Reviews

Stonewall Hinkleman and the Battle of Bull Run by Tom Angleberger, Michael Hemphill

wiseowl33's review

4.0

Wow! This was much more violent and thought provoking than the cover led me to believe. It was a great book, but fairly bloody! But then again, so was the Battle of Bull Run. I think this book is very true to the nature of the Civil War. I really enjoyed it.

betanine's review

adventurous informative reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

The story flows fairly well and there is a ton of history packed into this little book. At times, the density of the facts mean the story slows, but this is not a criticism. 

What I like about this book is the way it portrays perspectives and attitudes of people from Confederate states past and present. This is not done with a wide brush, painting everyone, rather characters have different perspectives and motives. There were good, likable people fighting for the South and they didn’t necessarily hate the North, and vice versa. 

What I didn’t like about this book were the cuss words, especially using the name Jesus Christ as a curse. While it may be how some kids talk, this could be authentic without this. It feels more out of place to me than a Gameboy in the 1800s.  

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Cursing

merer's review

4.0

Male protagonist? check

Humor? check

Time travel? check

Blood and gore? check

Sneakily educational? check

What more could you ask for in a historical fiction book? I'd give this to ages 8 and up.