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Boys of Wartime #2
Will at the Battle of Gettysburg 1863
Twelve-year-old Will wants to be a drummer in the Union army, but he's stuck far from the fighting in his sleepy hometown of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Then the Union and Confederate armies converge on Gettysburg, and suddenly Will and his family are caught up in the battle.
From delivering important messages and helping the wounded to even saving a young soldier's life, Will takes readers on a firsthand trip through one of the Civil War's most significant battles.
From delivering important messages and helping the wounded to even saving a young soldier's life, Will takes readers on a firsthand trip through one of the Civil War's most significant battles.
230 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
May 24, 2012
Laurie Calkhoven writes for the young reader. Chapter books that are full of accurate historical detail and that capture the attention and imagination of the young reader. Her story telling is an experience will guide the young reader into a better understanding of the historical event.
My 8-year-old granddaughter's review of the books:
I read three books by Laurie Calkhoven. They were all about different wars. In Will at the Battle of Gettysburg I really liked how he showed lots of courage. This book was about the Civil War. The other two books were about the American Revolution and World War II. Daniel in the book about the American Revolution was brave and risked his own life for our country. In the book about World War II I learned that it was a scary time.
I don't know which book is my favorite. I like all of them! If other kids like me like intense books they will really like these. I want to read more books by this author! When it was quiet and I was all alone reading these books, I felt like I was there!
My Thoughts: There is war in the land and it is affecting every citizen - those the age to fight, those too old to fight, and those too young to fight. Our main character is a 12-year-old boy, Will. He wants so much to do his part as a drummer boy in the war serving for the Union. His older brother is languishing in a Southern hospital as a prisoner and his father is off rendering medical care for the wounded that he as a doctor is so very much in need of providing.
Will sees the rebel troups as they approach his town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and then enter shooting and yelling the rebel yell. He later sees the Union troops as they defend Gettysburg against the rebels. He sees death. War is getting a face and that face is personal, real, and sordid.
He now knows the enemy. However, in this he meets another young drummer boy who is a rebel. Will takes him into his home and feeds and clothes the bedraggled boy. Later, his good deed comes back to save him.
This is Laurie Calkhoven's second book in the Boys of Wartime series. Her account, though written for the young reader age 9-12, draws on firsthand accounts of one of the most famous and bloodiest Civil War battles and provides a good read with good, accurate history lessons. She presents not only the struggle politically between the North and South over slavery, but also over the larger issue of States' Rights.
Calkhoven also provides material of benefit to students of history of any age: a glossary, additional reading titles. a detailed "Time Line" of dates and facts, and a list of real historical characters in the book and what their role in history was.
Book 1: Daniel at the Seige of Boston (American Revolution) - see my review on Goodreads.com.
Book 2: Will at the Battle of Gettysburg 1863 (Civil War)
Book 3: Michael at the Invasion of France 1943 (World War II)
DISCLOSURE: I was provided a copy of Will at the Battle of Gettysburg 1863 by the author, Laurie Calkhoven in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to render a positive review.
My 8-year-old granddaughter's review of the books:
I read three books by Laurie Calkhoven. They were all about different wars. In Will at the Battle of Gettysburg I really liked how he showed lots of courage. This book was about the Civil War. The other two books were about the American Revolution and World War II. Daniel in the book about the American Revolution was brave and risked his own life for our country. In the book about World War II I learned that it was a scary time.
I don't know which book is my favorite. I like all of them! If other kids like me like intense books they will really like these. I want to read more books by this author! When it was quiet and I was all alone reading these books, I felt like I was there!
My Thoughts: There is war in the land and it is affecting every citizen - those the age to fight, those too old to fight, and those too young to fight. Our main character is a 12-year-old boy, Will. He wants so much to do his part as a drummer boy in the war serving for the Union. His older brother is languishing in a Southern hospital as a prisoner and his father is off rendering medical care for the wounded that he as a doctor is so very much in need of providing.
Will sees the rebel troups as they approach his town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and then enter shooting and yelling the rebel yell. He later sees the Union troops as they defend Gettysburg against the rebels. He sees death. War is getting a face and that face is personal, real, and sordid.
He now knows the enemy. However, in this he meets another young drummer boy who is a rebel. Will takes him into his home and feeds and clothes the bedraggled boy. Later, his good deed comes back to save him.
This is Laurie Calkhoven's second book in the Boys of Wartime series. Her account, though written for the young reader age 9-12, draws on firsthand accounts of one of the most famous and bloodiest Civil War battles and provides a good read with good, accurate history lessons. She presents not only the struggle politically between the North and South over slavery, but also over the larger issue of States' Rights.
Calkhoven also provides material of benefit to students of history of any age: a glossary, additional reading titles. a detailed "Time Line" of dates and facts, and a list of real historical characters in the book and what their role in history was.
Book 1: Daniel at the Seige of Boston (American Revolution) - see my review on Goodreads.com.
Book 2: Will at the Battle of Gettysburg 1863 (Civil War)
Book 3: Michael at the Invasion of France 1943 (World War II)
DISCLOSURE: I was provided a copy of Will at the Battle of Gettysburg 1863 by the author, Laurie Calkhoven in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to render a positive review.
January 14, 2016
A great read but should be 10+
This is my favorite Boys of Wartime book because it contains a lot of action-adventure. The reason I say it should be for age 10 and up is because Gettysburg is the bloodiest battle of the Civil War. Lots of soldiers die or are severely wounded and need to have limbs removed (which is only possible by sawing the appendage off, making for some less than pleasant scenes). But if you are old enough to handle that, it’s fine.
It was really great to read about Gettysburg and the work that Will does in town and out for the Union army. The story begins in sleepy Gettysburg where a boy named Will lives with his mother and sisters (his father is helping in a war hospital and his older brother is in a rebel prison camp). The rebels are passing through town and capture it with no trouble. They make their camp outside the city. But then a union cavalry regiment marches through town to protect the citizens from the Rebs. Neither side really wants Gettysburg for strategic reasons but the two armies cross paths and the battle ensues. *spoilers*
The fighting lasts for three days. Will ends up helping a Union colonel across the battlefield and delivering a message to General Meade that turns the course of the battle. He then goes to a nearby farm with his sisters and helps wounded soldiers. Earlier in the book a rebel drummer saves Will from a furious captain and the two become friends. Later Will’s friend is wounded in the battle and Will helps to save him even though the rebel loses his hand. All in all this book is a great read and is my favorite book in the three part series. W. age 12
This is my favorite Boys of Wartime book because it contains a lot of action-adventure. The reason I say it should be for age 10 and up is because Gettysburg is the bloodiest battle of the Civil War. Lots of soldiers die or are severely wounded and need to have limbs removed (which is only possible by sawing the appendage off, making for some less than pleasant scenes). But if you are old enough to handle that, it’s fine.
It was really great to read about Gettysburg and the work that Will does in town and out for the Union army. The story begins in sleepy Gettysburg where a boy named Will lives with his mother and sisters (his father is helping in a war hospital and his older brother is in a rebel prison camp). The rebels are passing through town and capture it with no trouble. They make their camp outside the city. But then a union cavalry regiment marches through town to protect the citizens from the Rebs. Neither side really wants Gettysburg for strategic reasons but the two armies cross paths and the battle ensues. *spoilers*
The fighting lasts for three days. Will ends up helping a Union colonel across the battlefield and delivering a message to General Meade that turns the course of the battle. He then goes to a nearby farm with his sisters and helps wounded soldiers. Earlier in the book a rebel drummer saves Will from a furious captain and the two become friends. Later Will’s friend is wounded in the battle and Will helps to save him even though the rebel loses his hand. All in all this book is a great read and is my favorite book in the three part series. W. age 12
February 24, 2012
Will at the Battle of Gettysburg, 1863 by Laurie Calkhoven takes place during the civil war at the Battle of Gettysburg. Young Will, 12 years old, dreams of joining in on the battle. When the war comes to town, Will soon discovers that war is very difficult. Throughout the story, we see Will help the Union soldiers, befriend a young Confederate drummer, deliver messages across enemy lines and show a tremendous amount of bravery. The story shares the emotion over President Lincoln delivering the Gettysburg address. Also, we witness through Will’s eyes the pain, suffering, death and bitter-sweet triumph of the Union soldiers when the Confederates retreat.
This historical fiction story shares what it must have been like for those in the town of Gettysburg during those horrible days. The historical characters, dates and times of some of the battle events, and of course the outcome were factual. Will’s character was based upon 2 young men and their heroic deeds. At the end of the book, the author shares some factual information, a glossary of terms and children’s roles in the actual Civil War.
This book is appropriate for grades 5-8. The book would be great for using with literature circles or classroom book clubs because the story leaves a lot of room for discussion about the strength of the characters and events of the war. Also, the book would be useful when talking about the Civil War due to the amount of historical facts and accuracy. I believe that many boys would really enjoy this story.
This historical fiction story shares what it must have been like for those in the town of Gettysburg during those horrible days. The historical characters, dates and times of some of the battle events, and of course the outcome were factual. Will’s character was based upon 2 young men and their heroic deeds. At the end of the book, the author shares some factual information, a glossary of terms and children’s roles in the actual Civil War.
This book is appropriate for grades 5-8. The book would be great for using with literature circles or classroom book clubs because the story leaves a lot of room for discussion about the strength of the characters and events of the war. Also, the book would be useful when talking about the Civil War due to the amount of historical facts and accuracy. I believe that many boys would really enjoy this story.
July 1, 2011
I liked it because I feel that it got the message that war was-and still is-brutal and bloody. It showed both sides of the story, Union and Confederate. I also liked the fact that it shows that the war wasn't completely about slavery-it was mostly about the upset of the balance of power between the states and the government. The Emancipation Proclamation, which was vaguely talked about in this book, put slavery in the picture. Overall, this book was a great mix of excitement and truth. In the end, the sad part about this book is that the gory war where thousands ended their lives that is the plot of this book is a cold hard fact. Gettysburg DID happen, it WAS the bloodiest war fought on American soil ever recorded, and that it WAS a major turning point in the war. I also liked the neat touch about Jennie Wade mat the end-that part is true. And that pretty much sums it up.
April 16, 2021
We did read this as a family in preparation to go to visit Gettysburg for spring break this year. We all enjoyed it so much and it gave new meaning to visiting the battlefield because you couldn't help but to see the battle from the perspective of the civilians. And while Will wasn't a real person, there are real people that are mentioned in the book. I feel like my 10 year old son was able to connect to that place and what happened there in a way he wouldn't have otherwise. HIGHLY recommend to anyone interested in the Civil War or that have or plan to visit this awesome city. Even adults!
December 30, 2021
This is a book for young readers and is very well written. Both Arely and I enjoyed this book a lot. Some days I didn't get to read with her but made her give me a full description of what she had read as the story was very interesting and I wanted to keep up with what was happening in the story. Will has some very interesting, heartwarming, scary and dangerous adventures during the Battle of Gettysburg.
December 14, 2021
It was a good book. When they were in war there was a lot of deaths. Will made a friend. But he was a drummer boy in the Confederate army. Abel was a good friend too Will. At the end Abel gets hurt. They end up chopping his hand off. After Abel recovers he goes home to his mother. Will's mother gets a letter that her husband and his son are coming home. Now they are one big happy family.
November 2, 2022
A great read-aloud to my three elementary-aged boys as a precursor to our Civil War trip to Gettysburg in the fall of 2022. This exciting story helped visualize the Battle of Gettysburg for my children.
May 10, 2017
Good children's historical fiction novel about Gettysburg.
October 30, 2017
It was a good book with lots of action.
September 29, 2020
A 7 year old's review: Some part were scary and gross and sad but it was really good.
November 3, 2020
This is the greatest book I've ever read. I'd give it a thousand stars if I could.
January 4, 2021
it was very good
April 11, 2023
I enjoyed Will's story.I like that Colonel .I ship him and Grace together .Anyway , the story was interesting.
May 11, 2011
This second offering in Laurie Calkhoven's Boys of Wartime series for middle-grade readers tells the compelling story of 12-year old Will, who lives in the quiet town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and dreams of glory as a Union drummer boy. He's too young to enlist without his parents' permission, which his mother is not about to give, but when the book opens Will has no idea of the important role he'll be asked to play for the Union cause.
As Confederate troops march into the town, prowling the streets "like hungry wolves," even forcing the local candy story owner to open his shop so they can clear out the goodies, Will makes an unexpected friend--a drummer boy his age from Tennessee, a friendship that will soon prove more valuable than he can imagine. Will is as surprised as can be when he finds himself inviting the hungry and dirty boy to supper, where he is greeted with courtesy by Will's family (his mother even offers the ragged boy clean clothes). Through Will's eyes, we see how the battle came about, with the two sides meeting pretty much by chance at the crossroads of ten major roads at Gettysburg, making a battle at a town the commanders of both armies had never heard of all but inevitable.
As the battle draws near town, Will's sisters are taken to a neighbor's farm nearby, where his mother thinks they will be out of the way of the battle. As Confederate soldiers take the town on July 1, Will meets an injured Union officer who is desperate to get a message to General Meade. Can Will help him get through the Confederate lines to complete his mission? Should he join up with the Union officer and become his messenger?
This is an exciting war novel for middle grade students; as a civilian, Will's character offers a different perspective on the war than we find in many children's novels. First he's excited to see all the soldiers, and dreams of enlisting himself. Soon, however, he experiences the horrible sights, sounds, and even smells of battle as he discovers that the peaceful farm where his sisters had been sent has been converted to a hospital, crammed with injured and dying men moaning in pain, begging for water, and filled with the noise of the surgeon sawing off ruined limbs. He finds himself on the battle's front lines in spite of himself, as the battle progresses to different locations around the town. Calkhoven vividly describes the sights and sounds of the battlefield--the cannon fire shaking the earth, the roaring of the guns--making us feel that we are right beside young Will. She also gives us a good perspective on what is happening in the town, where Union soldiers are hiding in Will's mother's house, which is searched by Confederates who Will's mother winds up cooking dinner for. His house, too, fills up with wounded soldiers.
Calkhoven concludes her novel with Will hearing Lincoln's very short--but later very famous--address at the dedication of the cemetery for the thousands of dead soldiers at Gettysburg. Will even has a chance to shake the famous man's hand.
The novel includes an historical note, brief biographical information on real historic characters who appear in the novel, a timeline of the battle of Gettysburg and the Civil War, and a glossary.
As Confederate troops march into the town, prowling the streets "like hungry wolves," even forcing the local candy story owner to open his shop so they can clear out the goodies, Will makes an unexpected friend--a drummer boy his age from Tennessee, a friendship that will soon prove more valuable than he can imagine. Will is as surprised as can be when he finds himself inviting the hungry and dirty boy to supper, where he is greeted with courtesy by Will's family (his mother even offers the ragged boy clean clothes). Through Will's eyes, we see how the battle came about, with the two sides meeting pretty much by chance at the crossroads of ten major roads at Gettysburg, making a battle at a town the commanders of both armies had never heard of all but inevitable.
As the battle draws near town, Will's sisters are taken to a neighbor's farm nearby, where his mother thinks they will be out of the way of the battle. As Confederate soldiers take the town on July 1, Will meets an injured Union officer who is desperate to get a message to General Meade. Can Will help him get through the Confederate lines to complete his mission? Should he join up with the Union officer and become his messenger?
This is an exciting war novel for middle grade students; as a civilian, Will's character offers a different perspective on the war than we find in many children's novels. First he's excited to see all the soldiers, and dreams of enlisting himself. Soon, however, he experiences the horrible sights, sounds, and even smells of battle as he discovers that the peaceful farm where his sisters had been sent has been converted to a hospital, crammed with injured and dying men moaning in pain, begging for water, and filled with the noise of the surgeon sawing off ruined limbs. He finds himself on the battle's front lines in spite of himself, as the battle progresses to different locations around the town. Calkhoven vividly describes the sights and sounds of the battlefield--the cannon fire shaking the earth, the roaring of the guns--making us feel that we are right beside young Will. She also gives us a good perspective on what is happening in the town, where Union soldiers are hiding in Will's mother's house, which is searched by Confederates who Will's mother winds up cooking dinner for. His house, too, fills up with wounded soldiers.
Calkhoven concludes her novel with Will hearing Lincoln's very short--but later very famous--address at the dedication of the cemetery for the thousands of dead soldiers at Gettysburg. Will even has a chance to shake the famous man's hand.
The novel includes an historical note, brief biographical information on real historic characters who appear in the novel, a timeline of the battle of Gettysburg and the Civil War, and a glossary.
March 2, 2011
From March 2011 SLJ:
Gr 4-7–Twelve-year-old Will dreams of the heroic exploits he will undertake once he convinces his parents that he is old enough to be a drummer in the Union Army. However, when war comes, he finds that combat isn’t nearly as glorious as he had imagined. At the end of June and into July, the 2400 residents of his town are thrust into the middle of one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War. Will finds himself actively participating–more reluctantly than in his earlier daydreams, but determined nonetheless. He challenges a Confederate soldier who is rounding up free Negroes to sell as slaves, helps a Union colonel get an urgent message to General Meade, and endangers himself to save the life of a Confederate friend. Will sees firsthand the chaotic and horrific realities of war and death. His level of involvement could come across as contrived, but Calkhoven’s notes make clear how townspeople of all ages were pressed into action. Will is a more contemplative protagonist than Rodman Philbrick’s protagonist in The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg (Scholastic, 2009), and while his internal struggles may seem a little moralistic for his age and time, his confusion about how he can count a Confederate drummer among his friends rings true. With back matter that includes an extensive time line, a list of historical figures who make an appearance in the story, and a detailed author’s note, this solid piece of fiction will appeal to history buffs and reluctant readers alike.–Kim Dare, Fairfax County Public Schools, VA
Gr 4-7–Twelve-year-old Will dreams of the heroic exploits he will undertake once he convinces his parents that he is old enough to be a drummer in the Union Army. However, when war comes, he finds that combat isn’t nearly as glorious as he had imagined. At the end of June and into July, the 2400 residents of his town are thrust into the middle of one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War. Will finds himself actively participating–more reluctantly than in his earlier daydreams, but determined nonetheless. He challenges a Confederate soldier who is rounding up free Negroes to sell as slaves, helps a Union colonel get an urgent message to General Meade, and endangers himself to save the life of a Confederate friend. Will sees firsthand the chaotic and horrific realities of war and death. His level of involvement could come across as contrived, but Calkhoven’s notes make clear how townspeople of all ages were pressed into action. Will is a more contemplative protagonist than Rodman Philbrick’s protagonist in The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg (Scholastic, 2009), and while his internal struggles may seem a little moralistic for his age and time, his confusion about how he can count a Confederate drummer among his friends rings true. With back matter that includes an extensive time line, a list of historical figures who make an appearance in the story, and a detailed author’s note, this solid piece of fiction will appeal to history buffs and reluctant readers alike.–Kim Dare, Fairfax County Public Schools, VA
August 6, 2016
Awesome! This is the second in the Boys of Wartime series. Told from Will's perspective, he can't understand why his mother won't let him be a drummer boy in the war. He sees the excitement and wants to help out. Then when the Battle of Gettysburg comes to his town and he sees realities of war, he becomes involved in a way he never imagined. Great fast moving plot; definitely get a feel for the times and challenges. Font is slightly larger and nicely spread out so it makes for an easy read. One note: there is a scene where the surgeon has to saw off a soldier's arm. The overall story is not gory and gross but just be aware of this for younger more squeamish children. Brings up real life dilemmas of family versus helping others; who is really an enemy and should you help "the other side"? War is not just the "bad" fighting the "good."Excellent additional materials in the back of the book: historical notes, differentiates between actual fact and literary stretches, description of childrens' roles in the Civil War, timeline of events, glossary of historical terms and major players in the Civil War. Well researched. The cover is not particularly attention getting, but I would highly recommend it for 4th-6th grade, especially for boys- great male protagonist.
January 17, 2019
Will lives in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania with his mother and three sisters. His father is a doctor helping out in Washington and his brother is a prisoner of the South. It is 1863 and the Civil War is raging. Will dreams of being a drummer boy for the Union Army and doing heroic deeds, but his mom won't let him join up. Then the war comes to Gettysburg. The bloodiest battle of the War is fought right on Will's doorstep and he is right in the middle of it. He finds that war is not heroic deeds and glory but bloody, chaotic and terrifying.
This was an amazing story of what it was like in Gettysburg during the battle. Calkhoven does a great job weaving historical details into her fictional characters' story. She shows the true horror of war, but also the selflessness of some of the people. I really enjoyed how she showed the townspeople opening their homes for the soldiers on both sides and taking care of the sick and wounded. She also provides historical notes at the end of the book with details about the battle and the Civil War.
2013-14 Mark Twain Nominee.
This was an amazing story of what it was like in Gettysburg during the battle. Calkhoven does a great job weaving historical details into her fictional characters' story. She shows the true horror of war, but also the selflessness of some of the people. I really enjoyed how she showed the townspeople opening their homes for the soldiers on both sides and taking care of the sick and wounded. She also provides historical notes at the end of the book with details about the battle and the Civil War.
2013-14 Mark Twain Nominee.
November 18, 2014
Will at the Battle of Gettysburg 1863
Laurie Calkhoven
Will at the Battle of Gettysburg 1863 is about a young boy named Will. Will wants to join the Union army as a drummer, but his mom won't let him join. Will has to make daring missions for the Union army as a spy and he learns that war isn't great for any side.
This book is a good read because Will teaches the reader about the battle and also entertains the reader. And Will learns that the Civil War isn't just about white and black, but about that the South doesn't want the North to tell them what to do. A thing that proves this is that Will wanted the Union to win, but for Abel a young confederate drummer to survive. Also Will helps the Confederate soldiers get well in hospitals in Gettysburg, but he spies on them and tells the Union about there plans.
Overall this book is good because it teaches the reader and entertains the reader also. I recommend this book for anyone that is interested about the Civil War and history.
Laurie Calkhoven
Will at the Battle of Gettysburg 1863 is about a young boy named Will. Will wants to join the Union army as a drummer, but his mom won't let him join. Will has to make daring missions for the Union army as a spy and he learns that war isn't great for any side.
This book is a good read because Will teaches the reader about the battle and also entertains the reader. And Will learns that the Civil War isn't just about white and black, but about that the South doesn't want the North to tell them what to do. A thing that proves this is that Will wanted the Union to win, but for Abel a young confederate drummer to survive. Also Will helps the Confederate soldiers get well in hospitals in Gettysburg, but he spies on them and tells the Union about there plans.
Overall this book is good because it teaches the reader and entertains the reader also. I recommend this book for anyone that is interested about the Civil War and history.
July 25, 2013
I am glad this was on the MO Mark Twain Award list for this year...I love reading kids stories that tie in the Civil War. Our MS students study the Civil War and this will make a great addition to the books they read for their Comm. Arts class.
I picked it up this afternoon and read it all in one day...I only stopped for supper and then went back to it to finish up. I liked how Laurie tied the real people, fictional characters, and the battle into one story. It was very believable. I felt like I was really there with Will when he was trying to save the Reb drummer and when was seeing the cannonballs falling. I have read many books on the Civil War, but I always like the historical fiction books the best because it makes it seem so real...almost like you could have been Will's neighbor or one of the soldiers.
Definitely a quick read for me, but I will recommend it to my MS students and my history teachers.
I picked it up this afternoon and read it all in one day...I only stopped for supper and then went back to it to finish up. I liked how Laurie tied the real people, fictional characters, and the battle into one story. It was very believable. I felt like I was really there with Will when he was trying to save the Reb drummer and when was seeing the cannonballs falling. I have read many books on the Civil War, but I always like the historical fiction books the best because it makes it seem so real...almost like you could have been Will's neighbor or one of the soldiers.
Definitely a quick read for me, but I will recommend it to my MS students and my history teachers.
March 25, 2015
The book "Will at the battle of Gettysburg" by Laurie Calkhoven was a great book about the batle of Gettysburg. Willmeets a 12 year old drummer named Abel. hey talk quite a bit and then he invited him to dinner. It was really awkward because he was a patriot and Abel was a rebel. Adventually Abel leaves and war starts in Will's town. Mother suggests that he should take his sister Grace and also his two little siblings to a farm three miles away. All of a sudden patroits start retreating and rebels take the town. Will and his mother are stuck in his house speechless as they see patroits run. This book falls under the catergory of a novel. I gave this book a 4 out of 5 stars because it's a little difficult to understand in the beginnng. But overall is was a very interesting book and I recommend it to everybody who likes the Civil war.
June 16, 2012
Very nicely researched and written, my only reservation was on p. 19 “I guess the war made it too dangerous for most slaves to escape.” Even though this is only a character guessing, the opposite was indeed true. The author manages to sustain the drama throughout. Book contains a map, timeline, author note, glossary, list of historical characters and note about children in the Civil War. Are middle grade novels getting longer and longer? At just over 200 pages, this was okay, but I still felt it was a bit lengthy. Was that because the topic is written about so much? In spite of that, I thought the author brought freshness to it. I wasn’t taken with the sibling relationship…but that may be a matter of taste.
July 28, 2013
Another book I read specifically because it is one of the nominees for the Missouri Mark Twain Readers award. I think this book will have many of our kids running out to find out more about the Civil War era once they're done reading it. It follows the life of Will Edmonds, a fictitious 12 year old boy, who can't wait to join the war. He ends up finding himself a little too close for comfort when the war ends up in his backyard, almost literally. I learned many facts I didn't know about the Battle of Gettysburg and found myself drawn in by the great characters and their interactions. I will say this book did not try to glamorize or glorify the ramifications of war so sensitive children may have difficulty with some of the descriptions, but all in all it was a very good read.
March 1, 2024
Will’s father works in a war hospital. His brother is prisoner in a rebel prison camp. Will despairs that he will be stuck in Gettysburg for the duration of the war. At the age of twelve years, he could be a drummer boy, but there just aren’t any opportunities for him to join the fight. Then, one fateful day during the summer of 1863, the Union and Rebel armies meet in Gettysburg. The townspeople find themselves in the middle of the battle as the opposing forces fight in the streets before they deploy into the hills and fields around town. Soon, wounded soldiers fill the houses and the barns. As Will helps however he can, the lines between friend and foe become blurred.
©2024 Kathy Maxwell at https://bookskidslike.com
©2024 Kathy Maxwell at https://bookskidslike.com
June 14, 2013
This was a very good book set in 1863 at the battle of Gettysburg. Will is almost twelve when this book is set. The rebels are on one side of their town and the Union army is on the other. a battle is brewing and it looks like Gettysburg is going to be stuck right in the middle of it. So will does what he can, helping his mom with the hospital they are running. But when a colonel entrusts him with an important message to sneak across the enemy lines, will young Will be brave enough to deliver it? Or will he stay home?
This is a really good book and a fairly simple read. However, it is a bit gory so I recommend it for 6th or 7th graders. It is highly educational and I really enjoyed it.
This is a really good book and a fairly simple read. However, it is a bit gory so I recommend it for 6th or 7th graders. It is highly educational and I really enjoyed it.
September 18, 2011
I enjoyed this Civil War story veyr much and will use it with 7th grade students. It is historically accurate and reads as an edxciting adventure. Will is 12ish in Gettysburg when the Rebs march in - and out again. He tries to protect the free blacks the Rebs capture - but only gets himself in trouble. Much later, we learn that he did cause enough confusion to let 3 escape to hiding. He also gets pressed into service for a Union General and he palys quite a role, based on more than one real account, in the Union success that day. There is a bit of gore, but nothing out of place.
March 14, 2012
Nicely balanced telling of one of the pivotal battles of the Civil War. Ms. Calkhoven includes both the Confederate and Union perspectives sympathetically and drills home the message that war is brutal, bloody, and unpleasant. Historical details are plentiful and accurate, though I found some of the characterization a bit two-dimensional and stiff (especially Will's older sister - ugh!).
For more book reviews, come visit my blog, Build Enough Bookshelves.
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April 6, 2011
This is a wonderfully engaging story with lots of action and adventure. The author weaves true events from the lives of children, characters, and battles of the Civil War into her story. This is one of a series of books called "Boys of Wartime". Ms. Calkhoven also includes some graphic descriptions of wounded and dead soldiers in her book, something to keep in mind when recommending the book to someone.
October 26, 2011
This is the second book in the Boys of Wartime series, and is an exciting read. Will lived in the town of Gettysburg, but he never thought that a battle would be fought right there in the homes and fields where he lived. The Civil War seemed like an exciting and even romantic way to become a hero, but when the war came to his small town, he found that being brave was a lot harder than he had thought. And he learned that the enemy often looks a lot like us.
Excellent book for ages 8-12.
Excellent book for ages 8-12.
February 15, 2012
The book is about a war between the union and the rebels in Gettysburg. THe rebels taake a lot of their things like horses, crops, food. There were no pictures in this book but on the cover there was a picture of him looking at the war. The book wasa little hard to understand but the book had a glossary and it was easier to comprehend. I liked the book because now I knoe=w a lot about the war and what theydid back then like going to the well to get their water.
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