Booklist Reviews
Eleven-year-old Gabe's two older brothers have already died in battle, but he still decides to accompany Davy, his "last brother," when he joins the Union Army. They march to Gettysburg, and three days of fighting and death are seen through Gabe's eyes. But there are personal moments as well. Gabe meets Orlee, a Confederate bugle boy almost his mirror image; worries about his brother; practices the 60 calls that every bugler needed to know. Papp's richly colored illustrations resemble tableaux: their dramatic poses and fully realized figures recall N. C. Wyeth--or the movies. Readers won't learn much about the war or the battle, but they will get a sense of its sorrow and hardship. Noble says her tale is based on family history, and Papp thanks a reenactment group for its research assistance. ((Reviewed September 1, 2006)) Copyright 2006 Booklist Reviews
Horn Book Guide Reviews
Set during the Battle of Gettysburg, this story tells of Gabe, a young bugler for the Union Army. In the heat of the three-day battle, Gabe, having lost two brothers already in the war, is torn between his concerns for his remaining brother's safety and for his new Confederate friend. Papp's paintings add depth and beauty to the sometimes dense text. Copyright 2007 Horn Book Guide Reviews.
Library Media Connection
Prior to battle on July 4, 1863, 11-year-old Union bugler, Gabe, practiced "commence fire" and heard an answer of "cease fire" returned from the bushes. After several calls and returns, a boy dressed in gray popped from the bushes and splashed across the stream to Gabe. Together the boys fished and shared stories of home before they played taps and returned to their regiments to prepare for the next day's battle. The next day Gabe blew "Forward! Charge! Commence Fire!" and "Fire at Will!" Then Gabe, hidden by the confusion of battle, ran onto the battlefield and instantly blew "Retreat." Later known as Pickett's Charge, this one small section of the battle line was where not a single life was lost on either side. Papp, a master of portraiture, paints luminary, soft, realistic oils that cover full and double-page spreads. His photogenic scenes personify the actions, emotions, and historic details of this great Battle of Gettysburg. Together the words and illustrations of this picture book for older elementary readers evoke strong images of the War Between the States. Recommended. Donna Steffan, Education Consultant, Library Technology and Community Learning, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction © 2007 Linworth Publishing, Inc.
School Library Journal Reviews
Gr 3-6 This Civil War story resonates with courage and fear, love and loyalty. Eleven-year-old Gabriel has followed his 16-year-old brother Davy to war after their older brothers were killed fighting. As a bugler for the Union Army, Gabe has the important job of blowing orders to the troops. On the day before the Battle of Gettysburg, he is afraid and seeks comfort at a nearby creek. As he quietly practices his bugle calls, he is surprised to hear them answered with the reverse commands. He meets Orlee, a young Confederate bugler who is fishing in the stream. The boys share an interlude that has nothing to do with the imminent battle and they part, hoping to meet again. The next day, as Gabe’s regiment marches into the fray, he must figure out a way to save Davy from danger in the front lines and to honor his new friendship. The well-rendered paintings are hauntingly detailed and place readers right in the action. They realistically convey the setting, the intensity of battle, and the emotions of the characters. This book puts a human face on one of our country’s bloodiest confrontations and will spark discussion about the Civil War and about how people can be friends even if they have different beliefs. Christine Markley, Washington Elementary School, Barto, PA
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