The Girl (age 11) finished this book yesterday and couldn’t wait to write this review, grabbing a piece of paper and her clipboard as soon as she finished her homework. I’m so happy that she shares my love of historical fiction! If you have a weak stomach, you might want to skip the teaser passage, which she chose herself because she wanted to show how the author illustrates the horror of war.
“Where are you hit?”
“I don’t know. They sent me back. I think it’s my shoulder but it don’t seem to hurt.”
“Over there. Sit with that group by the tent and we’ll get to you when we can.” The man turned back to the tent with no sides where a doctor working by lantern light was sawing a leg off a soldier. Near the tent was a pile of arms and legs that stood four feet high and ten or twelve feet long.
(from Soldier’s Heart, page 86)
In Soldier’s Heart, a 15-year-old boy named Charley Goddard hears the first “shooting war” has begun. Charley thinks this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. So Charley lies about his age and joins the First Minnesota Volunteers. It is 1861. He goes off to war not knowing what to expect but still excited about the journey that lies ahead. Will Charley survive the Civil War?
Soldier’s Heart is historical fiction. Some parts aren’t true. In the author’s note, Gary Paulsen says the real Charley didn’t fight at Bull Run, but he does in the book.
I thought this book was amazing! Gary Paulsen wrote Hatchet, which I thought was just okay, but this book proved he could do better. He makes you feel like you’re in Charley’s shoes, though some parts are disgusting, like when Charley wants to refill his canteen and he wonders why the water is red and sees dead bodies in the water. This book makes you think that war is dumb!
I recommend this book to people who like to study the Civil War. But if you read this book, you must read the author’s note if you want to know what happens to the real Charley.
Disclosure: The Girl borrowed Soldier’s Heart from her teacher. I am an IndieBound affiliate and an Amazon associate.
© 2011 Anna Horner of Diary of an Eccentric. All Rights Reserved. Please do not reproduce or republish content without permission.
Thanks for another great review! I really loved Hatchet, so if this is even better, that says I should read this!
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Thanks, Jill! She bought another Paulsen book at the recent library sale based on how much she enjoyed this book!
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Wow, sounds like The Girl really enjoyed this one…maybe I should read this for my last book…lol
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It would certainly be a quick read for you!
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Euwww that is a lot of arms and legs
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Unfortunately yes.
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It is always nice when the younger generation appreciates history. It is something that many people know very little about when it comes right down to it!
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I’m thrilled that she seems to have inherited my love of historical fiction!
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I haven’t read any of Paulsen’s books other than Hatchet, which I loved in the fifth grade. It’s nice to know he has a variety of good writing.
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I think the other Paulsen book The Girl bought at the library sale is about the Revolutionary War, but I’m not sure. I think I’ll give one of historicals a try at some point.
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The Girl is going to be outblogging us all soon! Her review is great – I love the fact that she thinks war is dumb after reading this book.
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Thanks! It just goes to show that even kids see how stupid it is, so it makes me wonder why we keep fighting?
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Isn’t it funny how sometimes our kids love the same things we do, and sometimes they don’t. The girl wrote a great review. I wonder if my daughter might like the book, even though Im sure I wouldn’t.
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Thanks! When she started reading all the diary-type books (Wimpy Kid, Dork Diaries, etc.), I didn’t think I could get her interested in historical fiction. So glad she proved me wrong!
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Eerily similar to my last read – I, too, shuddered to think of the imagery of all those body parts and the barbaric medical practices that were in view of everyone. And the water in the streams! so horrifying.
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Yes, very horrifying! When The Girl told me about it, I thought it was important to give her a chance to talk about the book; I was worried that she would find it too overwhelming, but she was fascinated by the history and angered by the fact that so many died.
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Great review! War is dumb. I haven’t read this one, but I love historical fiction, so maybe I need to.
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I’d love to give this one a try, too, especially since she’s still raving about it!
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Wow, The Girl is a courageous reader! My sensitive girl would be horrified. Great review!
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Thanks! She is a courageous reader, more so than I was at her age.
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Your daughter is easily winning my heart. I’m pretty sure if I was her librarian that we’d get along really well!!! Paulsen’s books are always checked out at my MS! The Girl did great again!!
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Thanks! I’m sure you two would have lots of fun talking about books!
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Two thumbs up way up for The Girl!
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Thanks, Kim!
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Great review by The Girl! It sounds as if the harsh realities of war are presented well in this book. I want to know what happened to Charley in and out of the book.
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Thanks, Suko! I had to know, so I begged her to tell me. 😉
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This book sounds fabulous! And your daughter’s review is fabulous. I’m most impressed by the thought she has put into the review and in the decision of which passage to share!
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Thanks! I was happy she wanted to share it with everyone.
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You must be so proud with The Girl following in your footsteps as a reader and a book reviewer. Well done!
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Thanks! I am very proud! I don’t know how long she’ll want to keep reviewing, but as long as she keeps reading, I’m happy. 🙂
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Great review by The Girl 🙂 This sounds like a gripping read.
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Thanks, Naida!
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Great review! I’ve liked the Paulsen books I’ve read,
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Thanks, Stacy! I’ll have to take The Girl’s word for it and give his books a try.
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Thanks for the review. It will appear on the war blog on Dec. 5 and linked to the book reviews page.
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Thanks, Serena!
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