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Book Reviews of The Boys' War: Confederate and Union Soldiers Talk About the Civil War

The Boys' War: Confederate and Union Soldiers Talk About the Civil War
The Boys' War Confederate and Union Soldiers Talk About the Civil War
Author: Jim Murphy
ISBN-13: 9780590456043
ISBN-10: 0590456040
Publication Date: 1/1/1990
Pages: 110
Rating:
  • Currently 5/5 Stars.
 5

5 stars, based on 5 ratings
Publisher: Scholastic Inc
Book Type: Paperback
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

3 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

reviewed The Boys' War: Confederate and Union Soldiers Talk About the Civil War on + 93 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
A golden kite award book. Would be good for home schooler studying the Civil War. Well researched and readable.
reviewed The Boys' War: Confederate and Union Soldiers Talk About the Civil War on + 8 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This is a detailed account of how the Civil War was looked at as The Boy's War. The author explains many details of what the boys went through and how they dealt with problems that arose. This is a great book for remedial reading. High interest.
reviewed The Boys' War: Confederate and Union Soldiers Talk About the Civil War on + 1452 more book reviews
Some sources emphasize that those who fought in the Civil War were eighteen or older but that is not true. In the chaos that ensued when both sides realized that war was coming, many under age boys became part of their armies. Boys as young as twelve signed up. Often they were tall or big for their age but some were brought by their fathers who vouched for them. Yet neither side was prepared for the conflict and the first year was a learning experience. Boys who sought adventure found themselves facing death and dismemberment.

The author uses numerous quotes from many of the young soldiers to illustrate their experiences. Even the the dust cover features a photo of a young hero named Johnny Clem who became referred to as Johnny Shiloh. From battles to imprisonment to tramping through fields of dead comrades boys grew up quickly. Boys who joined the war effort had to prove their worth. Their youth and inexperience placed them at a disadvantage with their older more mature comrades. Indeed, one of the first deaths in one regiment was the death of a boy who stood up to an older soldier. Interesting and quick read that gives another insight into our past.