. I enjoyed them all. But for some reason, this book just doesn’t do it for me.

My main issue with this book is that I felt Bruchac never really had a story to tell, just an idea based on a part of his family history. And while that idea is interesting, it is simply not enough to carry an entire novel. It seemed to me his primary intention in writing the book, was to teach children about the American Civil War and what it was like to be a soldier during that time. As such, the book accomplishes its goal very well. However, I found the endless detailed explanations of battle maneuvers and life during the civil war rather tiering. Also, it is highly unlikely a private would have had the perspective on and information about the war as whole that Louis does in the book. It seemed like he spent half the book wondering around camp, talking to various officers who would explain battle plans to him. I read non-fiction to get that kind of stuff. When I come to historical fiction, I expect a good STORY. Yes, I expect it to teach me about the time period, but in a subtle way, as a natural part of the setting. Adding to this, I am already very familiar with the part of the war portrayed in the story, so I didn’t even really learn anything from the book.

If you are looking for a good historical fiction story about the Civil War, I would look elsewhere. If you want to learn about the 1864 Union campaign to take Richmond through historical fiction, but don’t care as much about the story, you’ve probably come to the right place.

[Ste Ven · Rating 2 out of 5]

So far this book as been tough to read. I find no reason to continue on with this. It hasn't made a impact to me yet. Let's hope the story gets better.

The book had no further interesting plot developments. I guess it was just kind of hard to understand the text, as it skips ideas and organizes chapters from specific dates. The story is about a indian- canadian teen called Louis. When he was a few years younger, he loses his dad in a drowning accident. He had gone off the another town for a battle and was going to get young Louis a musket. He had been brought up to put through pain and know how to handle them. He is a warrior and the best job for a warrior would be to fight and help their country. So Louis decides to join the army.

I picked this book out because the title seemed interesting and was in the historical fiction. I don't read many books from this genre so let's try something new. They are like fiction based on history and true events and facts. I like non-fiction and i like fiction. HHmmm, what would it be like to read a combination of the two!

I would recommend this book to someone with a high understanding for history and more patience. I would recommend this to Jordan. Some of the war terms confused me and i think that the good part was coming just didn't have the patience to read on.

[Mara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not Joseph Bruchac's best novel. While he presents stunning historical detail when it comes to battles, dress, and the like, Louis Nolette is simply not that likable of a hero. It didn't take long for him to come across as more than a little whiny. The other soldiers couldn't make the slightest little tease towards him without Louis sticking out his bottom lip and whimpering, It's just because I'm an Indian. Even though the soldiers teased each other as unmercifully as they did Louis, and they weren't even that unmerciful to him. Talk about a victim complex! And a hero should never have that.

Aside from that rather glaring and important fact (having a likable main character is rather important; sorry), the story was fairly enjoyable. I was not entirely fond of how the Author wrote his battle scenes - they were very choppy, lacking complete sentences most of the time, and began to feel like a screenplay. And I began to groan over the number of times the Author felt it necessary to describe how a gun was loaded, and how the characters then had to position themselves to fire it. Okay, we get it! And if we Readers want to know how to shoot a rifle, we'll either read a manual, watch instructional videos, or get our next-door neighbor to teach us. Putting such descriptions in a novel slows it down - and this is coming from a person who loves guns.

[Adam Berhow · Rating 4 out of 5]

March Toward the Thunder, by Marcus Bruchac is a very good book. It takes place in the civil war times. Louis is an indian boy, about 14 years old who some how in lists into the army. (Apparently he looked old enough to fight). He was doing it for money, and pride. He got caught up in the moment, and couldn't help himself.

I have interests in books where there is action yet there is enough information for the story to make sense. In this book it had just the right mixture in between the two. The story gave enough information to make sense, and there was enough action to where it never got boring. There is some pretty good descriptions of the war. Very good imagery involved in the text. I could easily get lost in the book. It was no problem reading 15 pages at a time.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes war movies, or war books. Like I said, the author made it seem like you were actually there. Also if you like fiction books with lots of action, and momentum then I would also advise you reading this book. The book is pretty short, so it won't take weeks to finish. It didn't take to long for me to finish, and I'm a very slow reader. So overall I say that this is a very well put together plotted story.