Avery’s Battlefield by Deanna Klingel

Posted by Jill Williamson on Apr 23rd, 2012 in Novel Teen | 0 comments

Review by Jill Williamson

Avery lives with his family and his dog, Gunner, on a farm in Virginia. When the Civil War begins, Avery’s father and elder brother are drawn away from home, despite their Quaker heritage of not taking up arms. Avery is left to care for his mother. When his aunt comes to stay and informs them that she is with child, Avery feels that he should seek out his uncle and bring him home. He and Gunner set out on a journey through a land where the fighting has just begun.

I enjoyed this book. I had a hard time understanding Avery’s motivation to leave home to fetch his uncle. This made no sense to me. Back then, a young man like Avery would never have left his mother and pregnant aunt alone, especially when his father set him in charge. It would have been his duty to care for the women, especially when bandits were around.

The story was still entertaining. I liked Avery’s sweet, caring disposition. This was a very creative way to tell a story about the Civil War. The book ended so abruptly I was shocked. But I went online and found out that there is a sequel that likely picks up right where this book left off. I recommend this book for readers who enjoy historical reads and for students looking to learn some things about the Civil War.

Age Range: 8 and up
Genre: historical fiction (Civil War era)
Part of a Series: The first in a two-book set
Pages: 185
Publisher: BJU Journeyforth
Released: 2011