- a boy joins his American countrymen in their fight for independence from the British
- he trains as a fifer, an important military role for communicating over distances
- convo: general battle talk (deaths, injuries, some men taken prisoner, mentions men screaming from pain), mentions alcohol several times (mostly used to lessen pain and lower fevers, but one instance of drunkenness mentioned), calls Gran’s herbs and wound salves “potions”
- language: x1 bloody
Type: historical fiction chapter book
Ages: 8-12
Author: Elizabeth Raum
Illustrator: Laurie A. Conley
“Size is not the measure of a man. It’s how he acts in a time of trial that determines his worth.”
Ebenezer grows up before our very eyes as we hear his story told. He is a respectable young man who struggles with feeling trapped. He yearns for personal liberty, to be free from obligations, but he also wholeheartedly desires liberty for his country, his family, his neighbors.
“Liberty was the goal, no matter the cost.”
It may sound odd to say this about a wartime book, but there is a gentleness throughout. We readers always know that Ebenezer survives, because it’s an older Eb who’s telling the story of his childhood. And anything intense–fear of approaching enemies, wild animals, battle wounds, etc.–is wrapped up quickly.
Raum has a very matter-of-fact way of writing which, in my opinion, will help young listeners (if this is read aloud) not become too emotionally tied up in suspense.
On occasion, the main character recalls snippets of Scripture that are beautifully applicable to his current situation. I thought the author inserted these moments very well.
Ebenezer works hard at learning his instrument well, because it can mean life or death for soldiers. His determination, diligence, and honesty are realistically intertwined with inward struggles. War is not all his younger self thought it would be–there is a serious cost.
“Fear is a powerful thing, and on that day, it may have saved our lives. How I came to say the word I do not know although I have often wondered if it was a gift from He who watches over the lost and alone, for that is surely how I felt when those men appeared.”
Readers will meet up with many real people from history! The back of the book lists the elements which are true–obvious ones like Ben Franklin and George Washington, but a lot of the characters we come to know turn out to be historical as well.
It’s not easy growing up, and Eb sure has his trials, but it all results in an enjoyable story. Like I said, it’s pretty gentle and would make an excellent family read-aloud. Happy reading!